Humpback whale, a photo from Massachusetts, Northeast

Photographer's Note

This is a humpback whale in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary I photographed from a whale watch boat with the Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown. I was using a Pentax 80-200mm lens and a Sunpak UV filter, and my camera was set on "moving object" mode.

I wouldn't have chosen to frame the subject this way. It happened because I was on the opposite side of the boat when I heard the other passengers exclaim, and I rushed over barely in time before the whale disappeared under water. I was also forced to lean over small children at the railing to get a clear shot. All this made the composition hasty and awkward. However I rather like it as it draws attention to the drops of water falling from the right fluke.

censport has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

censport (6) 2006-09-13 19:23

For a "running" shot, the detail is exceptional. Being able to count the water droplets makes up for the framing, in my opinion.

rewshearer (682) 2006-09-14 2:00

Welcome to TrekEarth Nina! Nothing to be ashamed of in this shot, it's beautiful! Great colours and light, and although it's a pity to have lost the end of one fin, the composition is basically good.
Congratulations and welcome again!
Rew

vagabondtravels (6505) 2006-09-14 22:18

Hey Nina,

Welcome to TE. Nice first pic.
Great color and light.
Way to freeze the water.
Good work.
Ben

KKar (486) 2007-08-07 1:46

Nice nature moment nina. You know it is unusual to shoot whales from upfront. If only you had captured the left tip of the fluke but the note explained the fact. It is not a National geografic standard (lol) but wery good try
Regards Kostas

jmcl (14535) 2007-08-09 13:56

Hi Nina,

The colors and textures are tremendous .. for all the haste the composition kind of follows the rule of thirds and has a nice balance .. if only you had that last bit of the tail .. if wishes were fishes etc,. I have only been whale watching once .. drove around for a few hours on a boat .. in the cold .. didn't even see a codfish .. I have incredible respect for wildlife photographers .. very nice image you have here.

take care,

John

vicana (74) 2007-11-12 1:32