NYT Photographer Brings Cutting-Edge Gear to Antarctica Expedition

Chang W. Lee's camera kit includes drones, remote cameras, and sound-triggered setups to capture the remote continent's dramatic landscapes.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:24pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted tones of blue, white, and grey, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces and climate data being gathered during an expedition to Antarctica.Cutting-edge camera gear and innovative techniques help a New York Times photographer document the dramatic changes unfolding in Antarctica's rapidly melting glaciers.Today in Pittsburgh

New York Times photographer Chang W. Lee is currently on an expedition to Antarctica, bringing an impressive array of camera gear to document the experience. Lee's kit includes Sony cameras, DJI drones, Insta360 action cams, and sound-triggered remote cameras strategically placed around the icebreaker ship to capture fleeting moments like glacier calving. Lee is traveling with a reporter to gather data on rising sea levels, accompanied by nearly 40 scientists on the South Korean icebreaker Araon.

Why it matters

Lee's extensive preparation and innovative equipment choices highlight the challenges of photographing in one of the world's most remote and inhospitable environments. His mission goes beyond stunning visuals, as the team aims to collect crucial data on the effects of climate change in Antarctica, a region that is experiencing some of the fastest glacial melting on the planet.

The details

In a recent video, Lee offered a behind-the-scenes look at his camera gear for the Antarctica expedition. In addition to his Sony camera system, he's particularly excited about using drones like the DJI Mini 5 Pro and Mavic 4 Pro to capture aerial shots around the icebreaker and on the ice itself. Lee is also employing smaller cameras like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 to reach "blind spots" and sound-triggered remote cameras to document the dramatic calving of glaciers.

  • Lee is currently on the expedition aboard the South Korean icebreaker Araon.
  • The expedition is taking place in 2026.

The players

Chang W. Lee

A New York Times photographer with experience covering global events, including the Iraq War and international sporting competitions. He is leading the photography efforts for the Antarctica expedition.

Raymond Zhong

A reporter traveling with Lee to gather data and information about rising sea levels and the effects of climate change in Antarctica.

Araon

The South Korean icebreaker ship that is carrying the expedition team, including Lee, Zhong, and nearly 40 scientists, to Antarctica.

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What they’re saying

“One of the highlights of my career.”

— Chang W. Lee, New York Times Photographer

What’s next

The expedition team will continue their work in Antarctica, gathering data and capturing visuals to document the effects of climate change in the region.

The takeaway

Lee's extensive preparation and innovative equipment choices for the Antarctica expedition highlight the challenges of photographing in one of the world's most remote and inhospitable environments. His mission goes beyond stunning visuals, as the team aims to collect crucial data on the effects of climate change in a region that is experiencing some of the fastest glacial melting on the planet.