From the more than 190 photos submitted by crewmembers from around the world, one photo and photographer came out on top in the Burgess Photographer of the Year in association with Dockwalk competition. “Glacial Edge” taken by Deckhand Jp Myburgh wowed the judges from BlueiProd, Burgess, Dockwalk, and YachtieWorld.
Not only did he take home the title, he was the winner of a GoPro bundle and the photo is featured on Dockwalk’s December 2021 issue, in addition to featuring on Burgess and Boat International social channels.
About the Crew Photographer
Growing up sailing in Durban, South Africa, Myburgh has always had that strong love and connection to the ocean. It led him to the yachting industry, where he’s been for more than six years now. He’s recently completed his OOW and is “very happy to be in an industry where one is able to experience amazing places, travel, and explore unique destinations and create memories along the way.”
He studied graphic design in university and started getting into photography in 2010. Over the years, he traveled with a camera but didn’t always make use of it. “In 2019, I started taking photos and making videos for guests on trips and charters. This sparked my creativity again,” Myburgh says. “Now having the opportunity to go to some unique, incredible locations has been an incredible experience.”
The Story Behind the Photo
Myburgh currently works as a deckhand on board non-profit ocean exploration organization OceanX’s scientific research and media vessel OceanXplorer. At the time the winning photo was taken, the organization was on mission in the Arctic, studying the region and gathering samples from glacial water run off (under licensed permits for research institutes).
“This is one of the fastest receding glaciers in the world at the moment. I put the drone in the sky and, with being able to get above the glacier, the textures and crevasses and the contrast to the ice-filled water below stood out,” he says. “It definitely helped being in an incredible location and having this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be aboard this one-of-a-kind research ship.”
When it came to selecting a photo for the contest, it was a difficult task as it’s an incredible bay in a fjord with ice all around the vessel. But the winning photo stood out from all the others taken that day because of its unique perspective. He mentions that the composition worked perfectly with the rule of thirds and the leading line down the glacier.
Naturally drawn to nature and the outdoors, Myburgh says he loves landscapes and the beauty in nature, along with taking natural portraits of people enjoying themselves. Drones have become a great tool on board, and he says they have changed the perspectives one can capture of a location.
“I am stoked to have taken the win and rather humbled. This industry has a lot of creative talent and there are numerous stand-out photographers/videographers who put out incredible content regularly,” Myburgh says. “Well done to all the contestants; keep crushing it and taking incredible photos and videos. We work in an industry with heaps of amazing creative talent. Keep up the good work.”
Follow him on Instagram @jpegphotos.