Starting about a month ago I was asked to lead a photo safari whale watch with Pacific Whale Foundation on Tuesdays out of Ma'alaea Harbor. It has been an incredible opportunity to share my passion of photography with others in one of the most challenging environments for a photographer. Wildlife photography is difficult enough already, but taking pictures of these humpback whales means you have to add in new layers of challenges. The boat is always rocking which means you have a moving platform to shoot from. The whales themselves are unpredictable and hidden from sight for most of the time. Wind can be an issue with visibility and can cause big waves, sudden splashes, and unstable footing. Add to this the usual issues of lighting, fast movements, and big contrasts of light and dark and you have yourself the ultimate wildlife photography challenge.
So it is my job to help coach the guest through these challenges. We have had some amazing encounters and have been lucky enough to get some great photo opportunities over the past month. I can't wait to see what the next few months of whale season brings for our photo safari trips.
If you are thinking about trying this out for yourself then now is the time. The whales are here from November until early May with the peak right about now. Males competing over a single female, wild acrobatics, and beautiful sunsets await the intrepid photographer wishing to try their hand at getting that perfect breach shot. Like all wildlife photography it takes time, patience, and alot of preparation in order to get lucky and nail that perfect photo. Knowing your camera and how it works is key as well. And as my friend David Fleetham always says, "Shoot, Review, and Adjust."
Here are a few pictures that I have taken over the past couple of trips I have run. Enjoy and I will see you out on the water!
So it is my job to help coach the guest through these challenges. We have had some amazing encounters and have been lucky enough to get some great photo opportunities over the past month. I can't wait to see what the next few months of whale season brings for our photo safari trips.
If you are thinking about trying this out for yourself then now is the time. The whales are here from November until early May with the peak right about now. Males competing over a single female, wild acrobatics, and beautiful sunsets await the intrepid photographer wishing to try their hand at getting that perfect breach shot. Like all wildlife photography it takes time, patience, and alot of preparation in order to get lucky and nail that perfect photo. Knowing your camera and how it works is key as well. And as my friend David Fleetham always says, "Shoot, Review, and Adjust." 
Here are a few pictures that I have taken over the past couple of trips I have run. Enjoy and I will see you out on the water!
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