Photographing Sperm Whales - a story from an epic encounter
How to photograph sperm whales
Sometimes, it's not just a single shot you capture; it's a sequence – a longer moment in time that encapsulates raw emotion and incredible energy. That's what happened during a special encounter with a group of about 14+ sperm whales on a recent expedition.
When Plans Go Sideways (For the Better)
On expeditions, we typically plan everything to be well-oiled and on time. But here's a secret: sometimes, the most extraordinary days come from disruptions. I've learned to lean into these shifts in itineraries. Whether it's a failed boat battery, a late taxi driver, or in this case, a big town parade forcing us to start our day at 6 AM and come home early – these "interruptions" often lead to magic.
Twilight Encounters & The "Clang, Clang, Clang"
We set out in the early morning light from Dominica, the sun just rising behind massive mountains. It was still twilight on the west coast. No breakfast, just snacks in hand, we cruised out. After a few silent listens with the hydrophone, about 30 minutes in, we heard it: the classic click, click, click. We were off!
Soon, we were in the water with a small group of whales, "A-group." Then, to our surprise, the other part of their family, "A2," turned up. And then, the distinct sound of a large bull male sperm whale, "Clang, clang, clang," rattled through the water. I signaled the captain, and before long, he appeared on the surface, my first bull sperm whale.
When the whole group converged, there was almost nowhere we could look without seeing a sperm whale. We were surrounded – 360 degrees around us, and individuals below.
Sperm whales surrounding a friend
Capturing the Chaos: My Photographer's Instincts
The hard part was capturing the event to do it justice. As a wildlife photographer for over 20 years, you learn to break it down fast; you never know how long you've got. I immediately look for 3-5 frames I need to capture, some happening now, some I predict from experience.
Sperm whales in big groups do all sorts of behaviors. They might group at the surface, or swim slowly forward like an advancing army. Those wider shots are tough without a drone, but the key is waiting for them to group up and play. That's "Shot 1" – how many different angles can I get? We don't free dive aggressively; just dropping a few feet below the surface, sinking slowly, seems to go unnoticed by them. So, that gives me my next shots: surface, a little below, and slightly deeper.
The Grand Finale: Vertical Giants & Curious Juveniles
Next, my instincts told me they'd soon go vertical, all with their noses pointing to the surface. Sure enough, they did. I quickly captured that extraordinary sight: these massive animals choreographed into a single, vertical structure, a sight few people ever witness.
Then, I hoped for that eventual moment of curiosity from the younger whales, and prepared. I made sure my zoom lens was ready to go wide, adjusting for some underexposure just in case I could try for a split shot – half above, half below the water – without blowing out the light. Ultimately, though, it's about making smart crop choices, as they can come incredibly close. Sometimes, even my 15mm fisheye lens can't fit them all in!
And, this incredible encounter was part of our Dominica Sperm whale expeditions. If you're ready to dive into an adventure like this, check out this years dates and info.