Total results: 18 Pages: 1 [ 1] |
|---|
 ID: 182744 Posts: 1738 | Date: 2008-02-11 04:22 As promised yesterday in my blog, I went whale watching and, indeed, the whales
did show!
It is a big ocean out there and a whale sighting is never guaranteed. We were
fortunate this morning to sight two, possibly three, whales.
At 9:30 a.m. the crew of the catamaran Jolly Mon and their guests,
members of the Environmental Association of St. Thomas (EAST) and marine biology
students of the University of the Virgin Islands spotted whale spout 3 miles off
the port bow the earliest in the day ever in decades of whale watching.
Brief factorial
Humpback Whales travel to Virgin Islands waters to breed during the winter
months. From February through April East hosts whale watching expeditions to
watch for these giants of the sea with the purpose of recording their activities
and to lookout for Japanese and Icelandic whaling ships that sometimes try to
poach our waters.
Humpbacks do not feed during their stay in the tropics, but rather give birth to
their young and train them in our warmer waters. As summer approaches, Humpbacks
head back north to their rich feeding grounds off the continental shelf of New
England and Canada.
The first whale was spotted to the North West (Atlantic Ocean) just off of the
passing cruise ship Noordam and was in full breach. (Leaping out of the
water, a precursor to diving deep.) A full half hour passed before a whale spout
was sighted again, three miles off. (Pictured below.)
The whales did not full breach again during our watch, but did appear frequently
for air. During these surfacings, a calf was spotted with mother. A very
exciting treat as the evidence of young is rare, but a great sign that the
species is recovering from earlier whaling slaughters.
Humpbacks in our waters rarely travel in groups of more than two or three. Pilot
whales will travel in pods counted at over 50 members and sometimes sailors will
mistakenly identify them as humpbacks. Dolphins also perpetuate our waters and a
group of five showed off briefly for us before a brief rain squall caused them
to move on.
We came no closer than 3/4 of a mile to the whales (a bit over a kilometer) 1)
so as not to disturb the calf and 2) no permits are currently being issued for
close observation of whales even to researchers. That's a fine, jail time and
confiscation of the boat.
More pictures are in my Blog, "Thar Be Whales! Day 2", and the Virgin Islands Daily
News will be publishing one of the images in Monday's edition.
None of the images have been retouched other than to resize for upload. I will
not ask forgiveness for crooked horizons, the goal was to photograph quickly
surfacing and submerging whales. Shooting straight horizons on an ocean tossed
boat was at the far bottom of my list.
Enjoy the photos. I will be going back out on the next expedition in two
weeks.
Of interest to Photographers:
Equipment used was a Canon EOS10D. The day was bright, morning light coming from
the east, south east. A couple short squalls threatening on the horizons to the
east and north. Wind at about 15 to 20 knots. Three to five foot frequent
swells. Because of the choppy Atlantic waters this morning, I elected to go with
a maximum 300 mm lens. I used a Canon Zoom Lens EF 75-300. The camera was hand
held, not tripod mounted (as you really cannot do ona 52 foot vessel crowded
with people), and I figured anything bigger I would not be able to hold
steady.
I set ISO at 400 to allow me to stop down the lens, increasing my chances of
catching a distant whale in focus and still maintain a high shutter speed.
Shutter speeds from 640 to 3000 were needed because the boat was in constant,
barely predictable, motion. Focus was done manually, not by auto focus which
gets fooled by the moving waves and glistening sun. Focusing was constant while
shooting with my hand moving the focus ring back and forth in time with the
boat. Left eye scanned the general area of a blow while the right eye peered
through the view finder. As a hump broke water, focus and camera angle were
quickly adjusted while firing in rapid succession. I set aperture priority to
give myself one less thing to worry about at sudden busy moments. Upon
appearance of a whale, I set exposure compensation to adjust for the darkness of
the whale against the brightness of the sky, ignored exposure of the background
in favor of the scientific subject, and set shutter speed according to the dark
reading.
