"Thar be whales" Not exactly Moby Dick and fortunately no sign of Captain Ahab, but getting up close and personal with pilot #whales in #geraingerfjord #norway was one of the cruises most exciting moments. A definite high point. We were moored in the fjord and being shuttled by launch to the shore, almost immediately after we cast off the pilot whales appeared, emerging from the depths of the fjord almost alongside the launch. The signal for an excited bunch of international cruisers to eruot from the cabin of the small launch hoping for a better view. Whoops and gasps filled the air accompanied by the loud expelling of water vapour as each whale in turn took a breath. The water spouts shot high in the air as each elegant back arched, tbe whale surfacing clise by, dorsal fins scything through the water. One of the largest of tbe dolphin family, the pod seemed to split into two, the graceful creatures graciously providing every visitor to the fjord a great view. It was not the final meeting with them either, a short while later some of us encountered them again further out in the fjord. Cruising along the steep walls in a rib boat with @fjordguiding we were treated to several more exciting moments. This #cruise with @windstarcruises has been filled with memorable moments and made some great new friends, but the whales will long remain in my memory. TIP: It's often tempting to try to show animals in close up, using a long focal length. However, environmental portraits of animals, even if a close up is available can be preferable. Show them in some context, their surroundings, so take a variety of shots using different focals lengths, tben pick your favourites. To see more #wildlifephotography follow the link in my bio (at Gerainger Fjord, Norway)
