40 ton of adult humpback whale in full breach
40 ton of adult humpback whale in full breach
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Awards
People's Choice in Wildlife Love Photo Contest
Runner Up in VIEWBUG Photography Awards 2023
People's Choice in The Fourth QUARTER of 2023 Collection Photo Challenge
Winner in Your the most awarded photo Photo Challenge
Runner Up in Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 98
Contest Finalist in Wildlife Love Photo Contest
People's Choice in Show In Motion No birds Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Top Ranks
Categories
XoniUelo2
October 31, 2023
The patch underneath it's jaw, makes it appear to be saying WHOOOOOOOOOO as it splashes around
NatureCoast
November 27, 2023
Congratulations as the PC in my Show in Motion challenge. Another of your great whale captures!
kurtsnyder
November 27, 2023
Wow - what an amazing image, John!! Congratulations on your challenge PC award!! Kurt 😀👍👍👍
Fame_Bright_Photography
November 27, 2023
Congratulations on your people's choice award - well deserved!
sheffblue
November 27, 2023
this has to be one of the best whale photos ive seen - absolutely superb!!!
JohnSmall
December 25, 2023
Thank you Paul and a Merry Xmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year to you and your family
Joviaal
Jan 19
Congratulations on you finalist and runner up positions. I hope once to make a photo like that. 😉
Pjerry
Jan 22
Super capture.
Thank you for your contribution to - The Fourth Quarter 2023 Collection - challenge. To determine the winner of the people's choice, I'm asking you - as ever, and in case you already haven't - to vote.
Voting is open!! Good luck.
Thank you for your contribution to - The Fourth Quarter 2023 Collection - challenge. To determine the winner of the people's choice, I'm asking you - as ever, and in case you already haven't - to vote.
Voting is open!! Good luck.
kurtsnyder
Feb 05
COngratulations John on your challenge win! THat is an amazing image. Did his wake make your boat wobble?? Kurt 😀
JohnSmall
Feb 05
Thank you Kurt. The swell was big enough without more waves. Half the time when you thought you had a great shot all you got was sky or water.
Pjerry
Feb 06
I would say a once in a lifetime capture, but.... the other entry is on par with one. A marvellous capture and a well deserved winner of th 4th Quarter 2023 challenge.
kurtsnyder
Feb 07
WOW John - your amazing image is winning lots of awards! Congratulations on winning the 4th quarter 2023 Challenge award!! Quite an accomplishment for sure! Kurt 😀👍👍👍
Pjerry
Feb 21
Thank you for your contribution to the "The Year 2023 Collection" challenge.
Be so kind to vote, please!!!
Good luck with your entry.
Voting is open!!
Be so kind to vote, please!!!
Good luck with your entry.
Voting is open!!
JohnSmall
Apr 12
They are magnificent creature David, amazing how they throw themselves out of the water considering the size of them.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken off the coast of Bermagui, New South Wales whilst on a whale watching cruise. On this day there was a 2-3 metre swell running with the boat being tossed around in the water.Time
The shot was taken in the morning between 10.30 and 11.00 amLighting
I was hoping on good weather but the day was overcast with a 2-3 metre swell running. There were a few breaks in the sky but mostly dull lighting with a few showers around.Equipment
This shot was taken with a Canon 90D camera with a 100-400 EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. No other equipment was used although I did cover the camera and lens with a waterproof cover.Inspiration
We normally travel south from Sydney to Bermagui or Merimbula around September/October each year for the southern migration of the Humpback Whales. It is during this time we see the mothers bringing their new season calves back down the coast towards Antartica. We do a couple of whale watching cruises over a few days in the hope of photographing mother whales teaching their young calves how to breach, tail slap and become acrobats of the sea. To view these magnificent creatures often weighing up to 40 tonne throwing themselves into the air is an experience and one that you will remember for life.Editing
The only post processing taken on this image was auto balance and auto sharpen.In my camera bag
I normally carry two Canon camera bodies, both 90D's together with two telephoto Canon lenses a 100-400mm 1:4.5-5.6 L IS USM and 15-85mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS USM as well as a macro 100mm 1:2.8 L IS USM. When out on the water is also a great idea to have some sort of weatherproof covering to protect your equipment from salt spray.Feedback
As these creatures are wild it is not guaranteed that you will see a whale breach, you have to be patient and hope for the best. You need to keep your cameras up and if possible have your camera set on burst and take as many shots as you can. On the day this shot was taken there was a large swell running and sometimes when you think you have a great shot you check your work only to find all you have is sky or water. As you do not have much time to get your shot it is also recommended to have your camera set with a high speed with auto ISO. Whilst it is desirable to get a great shot of the whales it is also a good idea to put the camera down for a few minutes and just sit back and enjoy the experience.