#2pic

A little BTS of my buddy @mattwfrost getting the shot. The rule with animal interactions is to always leave them an out and let them come to you. Please read on because a picture can be deceiving: #1pic: In the first shot, what looks like two seals in a dead end is actually a swim through on one side and a rock with a water opening on the other. We just happened to swim by here as they were playing in the shallows. Not once were they cornered. #2pic: here Matt and i took turns diving and laying in the grass (on an exhale because it was so shallow) the pup then made constant laps dive bombing us and swimming circles around our heads. Pic #3: the other rule is to never harass the mammals. This sea lion lifted it’s head and went back to sleep as we walked by, Never once barked or moved. What looks like us approaching him was actually our exit, we kinda had no choice. These guys weren’t there when we entered the water and our alternate exit would have been quite a swim and walk back to get our stuff from the cove. Matt grabbed this shot on our exit between this narrow valley of rocks we had to walk through. I write this because a picture can be very deceiving. If you ever decide to Jump in, especially in LA Jolla, be respectful, only let the animal approach you (there are ways to act and swim to make you more interesting to get them to come play with out approaching them directly) By no means should you ever approach, harass, feed, touch or corner these mammals and remember.... they are wild animals! I’ve spent years learning how to interact with them, how to read their body language both while spearfishing and while shooting. They are called sea lions for a reason! and I’ve seen many people get bit or have had aggressive experiences because they didn’t read the situation right. Don’t assume they are sweet just because they look cute and if they are being sweet... remember to always be respectful. Hope that helps and sincerely hope you enjoyed my shots. @mattwfrost it was a pleasure getting to show you this experience and can’t wait for many more while you’re here. Cheers bud! 🍻 #zeissbatis (at La Jolla Beach San Diego California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5LFM9cDtdW/?igshid=1sbyabqyccfrc

Just because that place was beautiful 😁 #2pic #rattlesnake #weird-times