Penguins of the Point

My goal with Penguins of the Point was to offer an intimate, humorous, and educational glimpse into the daily lives of the penguins at Volunteer Point. Framed through natural predation, life cycles, and modern threats like climate change, commercial fishing, and avian flu, I aimed to create a narrative that resonates emotionally and educates viewers of all ages. The future of these remarkable birds is uncertain, and this film seeks to deepen understanding while inspiring urgency around their conservation.

The last time I visited the Falkland Islands was in 2019, while working in the shore excursions department for Holland America Line. During that time, I managed a couple of day trips to Volunteer Point and always envied those fortunate enough to stay at the nearby house, just steps from the wildlife. In early 2024, I reached out to Derek Petterson, one of the wardens of the property, to inquire about any remaining availability for October. With some luck, I secured five nights, despite the location being fully booked for the next three years. Derek and Trudi were exceptional hosts, and I highly recommend staying there if you ever get the chance.

My days on-site were long, but rewarding. Each morning began at 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise and early wildlife activity. I’d return for breakfast around 8:30, head back out with a packed lunch by 9:30, and stay out until dinner at 7:30 PM. Afterward, I backed up footage and took time to reflect on the day. I was incredibly fortunate with the weather—clear skies, no rain, and only one particularly windy day that made shooting with a long lens a little frustrating.

With each passing day, I became more attuned to the penguins’ behaviors and patterns, allowing me to anticipate movements and better position myself for the next shot. At the same time, the pressure of having only a few days to film everything often left me feeling torn between patience and urgency. To stay focused, I developed a loose shooting plan. Mornings typically began with a hike up the hill to the king penguin rookery, where I could assess the action and decide how to structure the rest of my day. One morning I stayed on the beach. Another, I followed and observed the king penguins on their long march to the other end of the beach. On yet another, I focused entirely on the rookery itself. Those early hours helped shape the rest of my daily shooting strategy.

Wildlife and weather are both unpredictable, which is why time and patience are essential, sometimes just to capture a single meaningful moment. Penguins of the Point is the result of those moments, strung together through observation, persistence, and an enduring passion for wildlife, documentary storytelling, and the belief that education through film can lead to action.