I am not 100% satisfied with the shots, but still happy to have gotten them
considering that the subjects were 3/4th of a mile away and surfaced for only a
few seconds at a time. I am thinking about gambling on a 500mm lens next time
out in two weeks, but I also do not want to miss anything in changing and
storing lenses should the 500 give me too much shake. I am anxious to hear any
other photographers' suggestions or if they have any tips for long lens shots
from previous shooting in similar conditions. I am hoping to catch a whale
breaching before the end of season.   Have faith that the universe will unfold as it should  |
|---|
|
|---|
 ID: 183878 Posts: 1174 | Date: 2008-02-11 07:37 A monopod, a 100-400L IS, an 1.4 extender. You can use your body and the rail to
brace the monopod. In bright sunlight you should be able to keep the shutter
fast enough to overcome boat vibrations.If I haven't been there, I'm still planning on going!
If I haven't done it, I've still got time to try! |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 182744 Posts: 1738 | Date: 2008-02-11 11:18 
Oy vie! And I have a monopod! What was I thinking? Thanks for the tip, Charles.
You are a 
The next trip is in two weeks. There is some optimism that if a whale is sighted
there will be breaching then. With a calf as young as the one we witnessed, a
mother is not going to be jumping, especially if the calf is nursing. By then,
perhaps the youngster will be playful and doing typical arial acrobatics. Since
you can no longer do close approaches, breaching is when you get the best shots.
One has to be very fast on the draw, though. The open ocean is a huge freaking
area to cover.
One other note: The Virgin Islands Daily News published one of my images today
and now the next watch is expected to be sold out. Phone calls have already
started coming in. Published proof that whales have been spotted always
generates sudden and massive desire to be on the next boat. Also, now that we
know they are in the area right now, the next trip will have a spotting airplane
working in tangent with the boat to direct it towards any whales.
I have an identification on the type of dolphin now too: They were Atlantic
Spotted Dolphins. Have faith that the universe will unfold as it should |
|---|
|
|---|
 ID: 199345 Posts: 391 | Date: 2008-02-11 15:19 I would recommend either the 100-400 as Charles suggests or probably better
still rent the 300 F2.8. Which might be the highest image quality Canon EF lens
made. (Both have IS which is the first must have criteria) The 1.4 extender is
going to increase the minimum aperture by 1 stop so you will have a minimum of
F-stop of 6.3. (Fortunately IS will still work). With a 300 F2.8 that will give
you a min F stop of 4. Which if my calculations are correct is 1.5 more
light.
Since these shots are still going to need to be cropped the lower the ISO the
better, as noise will show more significantly on a cropped image. Therefore the
faster lens should provide better IQ.
With a 300 + the 1.4 extender and the 1.6 crop factor you are looking at an
effective zoom of 672mm. More than adequate.
As for the monopod suggestion, I would say try it, but it's my suspicion that if
you try to stablise the monopod on the floor of a moving boat then you are going
to find it rocks as much as the boat. Hand holding will allow you to overcome
the movement of the boat by flexing your knees, the same way skiers absorb
bumps, this way you should be able to keep your upper body and camera relatively
still and with the 3 F-stop gained from the IS you should be more than fine.
That's an equivalent 672mm at an effective 1.4 F-Stop |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 183878 Posts: 1174 | Date: 2008-02-11 19:14 You can use a leather pouch with a belt loop to allow you to bend your knees
with the waves (putting the unextended monopod foot in the pouch), but I suspect
the bigger problem will be motor vibration if the boat is steady or planing.
It's the one thing I have the more difficult time with.
Yep, the 100-400 is at 5.6 at full extension, so extenders will provide a
multiplier and effect the autofocus, but not the stabilization.
Since you've probably made the boat captain's wages for the quarter, perhaps you
could get a private spot on the higher part of the boat and use a gimbal tripod
head. More vertical height and you can roll with the water.If I haven't been there, I'm still planning on going!
