We’re very excited to see cameramanDoug Allanabout to embark on a series of talks about his ‘life behind the lens’. Responsible for bringing the incredible sights of thepolar regionsinto our homes, Allan is the man behind a number of ground-breaking wildlife sequences filmed for the BBC including series such as Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.

Allan will be sharing a wealth of stories based on his many years of filming, photography and unique wildlife encounters, with a ‘behind the scenes’ look at how his team were able to capture rare footage such as this fantastic clip fromAntarcticafor Frozen Planet:

The 'Life Behind the Lens' talks kick off in Henley on 19th February, and continue around the UK throughout February and March.  Tickets start from £15 and the complete list of venues and dates can be foundhere

Havingbloggedabout it on more than one occasion last year, last weekend I finally made it to the excellentHeart of the Great Alonephotography exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. If like me you’ve been procrastinating,click hereand book your ticket today! Although many of the images are already very familiar, having seen countless reproductions in various books, brochures and magazine articles, it is an altogether different experience to see them together as a complete collection, providing a full visual narrative of what were arguably among two of the greatest journeys ever undertaken by man.

First is Ponting’s stunning record of the British Antarctic Expedition 1910-13, which details the daily lives of Scott’s men as they prepared for the race to the South Pole. The final poignant images were taken by Bowers and Wilson, having been trained by Ponting to ensure the arrival at the South Pole was captured on film. These images show Scott and his dejected men at the Pole, an amazing achievement in itself yet undermined by the presence of Amundsen’s own tent and the Norwegian flag which were waiting to greet them. The pictures taken here clearly show the five men were beaten physically, mentally and emotionally, and the tragic end to their journey seems almost inevitable from that point.

Shackleton’s Endurance expedition of 1914-16 was photographed by Frank Hurley. Whereas Ponting wanted to create artistic images to show the scale and grandeur of the Great White Continent, Hurley’s aim was to record a more practical documentary-style collection that would give the world an insight into life in the Antarctic. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t take some equally spectacular images – it would be hard not to when surrounded by such breathtaking icy landscapes. Again, to see all these photos in sequence, to watch bit by bit the destruction and final sinking of the Endurance as it was crushed by pack ice, and the deterioration of the men as they made their way to Elephant Island, really brings this incredible story to life. Sadly Hurley had to destroy a vast number of his images as the men could only carry limited equipment with them after the ship was lost; the fact that any of these incredible pictures survived at all is a miracle and a testament to the sheer determination of these men who refused to give up hope despite the bleak situation in which they found themselves.

The exhibition ends in a very fitting manner, with Scott’s last words spoken against a backdrop of the Union Jack that travelled to the South Pole and was found in the tent with the bodies of Scott, Wilson and Bowers. Overall the exhibition is a surprisingly moving experience, and one I can’t recommend enough – and especially now, during the Centenary of Scott’s journey to the South Pole.

'The Heart of the Great Alone' exhibition at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, runs until 15 April 2012. Tickets from £7.50 per adult.

Next Thursday, 1st December marks 52 years since the signing of the Antarctic Treaty – created "with the interests of science, and the progress of all  mankind."Antarcticais not owned by any country and the Treaty is a testimony to international cooperation for the benefit of all. The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) in conjunction with the Foundation for theGood Governance of International Spaceshave therefore designated 1st December ‘Antarctica Day’ and will be holding aninteractive webinarto celebrate this important anniversary.

With the Centenary of the first man to set foot at the South Pole fast approaching, and our very ownNikki Rickettabout to head south yet again for another austral summer (this time on board the luxury vessel Orion), the Antarctic season is now well and truly upon us! Take advantage of somelate availability offersand book your own polar adventure now!