Quadra Island lies just across Discovery Passage from Campbell River, British Columbia, and on it is a very special location known as Copper Cliffs.
It’s actually a famous diving location. But I’ve never been diving. On board my boat, Snoopy, the brightly coloured cliffs stand out like someone spilled a box of crayons that melted in the sun. The minerals in the rock have stained it like a rainbow.
Much as the divers like to look at all the sea creatures that live beneath the waterline, it must be pretty interesting for whales too. One day I came across a humpback whale and her calf who were also exploring the area.
The two whales were like synchronized swimmers going up and down together, and then one coming up just as the other went down. Don’t let the following photos confuse you, they each show two animals!
I made all of these images with my Canon 7D and 400mm lens. The photos may look like I was close to them, but the long lens meant that I was able to keep my distance and give these large mammals the space they need. I kept the ISO between 800 and 1000 to allow me the fast shutter speeds I needed to freeze the fast moving animals and the wave action on board the boat.
It was a glorious and awe inspiring day to be able to capture these magnificent animals in such a beautiful location.
Thanks for these amazing photos. I live in Campbell River and can see whales from my deck, but I sure missed this display!
Thank you so much Leslie. Ray was telling me about your store, so we’ll be dropping by to check it out! Thanks for sharing my photo, I appreciate it 🙂
Never before have I see this a mazing inspirational photos.lots of blessing’s.I could be glad to get such a camera.very sharp images.
I am very sorry to hear about your mum! Have a safe journey to China. I do enjoy your photos very much.
Thank you very much Dennis, I appreciate it.
Hi Anne
I have been reading your ebook on landscape photography and saw all of my mistakes in it .
I am heading to Canada in 2018 so I need guidance on a new travel camera light weight with lens and filters to shoot through windows yes I am going on the Rocky Mountaineer, for me to travel from Australia I need to take advantage of the time and scenes of a beautiful country all the help and advice will be appreciated.
Thanks