Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Whale Shark
‹ PreviousWildlife GalleryNext ›

Whale Shark

by Clinton Bauder

Gallery: WildlifePosted August 29, 201421,461 views11 comments
This is the business end of a Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish in the sea. Growing to as much as 40 feet long these gentle, filter feeding giants congregate every summer near Isla Mujeres Mexico to feed on tuna eggs.. I spent a week there in July photographing them.

The sheer number of whale sharks in the area is really stunning and this turned out to be a very productive trip. The hardest part has been trying to decide which images to post!

This is a vertical crop from a horizontal image (my fins and the lower half of the gentleman swimming on the other side of the shark are in the full frame).

Nikon D800 in a Nauticam Housing with a Zen 230mm dome. Sigma 15mm Fisheye, ISO 500, f/10 1/320

Comments

11 comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on August 29, 2014 at 12:25 PM
WOW! Great POV! Can't say much except a really neat photo! thanks much for sharing.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Gavin on August 29, 2014 at 1:10 PM
John summed it up with one word: "Wow!"
Registered on August 14, 2008, 293 Posts, 1250 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Leggett on August 29, 2014 at 1:18 PM
What a neat image, well executed.
Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments
Comment posted by Max Waugh on August 29, 2014 at 1:36 PM
I like the somewhat abstract view here, and the reflection on the underside of the water is great. Seems a bit tight on the sides, but maybe that was necessary to remove the distractions. I would love to swim with these guys some day.

Max
Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments
Comment posted by Brad Hill on August 29, 2014 at 5:55 PM
Hey Clinton,

VERY cool! Not only is the subject really amazing, but I have to say I just love the colours. Unique presentation as well. Just excellent!

My only suggestion would be to give it SLIGHTLY more space on the sides if you can without including your fins or the other swimmer.

Cheers...

Brad
Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on August 29, 2014 at 6:40 PM
Hey,

Nice one indeed. Underwater shots are uncommon on NPN and whale sharks are remarkable. Detail and composition are ideal :toast:................Jim
Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments
Comment posted by Nate Chappell on August 31, 2014 at 5:27 PM
Very cool perspective Clinton, I agree on a bit more space on the sides. :toast:
Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Sharp on September 2, 2014 at 12:17 AM
Really, really nice! I agree...with the horizontal wide mouth and shapes, as much space on the sides as possible will maximize impact. Cool photo and I bet this was a pinnacle life experience! :toast:
Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments
Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on September 3, 2014 at 12:21 AM
Amazing view of an animal I rarely get to see a shot of. Nice work and thanks for sharing it Clinton.
Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments
Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on September 4, 2014 at 10:20 PM
Extremely effective image - congrats on a fine WP!
Sandy
Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Watkins on September 16, 2014 at 3:37 AM
Clinton,
Stunning shot very worthy of weekly pick :toast: :toast:
Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments