Species: Humpback Whale | Location: Avila Beach, USA
I was aboard a small zodiac with 6 people aboard in the early morning of September 11th when less than a mile from shore in Avila Beach we came upon a very active humpback who was breaching repeatedly. As we got within a few hundred yards of this amazing being, it seemingly came to visit with us while putting on a show of epic breaching, pectoral fin splashes and friendly movements that had us in awe. I had never experienced such an exciting and humbling moment in nature. To feel and witness a 45 ft mammal leap out of the water and land so close that you actually get splashed had us speechless. The more we attempted to keep a respectful distance from the whale it would approach us no matter our position. The totality of the emerging morning sun atop the backdrop of the mountain border in Avila Beach served as a perfect complement to our unforgettable encounter.
About The Photographer
I have been photographing whales and other marine life for the past 7 years. In doing so I have come to be in awe and admiration of their beauty and majesty. This passion has taken us to areas throughout California, Washington State, New England, Hawaii and Nova Scotia. The image I am entering was taken on the morning of September 11th aboard a 12 ft zodiac early in morning approximately 1 mile from the shore in Avila Beach. Our boat was alone with a most captivating humpback who followed us while putting on an epic display of breaches. It was the most unforgettable nature experience of our lives.
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