Prince of Blue

This photograph was taken in Tonga on August 10, 2023. Traveling to Tonga was essential, as it is one of the few places in the world where swimming with whales is legally and ethically possible. Even there, finding a mother humpback whale and her calf in the open ocean is extremely challenging. Success depends heavily on the expertise of the boat captain, who must be able to track whale behavior and navigate vast waters safely and responsibly. Once whales are located, a calm and measured approach is absolutely critical. Enthusiasm alone can easily startle the animals and eliminate any chance of a meaningful interaction. My experience in freediving, as well as meditative training through practices such as takigyo (waterfall ascetic training) in Japan, allowed me to maintain composure in both body and mind. At the same time, the ability to make instantaneous decisions on camera settings was indispensable. These encounters pass in a heartbeat, and every second matters. While predicting the whale’s movements, I had to evaluate exposure, focus, and composition in a split second. Capturing the exact moment of eye contact—the instant the whale acknowledged me—is something that only a handful of photographers in the world, with the required skill, timing, and mental stability, can achieve. This photograph was captured using a Sony α1 with a fisheye lens (28mm equivalent) without scuba tanks or artificial light. I remained at the surface, waiting for the calf to approach on its own terms. Photographing such a large creature at close range required precise control of timing, buoyancy, and framing. What makes this image truly unique is that it encapsulates an entire narrative within a single frame: the moment the calf was drawn toward me, the ocean reflected in its eyes, and the instant I passed beneath its massive fin before watching the mother and calf disappear silently into the blue. This image is far more than a technical accomplishment. It is a testament to trust—a rare moment when a wild whale chose to share its space. It embodies a philosophy of patience and respect: waiting quietly until nature allows us in.