Reuben Hernandez | 2019 Director’s Reel
I’m excited to share my new director’s reel featuring some of my film work over the last five years. A huge shoutout to my cast, crews, supporters, and collaborators that have helped bring these projects to life. Thanks for watching.
Filmed on location in NYC, Antarctica, Arctic Norway, Chile, and Yellowknife
arctic circle
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This Arctic Life
My favorite image of my Arctic series goes out to this mother and cub, spotted from our ship from over 8 miles away by one of our naturalists. It may not look like it, but this was my most challenging photograph. We had to race over in our Zodiacs in very rough waters to get within 125 meters, and shooting at a focal length of 640 mm from a bouncing watercraft is not very ideal. Water was spraying all over us in true Arctic expedition fashion, and some cameras even stopped working after this operation.
According to a report published by the World Wide Fund for Nature, “A substantial reduction in the extent of the sea ice during the summer will undoubtedly have a negative impact on polar bears. Based on extremely conservative forecasts about the future extent of the sea ice, scientists have estimated that two thirds of the polar bear population could become extinct by 2050. If the sea ice continues to retreat at the speed witnessed during the last few years, the situation will become even more critical.”
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MOTHERHOOD
Polar bears rolling in the deep at Hornsund, located on the island of Spitsbergen in Svalbard.
Filmed on location in the Arctic
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Massive Arctic Glacier Calving!! Arctic short video series 2 of 4
A massive glacier calving at Kongsbreen glacier located in Svalbard
Filmed on location in the Arctic
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This Arctic Life
Polar bears dry themselves by rubbing their fur in the snow. We were probably around 100 meters away from this bear in our Zodiac.
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This Arctic Life
An old trapper hut built in 1902 at Kapp Lee. The thick fog rolled in quick so we had to leave this landing site in case polar bears decided to show up.
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This Arctic Life
One last shot before I go again - my favorite polar bear at Inglefieldbreen. Polar bears have transparent hair, black skin, and black tongues and are the largest terrestrial predator on earth. #thisarcticlife (at Svalbard)
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This Arctic Life
A kittiwake coming straight for me at Kongsbreen glacier #thisarcticlife (at Svalbard)
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“The secret to success is to do what you love.” - Dr. Tom Smith, rifle master and naturalist
Tom is one of the most fascinating guys I have ever met and has some incredible stories that include traveling solo through the Arctic for 2 years on a single journey, living and hunting with the Inuit community, and saving a polar bear’s life by punching it in the face. I’m lucky to be part of this team #thisarcticlife #makeportraits (at Svalbard)