In MyOpinion, One of the Greatest Sights You Will Ever See.

[conkerwood]

This is a humpback whale calf surfacing and blowing, guarded by Mum. You can see by the grey colour that it is still very young and is in all probability only a few hours old. I am very lucky as I get to spend my Winter photographing some of the around 18000 humpback whales that swim past my Coast in May/June/July and then I get to do the same when they swim back again in August/ September/October. I have taken many thousands of photographs of humpbacks displaying all of their behaviours, some literally only a few feet away. But I never fail to get a buzz whenever I see these awesome creatures. Probably not the greatest pic I have ever taken but capturing a calf like this is very special.

Any thoughts.

conkerwood

[pnodrog]

It must be really awsome (a pity the phrase is so overused) to see such an event. I am very envious of your rather privileged photographic opportunities.

I suppose we all have privileged photographic opportunities in our lives but they usually a bit more mundane so we often don't recognise them.

[NorthernFocus]

You can really see how tiny the calf is relative to the mom. Yes, very special to see such a thing. You have a wonderful situation having access to them like that. We see them fairly frequently over the course of the summer but not nearly in the numbers and only rarely exhibiting the behaviors that you get to see. When in our waters they are concentrating on feeding. They are definitely one of the more difficult creatures to photograph.

But yes, in spite of what behavior they may exhibit they are always a thrill to see.

[tbob]

One of the aspects that make this forum great is the variety of subjects and environments the members shoot. Always fascinating. And we have skilled photographers letting us see their corner of the world.

I love the commentary as well. I would never have twigged to the uniqueness of the encounter (few humpbacks on the prairies); it really adds to the enjoyment.

[Wavelength]

Oh, really great!!!

[Artshot]

Always a thrill to see a whale, and getting that close is very special.