Into the Light

Jumping into heavy and turbulent conditions in the middle of the ocean isn’t something I do very often. But, when it means slipping below the surface to have the opportunity to spend some time with a humpback whale, you do it! On this day we had very rough seas, which make it difficult to hold your position in. Conditions like this certainly adds to the challenge of composing a photo. Not only are you having to operate a camera contained within an underwater housing, but you are also wearing a dive mask, it all adds to the level of difficulty when it comes to underwater photography. Throw in turbulent conditions, ocean currents and a moving subject and your chances of composing a great image go way down. Whenever I look back on my underwater whale imagery, it takes me back to a place where I feel a sense of calm and joy and great pride for the images I created from this assignment. It allows me to relive some of my most prized and precious lifetime experiences. There isn’t anything I’ve done in my life that compares to swimming in the ocean with some of the largest and friendliest beings to grace our planet. These gentle giants allow us to have a small glimpse of what life under the sea is like for them. No different from us, humpback whales think for themselves, care deeply for their young ones and feel emotion. And the emotions they stir within me are very strong. I have such a great love and respect for these creatures and feel beyond blessed to have had the breathtaking opportunities afforded me with one of the most beloved beings in our deep blue sea.

In the moment pictured here, a calf ascends to the surface just prior to a breach. Below is the calf’s mother and you can see their male escort off in the distance. Adding to the moment, some incredible rays of light penetrated the surface of the ocean.