ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Currently I have an obsession with reflection shots, so when the sea surface in Vava'u, settled to a flat calm, I excitedly kitted up and perched on the side of my boat. Clutching my 5D tightly I realised this may be my opportunity. At this instant the smooth, almost milky ocean surface became glassy and mirror-like. All I needed now was a whale. Luck has its part to play in wildlife photography and at this moment the Tangaloa (Tongan Gods) smiled down on me – a whale announced its presence with a flap of its powerful tail.
Knowing my opportunity could be fleeting I threw myself into the water and kicked as hard as my legs would allow, shortening the distance between the humpback and me and my camera. I had a battle on my hands - my fear of the cold means I wear a 7mm wetsuit (even in the hottest of climes). Those extra delicious millimetres of insulation unfortunately result in a rather overly buoyant me; it’s a fight to get through the water.
Regardless, I managed to get close enough to see the glorious sight of both the whale and its reflection. The humpback and its mirror image combined is a gargantuan and glorious vista, truly a moving moment for me. I rapidly fired off a few shots. Though it was all too brief. I wanted to enjoy the moment for longer but the whale had other plans and with a wave of a pectoral fin it was gone…

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