jonfreeman

Breaching Humpback

A Humpback whale performs a full breach in the Pacific waters off the coast of Mexico

A Humpback whale performs a full breach in the Pacific waters off the coast of Mexico
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III

settings

Aperture f/5 ISO 200 Shutter 1/800 Focal Length 248/1

location

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, MX

upload_date

Jan, 2021

Views

477

Likes

+84

Awards

Ecovision Award

Ignition Award

Contender in the Photography Awards

Summer Views Award

Flawless Summer Award

Spring 23 Award

Achievement in Originality

Zenith Award

Top Pick Award

Staff Favorite

Halfway22 Award

Curator's Selection

Judge Favorite

Hidden Gem Award

Top Shot Award 21

Contest Finalist in Animal Kingdom Photo Contest vol2

Spring 21 Award

Peer Award

+24

Absolute Masterpiece

+19

Top Choice

+14

Outstanding Creativity

Magnificent Capture

Superb Composition

Superior Skill

Genius

Virtuoso

All Star

Emotions

Impressed

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

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Top 10 rank week 1

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Top 10 rank week 1

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken in the Pacific, just off the coast of Cabo San Lucas on the West Coast of Mexico. Going out to see the Humpback Whale’s in their breeding ground was one of theism reasons for the trip.

Time

This was late afternoon, about 4pm, the Sun was on the way down & was just starting to give those lovely golden colours.

Lighting

Natural light only. We were quite a distance from the whales, which is as it should be. We always go with a responsible whale watching guide.

Equipment

I used my Canon 5D MKiii & my 100-400 lens with a circular polariser fitted to cut through any glare from the water. This gives the range needed for the whales we see & also if we are lucky enough for one to swim towards us.

Inspiration

This was always on my bucket list of shots. Whale watching alone is a wonderful experience but having seen some stunning full breach shots to finally catch one for myself was a dream come true. The light was a bonus as were the clouds which give the shot some depth which can be lost in pure blue skies.

Editing

A few touches in Photoshop, dodge & burn to enhance the white markings and the water running off the whales body. A touch of vignette to help drawer the eye in to the the whale.

In my camera bag

Normally I would be carrying a 24-70mm f2.8 with me in addition to either the 100-400mm used here or my 70-200mm f2.8. But for whale watching, there is little opportunity or need to swap lenses. Essential items are spare batteries, a microfibre cloth & a lens cloth.

Feedback

Be patient but be ready! This happened so fast you have to be ready at all times. Get your settings somewhere close before you get out to deep water & then fine tune by taking a few test shots of other boats, birds etc. You need to be shooting somewhere around 1/800 shutter speed or higher, you are moving, the boat is moving & of course the whale is moving. The 100-400mm lens wide open at 400mm is f5.6, so that’s what I would go with. Always go with a responsible whale watching guide, you will get a better experience & the whales will too.

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jonfreeman

jonfreeman

Breaching Humpback

A Humpback whale performs a full breach in the Pacific waters off the coast of Mexico

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow jonfreeman

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