BREACH!!!
I was photographing whales in Alaska when this magnificent Humpback whale suddenly burst out of the water! I was glad I was able to capture the moment. It was...
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I was photographing whales in Alaska when this magnificent Humpback whale suddenly burst out of the water! I was glad I was able to capture the moment. It was mesmerizing.
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Oct, 2015Views
1779
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Awards
People's Choice in Whales Photo Challenge
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank
Top 20 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 2
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I was near Juneau, Alaska when I took this photo last Summer (2015).Time
It was towards late afternoon.Lighting
The lighting was a real challenge because it was pouring rain when I took this photo. The real challenge was to make sure I had enough light and speed without the image being too grainy.Equipment
I had rented a Canon EOS 5D Mark III and a Canon 100 - 400mm f/ 4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens for this trip to Alaska because I was going there specifically to photograph marine animals and eagles so I needed both to be the top that I could afford to rent. I have the same, but older body and lens so I was familiar with the equipment. I was on a small six person plus two crew fishing boat so I could not use a tripod. For stability, I just did my best and leaned into a wall or secure object to steady myself. The waves were really rocking the boat.Inspiration
Our environment is so fragile across the globe because of human interference, both intentionally and unintentionally, that I wanted to photograph the beauty of nature and wildlife as it exists in my lifetime. My wish is for my images to encourage people to understand the urgent need to take immediate action to preserve and strengthen our natural resources so our world doesn't collapse in on itself, causing death and destruction of everything, including ourselves.Editing
I do not believe nature or wildlife images should have extensive computer manipulation to make them "prettier" because it falsifies what was really present at the time. However, minimal adjustments, such as cropping or awb adjusting, don't change the content of the image, so I usually do those to changes.In my camera bag
I usually have two camera bodies and two lens along with MANY charged batteries and new CF memory cards. I may have a tripod, but I don't use it alot. I do have an an additional flash, but I rarely use it since my subjects are too far away to make it effective. I also have protective gear for my equipment, even if it is only a plastic bag from a store because that works really well in a pinch.Feedback
Practice. Be prepared for all types of weather for both you AND your equipment. Be diligent. Be ready because you may only have a second to get the shot. Stand outside in the rain with you camera in your hand, ready to shoot, because if you are in the cabin, or talking with someone, or just having your camera hang around your neck because you will miss the shot. Enjoy. Have fun. I remember my first time to Alaska, I was so intent on getting the shot, that I did not take the time to appreciate what was right in front of my eyes.