If I haven't done it, I've still got time to try! |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 182744 Posts: 1738 | Date: 2008-02-12 00:25 Mike, Charles....
Wow...thanks for all the tips! Good to know I can rely on you two when I venture
into unknown waters. I have never gone after deep ocean wildlife before. It sure
is very different than zipping around the calm, shallow coastal waters on a
speed boat. And at that, I have never used long lenses on the water.
Man, I zoned it today. Almost twenty years since I have been on a sailboat. I
forgot how much it drains energy. I crashed big time this afternoon. Ouch, Vern
is going to kill me for falling asleep and not calling her! Mike, I might need
some protection!
Charles, this craft is a 52' catamaran. It has a new fangled engine in it just
five days old. Quiet and very smooth. 90 horse power and you barely hear
it or feel it. Captain says he is getting mileage on it similar to a car. Whew,
I knew we were making technological advances in energy efficiency, but I did not
know we had gone that far!
I had thought of crow's nesting it, Charles, but the craft doesn't have a crows
nest. Does steady cam work for still cameras? I can borrow a steady cam
rig...but how will that work among crowds of excited people?
I like your gimbaling idea, Charles.
I will try your 300/f2, mike, providing I can find one locally. Now place to
rent here. Just two camera equipment stores. If I can get to Puerto Rico during
the week I will look for one. Or consider buying. Mighty expensive lens though
to take off the shelf once every 15 years. Although, I have found, once you get
something, you find ways to use it.
Mike, you think it is OK to tease the old salt? I was just picturing Charles in
high boots, wide brim hat and eye patch swinging from the top mast yelling "Aye,
Matey" while brandishing his camera like a sword, clicking away and banishing
bad shots with the whir of his motor drive!
Let me be nice...Charles will be here in a few weeks.
Thanks again, guys. I will put both of your tips to good use! Have faith that the universe will unfold as it should |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 183878 Posts: 1174 | Date: 2008-02-12 17:20 Avast there, matey! I shot offshore racers from a cat. The sail was stowed away
and I used the cabin roof to gain a little height. I didn't bring a tripod but I
used two monopods, had three cameras hanging off me--two with the zoom lenses
and the monopods, one wide angle. Awkward as it was, I didn't plan on having one
slide into the sea.
If there had been a rope ladder or footholds on that mast, I would have been up
it. It was in protected waters so the roll was minmal (except for wakes).
Thinking back, I could have used a tripod and gimbal head but I would have
wanted to make durn sure it was firmly tied to the mast--just in case.
It was better in a helicopter. No pods at all, just one camera around my neck,
one in my hands and one between my feet and a whole lot of switching going
on.
Speaking of 300s, there is a 120-300 Sigma available for 2100 something on ebay
and a new one for less at http://
www.dbuys.com/product/?44220&hit_id=11316701&Campaign_id=121&cart_id=21926717
But it is a monster. and needs the Jobu Design black widow gimbal head.If I haven't been there, I'm still planning on going!
If I haven't done it, I've still got time to try! |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 182744 Posts: 1738 | Date: 2008-02-12 21:55 I will check them out, Charles. I still have to think a bit about future usage
when buying lenses. With just a two to three year lifespan, I tend to obtain
only those that will get regular usage. Did you know the warranties come with
exceptions for down here? Yep, nice little clause about being void in the V.I.
Yay for us! I am putting another lens to sleep today. A 19-35mm/1.7  Mildew on the
inside elements.
I do have some other whale shots that came out OK. These were shot last June
just off of Chesapeake Bay during a harbor cruise. This guy was not supposed to
be there but I have learned that there are no hard and fast rules in the ocean.
Mammals especially are very adoptable and will go where they may, when they
may.
