A North East photographer and former dentist is hosting a talk about his recent South Atlantic expedition, aiming to raise funds for his favourite charity.
Michael Oliver will present his talk, Falkland Islands and South Georgia: A Photographic Journey, on Friday, November 15 at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland, the home of the Foundation of Light.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the charity.
Alongside his talk, Mr Oliver will also launch a wildlife photographic calendar, with a foreword by Her Royal Highness Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, the patron of the Foundation of Light.
Mr Oliver spent nearly seven weeks in the South Atlantic, capturing the unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.
He said: "We spent a week in the Falklands, two weeks in South Georgia, and just over three weeks in Patagonia.
"It was an incredible trip and my wife Liz and I have some great memories.
"South Georgia is a land of mountains, snow, and incredible wildlife – including penguins, elephant seals, and sea lions.
"The area is also home to the grave of British explorer Ernest Shackleton and where he finished his amazing journey after being shipwrecked in Antarctica."
Mr Oliver described the Falklands and South Georgia as "one of the most isolated parts of the world" with "unforgettable scenery and wildlife".
He added: "Many photographers believe that South Georgia and the Falklands are among the best places in the world to take pictures because of the stunning backdrops and the intimacy of the wildlife – you are able to get close-up to rare animals, birds, and mammals."
He was also struck by how "proud the islanders were to be British" in the Falklands.
The event is set to last about two-and-a-half hours, with Mr Oliver's photographs displayed on a special high-definition screen.
Lesley Spuhler OBE, chief executive at the Foundation, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Michael for his unwavering dedication and support.
"His breathtaking photographs not only capture wildlife and landscapes, but also bring our community together to support the Foundation of Light."
Mr Oliver is a seasoned traveller and photographer, with past trips including the Arctic, India, and Africa.
He has future trips planned to Kenya, the Arctic, and South Africa.
His 2025 calendar features photographs from his recent travels in Africa.
He said: "Our Kenyan safari, and spending time with the Masai Mara people was an unbelievable experience and I was very fortunate to see and photograph many of the area’s rare and endangered animals."
Mr Oliver has been a long-time supporter of the Foundation of Light, having completed all of the charity’s cycle challenges and ridden hundreds of miles across Europe to help raise funds.
Tickets for his talk are available through Eventbrite for £16.96, or directly from Mr Oliver for £15.
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His 2025 calendar can also be purchased from him for £19.
- The Foundation of Light is one of the largest sports charities in the UK, working with children, young people, and their families.
- Structurally and financially independent of Sunderland Football Club, the Foundation raises more than £4 million every year to deliver life-changing and pioneering programmes across the region.
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