Double Island in Pryce Channel, BC, Canada / September 2014

I was on a boat trip well north of Vancouver, a few hours past Campbell River on Vancouver Island. There were seven class mates from our high school – St. Georges. Our trusty captain, John Dolmage, was skippering his friend’s 72 foot boat named the ‘Nitinat Chief’. This was actually our second trip on this boat.

It was early September after all the holiday families departed their summer cabins and retreats. The weather was stunning! We were having an Indian Summer for sure. There was usually someone keeping John company in the wheel house or on the top bridge, always on the look out for whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, bears on shore, or other attractions.

One mid-morning, while at the end of Toba Inlet, after a hearty breakfast, John spotted several pods of killer whales. It was very calm and light out but with a faint drizzle. We followed them as they wove all around us during their coastal migration. They’re always on the go. Getting to photograph this family of what appears to be 9 or 10 whales, babies included, was a rare first time experience. I’d photographed many killer whales before but not a family such as this. It’s also a special moment when they are all surfacing at the same time. And to get some ‘steam’ in the air from their blow-holes, well that’s an added bonus. The sounds from their breathing is such a captivating sound.

We were also fortunate to have them traveling between us and the shoreline, which offers the perspective of our rugged Pacific West Coast. To have the rocks and trees reflected onto the smooth waters as well, added another tonal dimension to the water’s surface.  Icing on the proverbial cake! It was the start of the day and my batteries were fully charged and my cards were clear. I was well prepared.

I took many photos that morning, which I will continue to share over time. I managed to use my telephoto lens to great effect in getting very close to the surfacing and diving routines. We had four large whales approach our boat as if to ram it, only to submerge at the last possible moment and swim under us. That whole morning was one of those special memories. Stay tuned for more.