Shot with a 100mm. ISO 200. Very calm water that afternoon. Have faith that the universe will unfold as it should |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 182744 Posts: 1738 | Date: 2008-02-12 21:57 My knowledge of aquatic mammals is a bit lacking so I hope you will forgive me
for not identifying him. Have faith that the universe will unfold as it should |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 183878 Posts: 1174 | Date: 2008-02-13 10:51 Great whale shots, I think, if it is a beluga whale it would be far south of its
normal range.
Supposedly never spotted south of the St Lawrence river.
Re molds. Would a gun safe with moisture control work? They are floor safes
large enough to hold a variety of long guns and have shelves for pistols, For
humid regions there is an insertable rod that attracts the moisture from the
air, requires electric power. It would serve many functions in your area, roof
falls in or flys away, safe will still be there and gear inside protected.
Browning labeled versions cost around $1500 are fireproof and can be affixed to
permanent structures, making it difficult for thieves to take away. One not
fixed to anything still require four strong ment to move.If I haven't been there, I'm still planning on going!
If I haven't done it, I've still got time to try! |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 199345 Posts: 391 | Date: 2008-02-13 15:25 Carib Goodies:
My knowledge of aquatic mammals is a bit lacking so I hope you will forgive me
for not identifying him.
I'm told it is a Beluga Whale
[Edit: just read Charles post, so here's confirmation] |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 182744 Posts: 1738 | Date: 2008-02-13 18:28 Thanks for the ID, guys.
Well, ocean creatures are odd ducks. A couple times a year down here we have
news reports of sea life spotted where they have no business belonging. The
Coral World observatory will usually gather them up and ship them back to
whatever part of the world they belong.
If a penguin could make it as far as Puerto Rico, no doubt a Beluga would drift
south of its icy haunts.
I know that since DNA testing began they have found that Pacific and Atlantic
humpbacks have relatives on each side of the planet. The only way they could
ever mix is by traversing the frigid tip of South America. From one pole to the
other... that is a heck of a trek.
We see all sorts of fish, birds and sea mammals here from time to time that the
books say should not be here. Last Wednesday there was a Kingfisher hovering at
the edge of the Legislature building and diving for food. Never had those here
before.
Some years ago at an art show I was displaying some fish pictures. A certain
angel fish caught a tourists eye who happened to be an Oceanographer based in
Hawaii. He was confused because he said the coral was wrong. He told me that
angel fish only thrives in certain calm, shallow reef areas of the Hawaiians.
Since he did not believe me, I told him where to dive. He got his samples and
was still scratching his head when he left the island. 20 years ago it was not
fully accepted in the scientific community that niche species could survive
outside of their specialized habitat.
Today we know that the earth's temperatures and habitats are constantly
changing. No niche species could have survived hundreds of thousands or millions
of years if it 1) couldn't travel and 2) could not survive outside a specific
range of temperature and food supply.
The Puerto Rico zoo has Polar Bears. There is a 25' Norfolk Pine growing in my
Parents' front yard. An Australian aborigine lives down the road from me. A
young man-o-war, see my picture below, washed up on a beach in Trinidad.
Anything goes! Have faith that the universe will unfold as it should |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 182744 Posts: 1738 | Date: 2008-02-13 18:34 Oops...forgot to respond to Charles:
Well, been there, done that with the armored stuff and electronic dehumidifiers.
I had a shoot where the mildew started growing across the inside of the lens
while I was shooting! That stuff grows fast! And the
chemical dehumidifiers...you need to empty the bucket daily or it will
overflow.
Also, rubber and plastic are organic. There is a microbe that eats that stuff.
You never know when or where it will strike until you pick up a lens and the
rubber, plastic or felt crumbles off in your hands.
Hey, that's life. Wanna live in paradise, gotta watch out for Eve's friend, the
snake. But it's all good.  And I keep trying. Have faith that the universe will unfold as it should |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 182744 Posts: 1738 | Date: 2008-02-14 17:10 Interesting news:
While I was in the bookstore today where the Environmental Association of St.
