Mo'orea

Duality

Presence

Glimpse

Twin Flames

Child of the Sea

Two of a Kind

Cosmic Encounters

We spotted whales in pairs more often than they were alone. Traveling together, sleeping at depth, arising up to the surface to breathe, their moves occurred in unison. At times, the larger whale would be visible to the group and would capture everyone’s gaze, but then, from deeper below, signs of a smaller whale would come into focus. The second whale would appear to grow larger and larger as it approached the surface, commanding attention and startling those who were preoccupied with the partner. Here, at the surface, I would often make eye contact with the massive creatures at which point they would decide to swim closer to me, or out into deeper waters as I’d watch the sunlight illuminate their slowly disappearing bodies.

Deeper Still

Above and Below

Before the Dive

Glossy

Rise Up

Connections

Synchronicity

Solstice

Sunburst

With divine timing, the crew and passengers of the boat could do nothing but watch in awe as one of the best whale encounters of the season unfolded before our eyes. As the humpback whale embraced the fresh air and company of the divers, she lingered at the top of the water column as sunlight streamed down into the water. The sun burst through the deep blue ocean around us illuminating the scene with the full spectrum of light while the whale danced in the confetti colors that sparkled all around. I’m thankful for having my camera in this very moment, or else it may not have seemed real, or even slightly possible.

One Breath

We met at a depth of about 30 feet below the surface and slowly rose up through the water column. The whale had been sleeping silently over 60 feet below us when the boat captain spotted her and we all slid into the water, patiently waiting for her to emerge. I don’t know how much time passed but it didn’t matter. We were in the right spot at the right time. At the first sign of movement I prepared my camera, inhaling and exhaling a few long breaths before diving down. Taking one last inhale of oxygen, I kicked deeper below the water, and escorted the whale to the air above.

Magic

This moment was nothing short of magic. The boat captain had just come up for air after twirling alongside the whale with arms spread as wide open as this whale’s fins. It was a rare occasion where the whale embraced the interaction, even staying close enough for the captain to touch his skin, should he have reached out his hands. Everything else just faded away here and the connection between species was unreal.

Tall Tail

A tall tale is a story with unbelievable elements, related as if it were true and factual. If the images of the whales weren’t available, would people believe in their personalities, characteristics, and beauty? Before underwater photography much of the studies of whales were done from the surface, with little to zero observation of their actual lives. Technology makes it possible to understand them a bit better, and experiences like this make it apparent just how tall, or wide, this tail really is. Once it starts kicking, you better be aware of your proximity or you may not be able to retell the tale.

Sunny Side Up

Sunset Spins

In a spectacular display of interaction, this whale embraced the presence of the few divers in the water and spent several minutes spinning in the light of the setting sun. Unlike other encounters, where whales would identify others, and reroute their path in a clear direction, this lone whale continued to enjoy the wash of the waves against its massive body. The humpback stretched and spun, bringing movement to each of her fins and exercising her tale in all directions.

Coexist

Flipside