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Humpback whales bubblenetting herring as dusk falls in South Chatham Strait, located in Alaska’s Inside Passage. The tall peaks of Baranof Island frame the background, a scene of spectacular beauty yet the whales have only one thing on their minds….eating herring.
Finally, the following short video represents why I adore humpback whales. Please forgive my humble, awkward attempts to create video footage of the whales. I think I need a proper HD video camera plus a non-rocking boat in addition to videographraphy lessons. Next time I’ll stick to a DSLR but in the meantime, please enjoy this tribute to my favorite big beasties of the deep.
July 8, 2010
Inside Passage, Alaska, USA
Canon 50D, Tamron 28-75mm lens, shutter 1/320, f/5.6, exposure bias + 0.33, shutter priority, ISO 400
Featured:
Alaska~Beyond Your Dreams (February 2011)
It is my sincere wish that visitors to my portfolio experience the beauty and wonder of nature. Moreover my hope is that my photographs will inspire viewers to be proactive toward the protection of wildlife and its habitat, those efforts ultimately making a far better world for all beings.
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Comments
This is AWESOME Gina!!! What an incredible sight and fabulous backdroup and light! Bravo! All I got was a tail… :o)
Hey, Krys, thank you for posting your fab whale flukes. What interesting coloration on that whale’s tail. It reminds me of serious whale lice, not a good thing. I wonder if it could be caused by some natural discoloration? Any ideas? Did your naturalists mention why these flukes are so discolored? I’m really curious. Haven’t been on the Bubble very much lately so am remiss in checking out your new Antarctica postings. I was thinking of you…you must still be on Cloud Nine after your experiences. Have you managed to rid yourself of the odiferous scent of “pengui-poo?” Shivers! Photos of penguin colonies should come with scratch and sniff cards for the full effect…:-)) Take care and welcome home!
– Gina Ruttle (Whalegeek)
… or even backdrop – I think somebody’s moved the keys around again…….
Utterly superb – am transfixed in awe at the amazing footage you have on the video too…. thank you SO much for sharing this privileged peek!
cheers
maggie
:))
Thank you so very much, Maggie! It warms my heart to know others are moved by whales. Truly appreciated! Hugs, G
– Gina Ruttle (Whalegeek)
Thank you!
– Gina Ruttle (Whalegeek)
This is unbelievably beautiful and the video, so deeply moving. Thank you!
Evelyn, thank you very, very much! It is gratifying to know the whales touched your soul. All the best, Gina
– Gina Ruttle (Whalegeek)
Exquisite image of the whales and the beautiful background scenery! As for the video, I can never get enough of it. I could watch it ten times in a row and never get bored. I love the sound of the tail and fins slapping the water. Do they do that to stir up the fish under the water? I recently captured a pelican beating the water with its wings and was wondering the same thing. Your work is so outstanding, and I for one love the combination video/still shots…it gives you time to study the parts of the whales that are up out of the water and to see how they interact. Also, with the rocking of the boat I feel as if I am right there watching the whales firsthand. I’ve never seen a whale live, and look at all your experiences with them!! I’m envious, but I’m also very happy that you share your experiences with all of us. Thank you, Gina!
Hi, Dot. Sorry I am so tardy; I just get so backed up on the Bubble! You asked a good question regarding why humpbacks slap the water with their tails or flippers. The answer is that no one knows all the reasons. I have seen bulls slamming their tails down in mating grounds, almost as a display of “see how magnificent a male I am” and frankly, I have seen other whales race toward this display to show some of their own prowess. On the other hand, while feeding in colder waters humpbacks may tail lob to communicate with other whales or perhaps to stun and even corral prey. No one is quite sure what is going on other than the whales. Thank you for your very kind words, Dot. You really know how to make one’s soul soar. Hugs, Gina
– Gina Ruttle (Whalegeek)
Awesome shot of the Humpbacks Gina against such a beautiful background, excellent work!
Hi, Martin…finally getting around to responding. Mea culpa! It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you for your supportive words. Any word on polar bears?
– Gina Ruttle (Whalegeek)
Great capture!
9 February 2011 … one image a day
Thank you!!!
– Gina Ruttle (Whalegeek)
Thanks for the video Gina, I now have mascara running down my cheeks. Awesome photos as usual ;+)
Oh, you are too funny! Grab a Kleenex pronto…:-)) Thank you so much!
– Gina Ruttle (Whalegeek)
Awesome work, my friend.
Thank you for dropping in. I appreciate your supportive words! :-))
– Gina Ruttle (Whalegeek)