The moment I made eye contact with a whale: A photographer's encounter with the elusive dwarf minke whale
By Isabelle Gerretsen
The ocean is a vast and mysterious realm, and within its depths, we find creatures of immense beauty and intrigue. Among these creatures, the dwarf minke whale stands out as a captivating and elusive species. In a recent encounter, Brazilian photographer Marcia Riederer had a life-changing experience while making eye contact with one of these majestic creatures in the Great Barrier Reef.
Riederer's journey began with a simple rope, which she held in the water as a means of interaction with the whales. But it was the moment of eye contact that truly transformed her perspective. The whale, the size of a large van, stared directly at her, and in that instant, time seemed to slow down. Riederer describes it as an intense and amazing feeling, one that left her with goosebumps and tears.
The encounter was captured on camera, and the resulting black-and-white image is a masterpiece. It is a testament to the whale's elegance and curiosity, and it has been recognized as a work of art. Judge and deep ocean photographer Laurent Ballesta described it as a perfect blend of gentleness and harmony, a feeling that one would want to sink into.
The Great Barrier Reef is a unique place where dwarf minke whales congregate predictably each year. Professor Alastair Birtles, a marine biologist, has dedicated over three decades to studying these whales. He reveals that we still know very little about their behavior and migration patterns, and their presence in the Great Barrier Reef was only discovered in the 1980s.
Birtles explains that the whales gather along the outer edge of the reef to learn and mate. They perform belly presentations, a courtship behavior that allows them to utilize their binocular vision and get a better view of their surroundings. This behavior is not limited to whales; they are incredibly curious and want to look at humans just as humans look at them.
Riederer spent several days in the water with a total of 40 inquisitive whales, and she witnessed their graceful movements and awareness of their surroundings. Despite their proximity, she did not reach out, as it is illegal to touch a dwarf minke whale in Australia. This encounter was a special moment, as the whales came to her, and they never touched anyone, demonstrating their awareness and graciousness.
The dwarf minke whales are an elusive species, and there are currently no accurate population estimates. Birtles highlights the threat of changing currents and temperatures to this whale species, as they are small whales undertaking a significant migration. Riederer's photos, described as technically wonderful by Birtles, showcase the whale's sharp snout, dark throat patches, and contrasting patterns, resembling a watercolor painting.
Photographers like Riederer play a vital role in scientific research, helping scientists identify and study these whales. Birtles emphasizes the importance of the dive industry and photographers in carrying out this research. Riederer's encounter with the whale has left a profound impact, and she hopes that her photos will inspire people to feel more connected to nature, treating these whales with the respect they deserve.
In conclusion, the moment of eye contact with a whale is a life-changing experience, offering a glimpse into the beauty and mystery of the ocean. It is a reminder of the importance of conservation and the need to protect these creatures and their habitats.
