Antarctica

One of the final images I captured on my beloved Canon 5D mark II, on assignment in Antarctica

I did it. I sold my first DSLR camera, the Canon 5D mark II, which changed the course of my life. I didn’t realize how emotionally attached I’d become to this camera. I’m sure some of you can relate.

My trusty 5DII traveled with me to all seven continents, from Africa to Antarctica, and never ever let me down. It helped me forge a new path, realize my dream of doing what I love for a living (after I quit my last and only full time job 7 years ago), and led me to places that I only dreamed of such as Antarctica.

This is where it all began for me and I’m happy to pass the torch onto the next person/generation of photographers. Thanks to photographers Miah Klein and Matthew Morgan who helped guide me after I decided to jump in and purchase this camera 8 years ago. Long live the 5D mark II!

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

2016 A Year in Review

2016 A Year in Review

As I write this, it’s hard to believe that I’m approaching my six year anniversary of living in NYC.

2016 was an interesting year, to say the least. A lot of people can’t wait for it to be over. I learned a thing or two and some memorable experiences include:

Antarctica premiered in NYC earlier this year and screened at a handful of film festivals.

Beauty, Balance, and Grace premiered in Paris, France.

I had the opportunity to film Bono this year for a PSA for the Red Nose Day campaign. Spike Jonze randomly showed up and then thanked me for allowing him to help out. It was surreal. Bono and his crew were so gracious and kind and it was truly a pleasure to work with them. I’ve looked up to Bono for many years so it was such an honor to meet him.

This year I wrote and directed my first narrative short film, Maddie, that will premiere next year. I’m so thankful for my talented cast and crew that worked so hard on this project and gave so much. Writing is a new creative process for me, and I’ve learned that I can do it even out of necessity. It was an empowering experience to own a project completely from start to finish, and to learn firsthand that anything is possible. So many elements of this film seemed impossible and daunting at first, but we somehow pulled it off. People helped out from near and far and I’m truly grateful for all the support. We look forward to sharing Maddie on the big screen in 2017 so stay tuned for upcoming screenings.

I spent two months abroad in Europe this summer, working on post production for Maddie and recovering. Production on Maddie gave me a serious ass kicking so it was a much needed breath of fresh air to spend the summer away from NYC. 

One of my major takeaways from 2016 is that if you have a creative vision/idea that you believe in, then you just need to go for it and figure it out along the way. Some people thought that making Maddie would not be possible, but deep down I believed in my vision and was absolutely determined to see it through. I also learned a hell of a lot along the way, which will be invaluable.

See you next year.

All My Best,
Reuben


 

Antarctica screens tonight at @anthologyfilmarchives in NYC at 8:45 pm.

Info: http://newsletter.newfilmmakers.com/q/8UCZ0Re4G3Wa4im13lJ0f2pw6qupRzhLVEo-w9zmDLKCljcQW4i6IWQvR

Hope you can make it out!

#antarcticaordie

(at Anthology Film Archives)

ANTARCTICA | Brooklyn Short Film Festival

ANTARCTICA | Brooklyn Short Film Festival

I’m excited to announce my film, Antarctica, will be screening at the Brooklyn Short Film Festival next Thursday, June 16th at 7:30 pm at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn! The programmers tell us the screening will definitely sell out so be sure to get your tickets early.

Tix/info:
https://brooklynshorts.ticketleap.com/2016-brooklyn-short-film-festival-b/

Trailer:
https://vimeo.com/161488191

I hope to see you there!

Warmly,
Reuben

Happy Earth Day 🌍✌️ #antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

NYC Independent Film Festival - Films - Antarctica

Check out this interview I did for my Antarctica film premiere next week. Below are some excerpts and the full interview is here: https://www.nycindieff.com/film/antarctica

Interview by Kerby Pierre. 

KP: Thank you Reuben for taking the time to answer some questions for us. Your film is very unique. What inspired you to film this exotic short?
RH: I had a strong feeling that visiting Antarctica, my final continent, would be a significant life experience. I wanted to memorialize the journey in a special, meaningful way. I was inspired by Ron Fricke’s time-lapse work in Samsara, and the one second a day sequence in the movie, Chef.

KP: The film shows NYC, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Antarctica. Why did you choose those five locations?
RH: The film begins and ends in NYC, which is where I live now. Argentina is where we embark on the Antarctic expedition ship, and I also wanted to visit the Salar de Uyuni (salt flats) in Bolivia, and photograph the Milky Way rise above the Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the driest places on earth.

KP: Of all the vast landscapes of these five diverse countries how did you narrow it down to two minutes?
RH: It was incredibly challenging to film every single day, especially on the boring days where not much was happening, such as travel days or days at sea. I really had to reach and try and find beauty in the mundane, and editing it down to just one second a day was extremely difficult. There are a lot of beautiful shots that didn’t make the final cut.

