Humpback Whale Breach in Alaska
While photographing wildlife on the icy waters of Alaska near Juneau, suddenly this majestic Humpback Whale breached! Its size was amazing. I am glad I was ab...
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While photographing wildlife on the icy waters of Alaska near Juneau, suddenly this majestic Humpback Whale breached! Its size was amazing. I am glad I was able to catch the droplets of water as he started to come down from the highest point of the breach.
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Nov, 2018Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Earth Day Photo Contest 2022
Contest Finalist in Mother Nature Photo Contest 2021
Contest Finalist in Animal Kingdom Photo Contest vol2
Contest Finalist in Earth Day 2020 Photo Contest
People's Choice in For the love of Nature Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Volume5
Contest Finalist in Celebrating Earth Day Photo Contest 2019
Amateur Winner Alaska The Wild Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Alaska The Wild Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in The Wonders of the World Photo Contest
Top Shot Award
Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 18
Contest Finalist in My Best Shot Photo Contest Vol 6
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Virtuoso
Superior Skill
Genius
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 30 rank
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jackiegoodwin
November 22, 2019
beautiful - thank you for entering your lovely photo into my challenge "animals of any kind" - good luck
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
I was on a very small boat in Alaska. We would go out for 8 hours or more everyday, rain or shine. It rained everyday but one, but that is what you have to be prepared for when you go to Alaska. My husband and I have been there four times and just love the nature and wildlife experiences we have been able to share. If you ever have the chance to go, then jump at the opportunity! Just remember to dress for the weather and protect your equipment.Time
I think it was towards the afternoon when I captured this magnificent Humpback whale breaching. It is hard to tell from the photo because it was overcast and raining most of the day, but that never bothers me when I am photographing such an amazing animal.Lighting
The day was overcast and raining, so natural light was very flat. Even so, I adjusted my settings instead of using any flash because of timing.Equipment
All of my images are handheld, unless I am shooting in macro. On a boat that is bouncing with the waves, you cannot use a tripod because you never know where a wild animal is going to surface. you just have time to pre-set your camera to general conditions for where you are shooting and then be ready at a second's notice to capture the shot. I also use the continuous setting so I can capture multiple shots in a very short time. I was using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III with an EF 100 - 400 mm f/4.5 - 5.6L IS II USM. In this case, I had rented the body for the trip because I could not afford to own one. It worked out great.Inspiration
We have done so much damage to our planet due to our greed, carelessness, indifference and denial, it is vital to share my photography of such beautiful, amazing animals so others can be inspired to change their ways or become active in preserving our environment and natural resources. We don't have another planet to go to if we ruin this one, so it is vital each of us do our part to protect and preserve our world for generations to come. Whether it be to stop littering, cleaning up a beach or forest, reducing our carbon imprint, stop endangering our natural resources for money and power, everyone can do something to make a difference. Become a volunteer in your community. Be that role model. Do what is right instead of what is easy or lazy. I photograph nature and wildlife as a way to make a difference, to hopefully encourage others to value what we have and how easily it can and is being destroyed.Editing
I don't do any special post-processing such as layering or stacking or using layers/masks to alter my images. I only use the most basic Lightroom program for cropping, exposure, clarity and brightness. If I were to share a computer-generated image, then I would be defeating my purpose of sharing nature and wildlife as they exist to the world.In my camera bag
I now have two bodies (I did end up buying this type of camera body), three lens, MANY charged batteries, multiple cards or disks, a microfiber cloth to clean the lens, and a couple of plastic bags which I rip a hole in the bottom of to be able to photograph in the rain. Yes, there are fancy covers and other protective items you can buy, but the simple plastic bag has always been an easy thing to use. Also, I am following the necessary steps of Reduce, Reuse or Recycle items by reusing a plastic bag. I just stuff them into any small place in my bag or my pocket and I am ready for inclement weather (or at least my equipment is - LOL).Feedback
Always have your camera ready and in your hand. Protect not only yourself, but your equipment. Protection should be based upon the climate where you will be photographing. Be mindful of how you care for your equipment before and after your day of photography, especially in extreme temperature conditions. If you have to stand outside in the rain on a rocking boat for 8 hours to "get the shot", then that is what you do. One side comment I think is really important to make is that if you are leading a photography workshop, then you MUST be somewhat flexible if your client has some disabilities or limitations. You do NOT have to change the focus of your workshop, but you might have to accommodate someone who has limited walking abilities (not if it is hiking or backpacking, etc.). Be very clear on the activity level and the types of activities you will be doing in during your workshop. Although I was NOT disabled by any means for this photography workshop I attended, I did have a bad knee which altered how, not what, I could do. The leader unfortunately verbally berated me for having to make accommodations, such as where I sat in the van or how fast I could walk down a wet metal ramp to the boat, or even how I had to get into the boat (no special devices were required - I just needed someone to actually lift my bad leg into the boat since I could not get it over the edge by myself). Do not belittle your client for such minor considerations or changes. Unfortunately, I had to endure this abuse from the "professional" which obviously hampered my enjoyment of the trip. However, no matter if you are the professional or the client, be flexible enough so everyone can enjoy all of the beauty nature and wildlife have to offer. Be respectful of others, including those with minor physical limitations. No matter what obstacles are placed in your way, remember it is up to you to find your own enjoyment of such amazing and precious gifts our world has to offer if we take care of it and respect it.
