Description

A humpback whale calf playing at the surface, just over the reef in Mo'orea (French Polynesia). This picture was taken early in the morning, while the sun was rising above the island's mountains. Witnessing a whale's first moments is a once in a life time experience. A mystical, deeply touching one. They're often very curious and playful, discovering their new environment. And the creatures in it, involving you! This particular calf was swimming in circles around me, while its mother was watching closely (she was on the left when I took that picture) to be sure I wasn't a threat to her newborn. When mothers decide you're not a dangerous creature and let these one ton, four meters long babies play around, you got a front row seat for one of the most spectacular show Nature has to offer.