KP: What do you want the audience to get from this beautifully shot short?
RH: There is beauty everywhere, even in the mundane. Antarctica, the largest wilderness area in the world, transformed and forever changed me. Never in my entire life have I been in such close proximity to so much wildlife and such raw, untouched beauty. It humbled me because it is like no other place on earth. I hope these images will have a lasting impact and inspire others to protect and safeguard the future of our planet.

Join me next week for the world premiere of my film, ANTARCTICA, screening at the NYC Independent Film Festival on Wednesday, April 27th at 4:15 pm.

Trailer: http://reubenhernandez.com/antarctica-trailer

Tickets and info: https://www.nycindieff.com/session/art-experimental-films-sessions-1

I look forward to seeing you there!

ANTARCTICA Trailer

I’m excited to announce my short film, ANTARCTICA, will premiere at the NYC Independent Film Festival on Wednesday, April 27th at 4:15 pm, and will screen along with 8 other shorts.

Trailer: http://reubenhernandez.com/antarctica-trailer

Info and tickets: https://www.nycindieff.com/session/art-experimental-films-sessions-1

I would be so honored if you came out and/or invited anyone that would be interested. I look forward to seeing you there!

Warmly,

Reuben

| 10:33 PM |

Iceberg # 13

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

Tiny Beautiful Things

#antarcticaordie #marchofthepenguins

(at Antarctica)

| changes |

Contemplating these words today:

“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”

- Rumi

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

“He who seeks beauty will find it.” - Bill Cunningham

#antarcticaordie #iamnature

(at Antarctica)

“Run from what’s comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious.”

- Rumi

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

In honor of #Jonas, here’s one of my favorite images from last month’s Antarctic expedition

#antarcticaordie #❄️

(at Antarctica)

| 10:41 PM |

Mik, Camping Master

Antarctica

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

A look back at my #bestnine2015 curated by you

#sharkaholic #antarcticaordie

| MY FIRST NEW YORK |

Exactly 5 years ago today, I fulfilled my long time dream of moving to New York City. I remember it was in the middle of one of those record breaking snowstorms, and there were massive piles of snow everywhere. I was officially homeless crashing at my little brother’s apartment, had zero work lined up, was fresh off of a breakup, had very little money in my bank account, and I was searching Craigslist for photography jobs feeling defeated and wondering, “What the hell did I just do?!!”

Back then I had no way of knowing that taking that leap of faith and moving to NYC would lead me to Antarctica, many other meaningful adventures, and love. Looking back I do know that jumping off the cliff and moving to NYC has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

This is a photograph of me after we crossed the Antarctic Circle during my first trip to Antarctica last season, and probably one of the most raw and honest photos you will ever see of me. My face is freezing, but I am happy and fulfilled, ready for anything.

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

2015 | A Year in Review

Greetings from Costa Rica! Costa Rica has been on my bucket list for quite some time so it’s wonderful to be relaxing and writing here as 2015 comes to a close. This year has been one of the most fulfilling and memorable years and looking back I am grateful and my heart is full.

One of the major highlights this year was my time as Photographer in Residence onboard the M/S Expedition ship in Antarctica twice this year, at the end and the beginning of the Antarctic season. It has been my long time dream to visit Antarctica ever since I was in 4th grade, and Antarctica forever changed me and left an impression on me. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced so much raw, untouched beauty, and Antarctica is out of this world and like no other place on earth. Antarctica was also my 7th and final continent. It’s crazy that I was there just 11 days ago!

I also had a blast and learned a lot freelancing for The New York Times, and working on the JR art piece that graced the cover of the New York Times Magazine, Walking New York issue. New York continues to surprise me, and I’m lucky to call it home.

This year I spent over 6 months on the road, which was exciting, tiring, and difficult at times. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to travel and create some of my most cherished memories with some of my loved ones and dear friends this year. I am reminded that life is about relationships and building community and making moments with the people that you love. 

Next year I’m excited to do an extended residency in Berlin and visit South Georgia and Antarctica again onboard the M/S Expedition.

Thanks for following along and for allowing me to share some of my images and stories this year. I’m thankful for my clients, loved ones, and friends who support me and allow me to do what I love everyday. Wishing you love, light, and peace in 2016 and beyond.

The photos above are my top 10 of 2015, curated out of 40,000 images, with captions below.

All My Best,

Reuben

1. Josefina, “Man on Wire” redefined, Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

2. A morning filled with 400 billion suns, the rising of the Milky Way over the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile

3. Breaching humpback whale, Antarctica

4. Hiking Neko Harbor, Antarctica

5. Iceberg, Antarctica

6. Antarctic light bounce

7. Breaching great white shark, South Africa

8. Recently circumcised junior Maasai warriors, Tanzania

9.  Iceberg, Antarctica

10. 12:50 AM, Camping on Rongé Island, Antarctica

The thing that captivated me about Antarctica this time around is the light. The light is never ending, the magic hours last all night long, and it paints colors unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Antarctica is different and surprising each and every time; it is like no other place on earth.

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctic)

| 12:50 AM |

Scenes from camping on Rongé Island

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctic)