Went out of the harbour just of the coast to watch for whales - we managed to see some on their trip back down to Antarctica - in the group were a mum, her calf and three escorts - photos were difficult because of the movement of the boat and people bobbing about and I was more interested in watching the whales knowing that photos would be touch and go - I managed a few shots I am pleased with and just being within the same space as such majestic creatures was awesome!
It's a good shot. There are times when you need to watch with both eyes rather than through the view finder. I reckon this would be one of those times...if that makes any sense what so ever.
@aecasey I have watched from the cliff tops with my binoculars for a few years now - I love that feeling of seeing them blow and knowing they are there - on the boat was even better because they were closer and you could get even a better feel - I will go again and take my binoculars on the boat as well next time lol
Watching wales close up like this is a truly awe inspiring experience which brought me to tears. Something I really didn't expect. I know what you mean about the tricky photographic conditions (felt a bit sea sick the boat was bobbing around so much) but you were right to enjoy the experience with your eyes. All that said this is a great shot Annie and a lovely reminder of your experience.
@paulaw the first time I saw them rise out of the water in the viewfinder of my binoculars I squealed and then the tears came too - my daughters were looking at me laughing saying 'there she blubbers again' lol
The thing is I have never really felt the same about animals as many of my friends. Didn't really have pets growing up (apart from the odd cat!) and didn't really get it when my friends would coo over animals. I think that's why my reaction to the whales took my by surprise! (although I do seem to blub at most things nowadays!!!!)
What a magnificent day you must have had Annie. I just adore watching the whales, spectacular creatures. We went on a whale watch last year in the bay, David took his long lens thinking they would be far from the boat and a whale came right up to the boat we were on and almost kissed him.
This whale looks a bit battle-scarred doesn't it.
Saw this on the TP and was amazed with your closeness to the whale. We have southern right whales come and give birth to their calves on our coast - southern Australia, where I live. We still have one late here now. We have a viewing platform on the beach front, but there is a huge exclusion zone for boats around the whales. Wonderful to see your close capture :)
Wonderful capture of this amazing hulk!! Love the see them, but the one and only time I went on a whale watching boat tour I was seasick the entire time, which left me with mixed emotions and strange associations!
@onewing I wish they had come right up to the boat for us - I think I will go again - it was a lovely afternoon out
yes they have all sorts of marks and scars - one of them had a quite unusual pattern on his side
@gilbertwood that is interesting - I thought they gave birth up north in the warmer waters - I must head to SA some time - I would like to see great whites too
@voiceprintz thank you so much! @skippysue thank you! @shepherdmanswife hahaha love the downhill - you must do it one day - it is awesome - even watching from the cliffs is amazing too
@panthora my daughter was seasick too - I felt a bit queasy at times but could control it by where I looked and trying to ignore it luckily - she will watch from the cliffs for a while I think
@mara19500 it was indeed Mara - I go and watch from the cliffs a few times a year on their migration north - might go sometime this week and see if I can glimpse any - need binoculars from the cliffs
Wow this is a brilliant work of art! Amazing! I have big issues with sea sickness, I would never be able to hold a camera to save my life! lol
This is SUPERB! Ironically, I'm a seascape lover.
@thresheg thank you so much for the gorgeous fav and lovely comment
@kali66 indeed I was
@anazad511 thank you Ana - it was a wonderful afternoon
This whale looks a bit battle-scarred doesn't it.
yes they have all sorts of marks and scars - one of them had a quite unusual pattern on his side
@skippysue thank you!
@shepherdmanswife hahaha love the downhill - you must do it one day - it is awesome - even watching from the cliffs is amazing too
This is SUPERB! Ironically, I'm a seascape lover.
thank you for the kind comment and fav
Reminds me of Christopher Cross Sailing.