By profession a graphic artist, Gretchen Gurr decided one day to resurrect her interest in photography that had lain dormant since her days at college in the US.

But Miss Gurr not only wanted to learn more about photography she also wanted to do it while travelling the world learning about new people, places and cultures.

So she reasoned what better way than to embark on a series of National Geographic cruises on board the MV Explorer, a small ship taking about 100 passengers on voyages with some of the magazine's professional photographers on board to guide and coach the amateurs.

Her first trip was around the Dalmatian coast — Albania, Croatia, Montenegro — then on to Athens and the Greek islands. She enjoyed it so much she promptly signed up for further cruises to Antarctica; Morocco; Norway, Iceland and the Arctic Circle.

It was that love of travel, exploration, and the renewed interest in photography that have combined for her first solo exhibition, 'Changing Tides', at the Common Ground Cafe, on Chancery Lane, in Hamilton. The opening reception is tonight from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It continues to February 18.

"I wanted to explore, see and learn along the way, but obviously not everyone is able to do what I have been able to do," she said. "I have had such a fantastic time."

Of all the places she has visited, Miss Gurr said the Arctic was her favourite — so much so that she is planning to go back, this time to take more photographs of the polar bears.

"In addition to the bears, you get to see pack ice, reindeer, seals, and the Arctic fox, but most important for me was seeing the polar bears and realising that, although we are really a small speck in the world, we have such a huge impact on the environment," added Miss Gurr.

"You see miles and miles and miles of pack ice and one polar bear, and you realise that you really can be part of the bigger picture.

"Antarctica, with its icebergs, seals, penguins, was spectacular — absolutely breathtaking."

In Morocco, Miss Gurr was struck by the immediate proximity of warships to a huge mosque — peace on one hand, war on the other.

Now describing herself as "an aspiring photographer", Miss Gurr said she found learning different techniques from the various National Geographic professionals "fascinating". They would take hundreds of images of the same subject compared to her relatively few. "You learn the trade by observing," she summed up.

In terms of the future, Miss Gurr plans to continue travelling with her digital camera.

"I love to explore, see new places, and do new things," she says. "I would like to get more into black and white photography, but I also enjoy taking shots of scenery and wildlife, so this summer I will be going back to the Arctic."

• For further information on 'Changing Tides' see the Bermuda Calendar.