Thomas (EAST) sells their tickets, the talk was of several Orca being spotted
off the south coast of St. Croix! That is a very rare sighting.
One of the customers in the store was wondering about the humpback and calf
sighted this past weekend. The concerned was raised about the Killer Whales
going after the calf.
The debate ensued about whether the government should intervene to protect the
Humpback Calf or whether nature should just take its course. The problem, of
course, is that man has already intervened. Man depleted the Humpback
population. Every humpback calf that survives is salvation for the species.
Personally, I believe that calf should be protected at all costs. True, Killer
Whales need to eat too, but there is other food for them in our waters, so the
Orca won't starve.
What do you guys think? All members should weigh in here. Whales are global
creatures, part of the entire world's environment. The matter can be addressed
to government, but first I need to show them that there is public support behind
the action. I figure that if we can find the money for war, we can find
something to find peace in the environment.
Below, a picture of a killer whale I shot a couple of years ago at Sea World in
Florida. Have faith that the universe will unfold as it should |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 183878 Posts: 1174 | Date: 2008-02-14 20:36 How would you be able to protect the calf? Captivity? Kill all the Orcas?If I haven't been there, I'm still planning on going!
If I haven't done it, I've still got time to try! |
|---|
|
|---|
ID: 182744 Posts: 1738 | Date: 2008-02-14 23:28 Charles Griffin:
How would you be able to protect the calf? Captivity? Kill all the Orcas?
Difficult, expensive and not guaranteed.
Captivity is an extreme option and like all higher mammals, both parties will
experience will experience separation anxiety. Besides, the success rate is low
in returning young captives to the wild when they reach adulthood.
Tagging and trapping of both the Orcas and the humpbacks is a possibility but
requires authorization from the highest levels.
The Orcas can be located and herded away from the area with directed sonar
bursts. Another method is to create a "noise wall" with boats. This was done in
the Sacramento River Delta to successfully herd two humpbacks out to sea. Following Whales Up a Creek
Our biggest problem in ever engaging in conservation measures in the ocean is
that we know so little about it. Only 5% of the ocean is known to us. We have,
however, managed to damage a huge portion of that eco system. There probably is
no way of knowing for certain that protecting the calf will be good for the
environment. Orcas were over hunted as well.
I certainly do not have an aversion to one species hunting the other. My problem
is when man's past activities contribute to a hunt. Orcas are rarely seen in our
waters. They are way south from their normal hunting grounds. Are they just
passing through or did they follow the humpbacks down from over-fished northern
hunting grounds? Or is the occasional long-distance tracking of humpbacks by
Orcas a natural phenomenon? Typically Caribbean waters provide safe spawning
grounds for humpbacks.
Another thing: Are the Orcas even going to be a threat to the humpbacks? We know
extremely little about their behavior in these waters. Humpbacks do not usually
eat when they are here. Does the same hold true for the Orcas?
So much we just do not know.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the University of the Virgin Islands
launched an experimental self-propelled robot submarine that is patrolling the
waters between St. Thomas and St. Croix. It would be amazing if that craft were
to sight the Orcas.
Researchers Give New Hybrid Vehicle Its First Test-Drive in the
Ocean
Monitoring Baleen Whales with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Have faith that the universe will unfold as it should |
|---|
|
|---|
 ID: 235463 Posts: 39 | Date: 2008-03-19 04:07 Howdy Carib;
That's why you never leave home without your camera. You never know when or
where you will run into that million dollar shot. |
|---|
Announcement |
|---|
| From now on 50 activity points will turn into 1 credit, so you may earn credits as easy as never before !!!
All models and photographers are able to moderate photos! We will save a lot of time for moderators this way. Please read the short instruction on how to moderate and earn points very quickly.
Also, models and photographers can moderate part of the profiles as well! This is a fast way to earn some action points and credits! |
|---|
Total results: 18 Pages: 1 [ 1] |
Jurgita forum 
