Antarctica, I'm Coming for You: Progress Update ❄️

This week has been full of energy, purpose, and that feeling of yes—this is really happening.

I officially kicked off my expedition training with a new gym membership and my first swim session—over half a mile! It’s wild to think that just a year from now, I’ll be swimming in the icy waters of Antarctica. Starting next week, I’ll be building up to 3 miles a week, training my body for the polar plunge—because cold water is calling and I’m answering, one stroke at a time.

Speaking of plunges… tomorrow I begin my polar plunge practice! It’s not just about building tolerance—it’s about building trust in my body, resilience in my mind, and connection to the wild environments I’ll soon be immersed in.

Even more exciting: I’ve started planning my first big fundraiser—a silent auction on May 19, 2025! I’ve been so lucky to connect with a community of incredible humans who are helping bring this event to life. I can’t wait to gather with friends and supporters to share stories, dreams, and maybe a few Antarctic surprises.

As co-lead of the Arts Team for Sea Women Expeditions 2026, I’ve also been sketching out ideas for creative projects that will help translate our experience into something visual, emotional, and meaningful for others. I’ve been updating my website, reaching out to local schools and businesses, and writing grant proposals—each letter a little spark of hope for the support I’ll need to make this dream a reality.

There’s still a long road ahead, but I can feel the momentum building—and I’m so grateful to be on this path. Thank you to everyone cheering me on, sharing advice, or simply believing in the power of women exploring the wild edges of our world.

Let’s gooooooo.

— Jami

Growing up one of my favorite shows to watch was Animals Planet, well, and Free Willy of course lol. The breathtaking landscapes and wild creatures seemed like a distant, otherworldly realm—a place I could never touch. I worked tirelessly through high school, and eventually discovered my passion for biology. But by the time I was certain of my career path, it was too late. A series of concussions early in college set me back, and suddenly the world I had once understood felt foreign. Information I used to grasp easily slipped through my fingers, and I found myself adrift, unsure of how to chart my course. 

Well, I have recently applied for and been accepted to join the SeaWomen’s Expedition team  February 2026  on their journey to Antarctica to study the impacts on climate change and the rapidly declining sea ice that it is comprised of. The Western Antarctic Peninsula is a highly productive marine ecosystem that has experienced extended periods of change since the 1950s, in the form of 3°C warming, glacier retreat, reduction of sea-ice cover, warming of the surface ocean of 1°C warming, and shifts in marine populations, among others.

I wanted to be an orca biologist, but the academic path seemed impossible. So, instead of giving up, I immersed myself in volunteer work, hoping that one day I would find my way back to this dream, with my name already making a difference. It was during that time that I picked up my first camera—and everything clicked. In an instant, I knew what I was meant to do. I began to revisit those Animal Planet moments, replaying the scenes in my mind, and suddenly, the dream felt achievable again. Even if retaining information didn’t come as easily as before, I realized that through my camera, I could still make an impact. Still, doubt lingered and my imposter syndrome consistently told me I wasn’t good enough. I was told by those around me that my dreams were too far-fetched, that I should pursue something more practical given my situation. I felt like I was starting too late, like I had missed my chance. Honestly, some days, I still feel that way.

I pushed those thoughts to the side and started capturing the world through my lens, using my photography to raise awareness for the species I’m most passionate about. I realized that, for many, connection to nature comes from seeing it up close. I hoped to ignite that same awe in others and inspire them to protect this fragile planet we share.

Since then, my work has been shared by influential outlets like PETA, Skagit Fisheries, The News Tribune, Fox Weather, Fox13, King5, KOMO4, Grit City Magazine, The San Juan Journal, and more. I hold a degree in Visual Media and am currently working toward my biology degree, which I’ll finish once I return from this expedition.

For years, I watched the Sea Women’s Expedition Team, waiting for the day I could join them. So when the invitation to be part of their mission to Antarctica came, I could hardly believe it. I am filled with joy and pride that the little girl who once dreamed of exploring the world is now stepping into the unknown.

Though this expedition isn’t financially supported, the opportunities it will open up in both photography and biology are limitless. This is just the beginning, and I’m ready to dive into this new chapter with everything I’ve got—determined, passionate, and ready to make a lasting difference. Stay tuned to follow my journey.  If you want to donate to help me with funds, here is the link to my Go Fund Me account.  CHEERS TO THE FUTURE AND CHEERS TO ADVENTURE!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-organizers-name-antarctic-expedition?attribution_id=sl:f1b53882-0d81-4193-9173-3fb6515c1700&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Welcome to my first blog! My name is Jami Cantrell, and I am thrilled to embark on this visual journey with you. Photography, for me, is more than just a hobby or profession—it's a passion, a way of seeing the world in its most intricate details and fleeting moments.

In this inaugural post, I want to share with you the essence of why I picked up a camera in the first place and what drives me to capture the world around me.

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the power of images to evoke emotions, tell stories, and freeze time. Whether it was flipping through family photo albums or marveling at the work of renowned photographers in magazines, I found myself drawn to the magic of photography.

As I delved deeper into this art form, I realized that photography is not merely about snapping pictures but about creating connections—between the photographer and the subject, between the viewer and the image, between moments captured and memories cherished.

Through my lens, I strive to capture the beauty and complexity of everyday life—the laughter shared between friends, the quiet moments of solitude, the vibrant colors of nature, and the rich tapestry of cultures around the world. Each photograph is a testament to the wonders of the world and a celebration of the human experience.

But photography is not just about what you see—it's about how you see it. It's about perspective, composition, light, and shadow. It's about finding beauty in the mundane and uncovering stories in the ordinary.

In this blog, I aim to share not only my photographs but also the stories behind them—the adventures, the challenges, the moments of inspiration, and the lessons learned along the way. I hope to inspire fellow photography enthusiasts to explore their creativity, hone their skills, and find their own unique voice in the world of photography.

So, whether you're a seasoned photographer or someone who simply appreciates the art of visual storytelling, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let's embark on a visual exploration of the world, one photograph at a time.

Thank you for being here, and I look forward to sharing my passion for photography with you.

Stay tuned for more adventures behind the lens!