Humpback Sigma

We went on a whalewatch from Bar Harbor, Maine, and now I appreciate just how difficult it is to get those crystal clear poster pictures of whales surfacing, the water reflecting in the sunshine against a dazzling blue sky.

For us, the mist and clouds rolled in and then the rain started. But it was great fun up on the top deck in our waterproofs, trying to spot signs of activity out in the Gulf of Maine. After an hour and a half we were about to give up when this humpback surfaced nearby. Humpbacks have unique tail markings, and scientists photograph them for future reference, so that they can learn about their migration habits.

This whale was identified as 'Sigma', who had been seen on other occasions, and, according to an internet search, was once rescued from being entangled with over 600 feet of rope and buoys off the coast of Nova Scotia.

The visibility and light were poor, had to use ISO 400 and a fairly slow shutter speed, then a bit of work in Photoshop to enhance contrast and detail. Also uploaded some supplementary images of the trip. Hope you enjoy,

Chris

Title:	Humpback Sigma
Username:	cceccles
Uploaded:	7 Aug 2008 - 1:28 PM
Camera:	EOS 350D
Lens:	Sigma 28-200
Recording media:	JPEG (digital)
Tags:	Humpback, Maine, Sigma, Whale, Whalewatch, Wildlife / nature
Votes:	9
	Variant - Report