Nose to Nose

Sometimes it's hard to tell how close we are to these animals because of the lenses we use. In order to get good color and contrast in a whale image, we have to be within just a couple feet of the whale. We try to slip into the water as quiet as possible and sit and wait at the surface long enough for the mother to realize that we aren't a threat. Then, once she is comfortable, she might bring her calf over to take a peek at us. In our experience, the best interactions with animals in nature are the ones that they initiate! So we tend to wait and be patient in these special moments. This mother's pectoral fin was about six inches from us as she swam by! She's about 50 feet long. This photo was taken under NMFS Permit #10018 & 895-1450 during research activities pursuant to this permit.

Pacific Humpback Whales - Au'Au Channel, Maui

A portion donated to help whale research - Limited edition - Free Shipping US & Canada - Dye-infused aluminum print - Archival Quality (100+yrs) - Waterproof & scratch resistant - Hand signed & numbered