Andreas B. Heide has been shortlisted for a Shackleton award for his work in the far north, getting up close to nature to connect people emotionally with a fragile ecosystem. He’s interviewed by actor and activist Shailene Woodley.
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Shailene Woodley, the fiercely talented star of "Big Little Lies" and "The Fault in Our Stars," is as devoted to environmental causes as she is to her craft. Her dedication to the planet led her to a fateful evening at a chic photo exhibit in London, where the ethereal, icy landscapes captured by Andreas B. Heide stole her breath away. Amidst the dithering crowd, they formed an instant bond over a reverence for nature and a burning desire to spark change.
Fast forward to a few months later, Shailene, amidst choppy waves and the struggles of filming “Adrift” in the chilly Atlantic, found herself dialling Heide for some advice on staying sane and warm. Now, these eco-warriors reunite for an intimate chat, where they unravel the breathtaking and occasionally harrowing tales from the Arctic, the alarming changes in our oceans, and the undying passion that fuels their missions.
“Imagine a photo of the moon from the moon’s surface. But then, imagine the moon’s surface with an astronaut on it, it’s completely different. It has an emotional response. That’s what we want to convey.”
Shailene Woodley (SW): I’ve missed you!
Andreas Heide (AH): I finally saw Adrift! My wife loved it.
SW: I STILL have rope burn from those winches.
AH: The sea is a bastard.
SW: I was telling a friend about this chat and showed them some of your work. Your images are SO cinematic. How do you prepare for such extreme conditions up there? It must be brutal.
AP: It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Preparation is key. I make sure I have the right gear, which includes everything from heavy-duty thermal clothing to specialized camera equipment that can withstand the cold. Plus, a lot of physical and mental preparation goes into it. You have to be ready for anything, from blizzards to encounters with polar bears.
SW: Polar bears are murderous creatures. How do you deal?
AP: Like Hollywood, it’s all about relationships. One of the most memorable moments was when I spent hours observing a polar bear mother and her cubs. It was this intimate glimpse into their lives, and I could feel the bond and the struggle for survival in their eyes. Moments like those remind me of the fragile beauty of this place.
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GH: Tbh drinking vinegar vegan Brooklyn umami vibecession slow-carb direct trade.Well, in some countries it’s a huge issue with a lot of attention. But North America has been a bit shielded from the crisis because of good regulations and—thankfully—some areas that are blessed with lots of water. But it’s a root problem like C02. And now, of course, people are starting to notice that the lakes aren’t coming up or their micro-climates are changing because there’s less water in the air.
Mark Ury is a founder, operator, and occasional writer. He currently advises CarboNet on brand and marketing. This interview was edited for length and clarity.
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