Close Encounters of the Humpback Kind

Sometimes we just get lucky.  There's a common phrase in fishing that "it's better to be lucky than good."

I'm a Lucky One

When it comes to photography, I'm definitely in the former category.  I'm spoiled by technology and digital photography - I can shoot, process, and export photos in record time... I can't imagine actually developing photos by feeling up film canisters in the dark wondering the entire time if I got the correct exposure.  Cropping?  You mean I actually need to get the scissors out?  My respect goes out to film photographers...

I'm a Lucky Two

We had this escort/mother/calf trio approach us the other day and oh my, they just kept coming.  They didn't turn away.  In fact, they came straight at me and my Nikon D40.  I didn't even have to move, just hold my breath and slap the shutter release.

I'm a Lucky Three

Machine gunning away, I realize that not only are the whales close, one of the whales decides to roll over and show us his/her pectoral fins.  Is this a threat/protection display by the escort?  You can see the two adults together.  In the last shot, you can see the calf coming up.

FYI, humpbacks usually travel (around here anyway) in groups of three - comprised of mother, calf, and escort.  An escort is usually a male, not necessarily the father, that will protect the mother and calf.  At least this is what has been explained to me.

BTW, this is rare guys, I don't see this everyday, and yes, I was excited. :)