In between unpacking and re-packing, I've managed to grab a bit of time to process a few photos of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae kuzira) from my recent visit to Alaska.
The first is a breach at night. It was just before 21:30. The sun was low, just about to set, casting a warm yellow-orange glow across the ocean surface. The humidity was high, and there was the hint of a rainbow developing in the background, visible in the photo behind and forward of the whale.
![humpback whale breaching at night humpback whale breaching at night](https://www.tonywublog.com/assets/images/2018/08/humpback-whale-breaching-at-night-650-tony-wu.jpg)
I wasn't ready for this shot. No one was. The whale had breached a couple of times already, but too far to get a decent image, with the sun on the wrong side to boot. Jon sped up to reposition our boat, and seconds after he stopped, the whale came up. I reacted without thinking, just spun-and-shot without adjusting settings or focal length, or otherwise doing anything that a photographer is supposed to think about and do. Removing my brain from the equation worked well.
The next image is another breach, this one from a special experience. In short, we watched the break-up of a group of whales that had been bubble-net feeding together for several days. It was time to go their separate ways. The whales punctuated their parting with an extended show involving multiple breaches and pectoral slaps.
![humpback whale breaching alaska humpback whale breaching alaska](https://www.tonywublog.com/assets/images/2018/08/humpback-whale-breaching-full-650-tony-wu.jpg)
Next is a group of humpback whales engaged in bubble-net feeding. The last light of the day raked across the landscape at a sharp angle, casting shadows and imparting mood.
![humpback whales bubble-net feeding, alaska humpback whales bubble-net feeding, alaska](https://www.tonywublog.com/assets/images/2018/08/humpback-whales-bubble-net-feeding-evening-650-tony-wu.jpg)
Here is a closer view of bubble-net feeding:
![humpback whales bubble-net feeding humpback whales bubble-net feeding](https://www.tonywublog.com/assets/images/2018/08/humpback-whales-bubble-net-feeding-alaska-650-tony-wu.jpg)
And finally, a fluke farewell at sunset:
![humpback whale fluke at sunset humpback whale fluke at sunset](https://www.tonywublog.com/assets/images/2018/08/humpback-whale-fluke-late-evening-alaska-650-tony-wu.jpg)
It's a simple image, one that wouldn't be anything special in normal light. The warm cast of summer sunset is something I like though.
I have more photos and more to say, but I'm out of time. Heading out the door again soon.
Packing. Ugh.