Many years ago I studied to be a photojournalist – and one of the key elements to success was getting your timing down for capturing the moment – the gesture, expression, the peak of the action. I didn’t go on to be a photojournalist, but the training taught me about developing a sixth sense – that feeling that something was about to happen, and being prepared for it when/if I was right. I took this idea and technique into my career as an outdoor and nature photography and it has been so useful! I’ve been able to capture birds squawking, animals yawning, bears playfighting, and it’s been great. I also learned how to photograph with both eyes open when necessary, to see a broader area of the ‘field’ to be ready for the action. But in Alaska, or anywhere on water, I’m challenged – just how in the heck do you see what’s going on under water to get a feeling for where the action might surface? You don’t. You stand, poised, with lens/camera raised to your face, watching with your left eye open and right eye at the finder. But you still don’t know where those pesky whales are. So you try another method: you hold the camera up near your face, but scan the horizon with both eyes wide open, ready to bring the camera to your eye if you see something beginning to happen on the water’s surface. You stay as loose as possible to be able to respond to any action. But with all of that, there’s just no guarantee. So when you get your timing right, and the tail lines up with the dorsal fin oh-so-nicely, and the water is calm and reflective, well you just have to know that it’s 8 parts luck and 2 parts preparedness. Yes, you were ‘at the ready’ and watching, anticipating, settings all appropriate; but it’s the whale that determines what chance you have of making a great picture! I always say ‘thank you’ after moments like this.
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We’ll be going back to Glacier Bay in 2011 – check our workshop and tour schedule for information.
We did, a fantastic time. Captain Ronn did not tell us about your breach, probably a good thing as we may have stayed away from the edge.
Hi Rob – sounds like you had a wonder-filled adventure too! We had a breach very close to the boat as well – so close most of us missed it! So hard to anticipate those…
Now that I clicked on your news link I guess I was there right after you.
Brenda you said it so well. I was where you were but in July. The panning and the waiting not knowing just when a fin or head or even a breach may happen. Kept looking at the birds for a sign. Then a humpback breached feet in front of the boat. Gave us quite a scare. So close none of us with our large telephotos could focus on it. Wow Icy Strait will be in my memory for a long time.
Thanks, John, very much!
Brilliant! This is just wonderful Brenda. Thank you. 🙂
A heartfelt “dito” to both the observations made in your blog entry and the response above. I especially liked reading that you, too, say thank you after a moment like this. I remember a guided visit to the Bearded Vulture breeding center in Goldau, when one of the birds was kind enough to flex its shoulder muscles ever so slightly before taking off, giving me just a moment’s notice and enabling me to catch it just as it was leaving its perch. I said thank you then, but got quite a few strange looks from other members of the group, you know, the “what’s-this-crazy-person-doing” kind. I didn’t care then, I still don’t, but it’s also nice to know I’m not alone… 😉
Thank you for sharing your great story, Christa. I think the more we say ‘thank you’ the more good things come into our lives, we’re just more open to them. And there out there…
Visual Treat
Me Heart 🙂
Me tx you!