Bryan prefers to use Fuji Astia for his shoots as it gives the flesh tones and snow colours he likes, he is still testing other films now that Astia is being withdrawn.
Cherry uses a combination of Fuji Provia and Velvia depending on the colour saturation required, she will use the Provia 400F which is good in low light.
Because Bryan frequently works for weeks on end in temperatures of -40 and lower, he chooses to use his old manual Canon F1's. They use zinc and air batteries, have fast, light lenses and he doesn't have to carry a ton of batteries with him. In more temperate climates he uses a Leica M5.
Cherry works with the Canon EOS system using EOS1N bodies and 17-35mm/2.8 28-70mm/2.8 80-200mm/2.8 and the 300/4 IS lenses. This is possible because she usually has access to battery charging facilities and doesn't work below -40. The Blue iceberg picture was taken on a Canon T90 with the manual 80-200mm zoom.
Working in the extreme cold makes it tough to work with fiddly accessories, filters often lock onto the lens at temperatures below zero, so Bryan tends to rely on nature for special lighting effects. Cherry however, when time allows, uses polarisers, ND graduated filters, starbursts and fill flash, all carried in a backpack.
You wouldn't want to! They carry heavy backpacks, work long unsociable hours and get really mean when they don't get the shots they want!
Bryan and Cherry met while they were both studying photography at the London College of Printing in 1967. Bryan did his thesis on 'Photography in Cold Climates'. He also won a Royal Society of Arts bursary which allowed him to spend three months in the North of Greenland living with the Inuit people there. Bryan & Cherry travelled together with a Sami family on their spring migration in 1972. In 1980 Bryan photographed a book on North West Greenland for Time Life Books and they gave up their other jobs and concentrated on photography. Every year finds them visiting new, exciting places.
Layers! Good thermal underwear close to the skin and a suitable selection of thin layers under a windproof outer garment. For serious extremes a hooded down jacket and padded trousers are welcome.
Summer in the arctic or Antarctica doesn't require nearly as many clothes, but you will need a windproof outer layer and good insect repellent for the sub Arctic.
Bryan's manual cameras usually stay outside any tents at the ambient temperature. minus whatever. Care needs to be taken about condensation, taking a freezing camera into a warm environment will result in a layer of condensation. Never take off a lens or change a film in these conditions or you will get moisture in side your camera. When changing temperatures either leave your camera bag closed for many hours until it is the same temperature as the room, or put the equipment you need into sealed plastic bags the smaller amounts of equipment warm up much quicker.
The electronic cameras work to about -20C. There are reports of them continuing to -50C but also of them stopping at -5C If B&C are going anywhere seriously cold they both use Canon F1's
You can use handwarmers for short term spells in the cold, either on the camera or in your camera bag, Cherry has been known to use them in her gloves.
Survival International, the charity that supports indigenous people.
Not without the offer of huge amounts of money or unusual locations!