Ohio
About this photograph
Two orcas break the surface together in a remarkable display of shape, movement, and scale. One whale’s head rises above the water while a sweeping tail dominates the frame, creating an almost sculptural portrait of these powerful marine animals.
THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTOGRAPH
We rented a small fishing boat in Ketchikan boat hoping to find wildlife—perhaps bald eagles, seals, or anything else the coast might reveal. For just over an hour, however, we motored through the water without seeing animals (but still loving the scenery.)
Eventually, we stopped the boat and discussed whether to continue. Just as the decision was made to return, a spout appeared. Within seconds, an entire pod of orcas emerged, surrounding our tiny craft.
The whales were bigger than the boat, and their sudden proximity was both breathtaking and frightening. Worried that one might accidentally capsize us before we could move to a safer distance, I began knocking on the hull to make our presence known to any whales swimming beneath us.
The orcas soon moved farther away, giving us room to breathe and allowing me to reach for my camera. That was when I captured this extraordinary moment: two magnificent animals at the surface, one rising beside the other’s towering fin.
After an hour of finding almost nothing, the journey ended with more than we could ever have imagined.
This original wildlife photograph is well suited to a living room, office, coastal retreat, or nature-inspired interior. It makes a distinctive gift for whale watchers, marine-life enthusiasts, ocean lovers, and anyone fascinated by the intelligence and majesty of orcas.
