Awestruck
I will never forget releasing the shutter on this shot! As this huge Southern Right Whale and calf approached, I told my dive buddy to swim down and kneel on t...
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I will never forget releasing the shutter on this shot! As this huge Southern Right Whale and calf approached, I told my dive buddy to swim down and kneel on the sand about 8-10 metres below and to just wait for the Whales to come into view. The feelings of awe are written all over Quinton's stance as he looks up in amazement at what lies ahead of us. This was such a natural moment, which unfolded in a single breath.
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Oct, 2017Views
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Awards
Chatter Award
Contest Finalist in Moments In Time Photo Contest
Featured
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Genius
All Star
Emotions
Impressed
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo while freediving in Skeleton Bay in the beautiful Bay of Fires region of Tasmania, Australia.Time
After swimming around all morning without a glimpse of the Southern Right Whale mother and calf that were cruising up and down the beach, Mid-day arrived and our fortunes changed!Lighting
This photo was taken with 100% natural light only. Since we were only at 10 metres when I took the shot and the sun was high in the sky there was enough light to bring some colour into the shot.Equipment
This photo was taken with the very compact Canon G16 in a meikon housing. No wide angle wet lens or dome was used, this is just what the camera could produce on its own.Inspiration
A great photographer, Brian Skerry that shoots for National Geographic has a photo of a Scuba diver standing on the sea floor looking up at a Southern Right Whale. I had always wanted to do something similar and when this opportunity came it just worked out!Editing
The first thing I corrected was the white balance which very accurately restored the colours. I used dehaze, contrast, sharpening, clarity and quite a bit of spot removal to get rid of some ugly backscatter. The final result is exactly what I saw as I looked over the camera at the scene as it unfolded.In my camera bag
Canon G16, Canon G7x mark ii. Meikon Housing. Sea & Sea strobe. I-Torch pro6+ video light. Gopro hero 8 black.Feedback
Dream big and if the opportunity arises for that dream to become reality, take it without hesitation. Taking photos underwater on a single breath of air is a challenge but it is super rewarding.
