Pacific Whale Foundation Offers Whale Photo Safari Cruises

Learn about whale photography from the experts

Ma’alaea, HI – It happens time and again – photographers and whale enthusiasts line up along the decks of whalewatch cruises, cameras poised and ready, watching a whale arch up into a perfect breach and hoping to catch that perfect shot; but every time the snap was just a second too late, the light or angle not quite right. To help end these and other photographic frustrations, Pacific Whale Foundation is offering two “Whale Photo Safari” cruises where participants can learn tips from expert whale photographers on how to shoot amazing whale photos.

The Whale Photo Safari Cruises will take place from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 21 and Saturday, April 3. That time of day typically offers rich golden light that’s perfect for whale photos. The cruises will take place on Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Explorer from Lahaina Harbor. With a capacity of just 49 passengers and stadium-style seating, this vessel is a favorite of wildlife photographers year-round.

Participants will learn industry-insider tips and tricks on shooting photos of whales from professional photographers. You will also have a chance to try out Pacific Whale Foundation’s professional Canon cameras and gear. After the cruise, participants will receive (by mail) a free DVD of whale images taken during the cruise. They will also be invited to pick up a free color whale poster at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Store.

Passengers will be served a complimentary tropical-style continental breakfast and refreshments throughout the cruise.

The workshops will be led by Pacific Whale Foundation researcher Annie Macie and marine life photographers Monica and Michael Sweet. Annie has served for the last three years as lead photographer for the Pacific Whale Foundation research team, studying and photographing numerous marine species throughout the Pacific. Her work has included three seasons of studying whales in eastern Australia, and one season studying whales in Ecuador.

Monica and Michael Sweet have spent the last decade creating beautiful photographs of the Hawaiian Islands and the surrounding marine life. They have won over 20 international awards for excellence in art and photography, shown their photographs in galleries, and had their work published in major magazines, books, greeting cards and calendars. They seek to create compositions that tell a story, have good abstract lines for the eye to follow, and a fluid mix of highlights and shadows, and emphasize that lighting is critical.

Pacific Whale Foundation’s first Whale Photo Safari took place in February as part of the “Watching Whales, Saving Whales” Symposium. “All participants had a wonderful time on the first photo safari, from those with the most basic cameras and photographic experience to veteran photographers with ultra-sophisticated equipment,” says Macie. “It’s a thoroughly unique and enjoyable cruise, and certainly something no aspiring whale photographer should miss. It will really make a difference in all your future whalewatching experiences.”

Tickets for the Whale Photo Safari Cruise are $99.95 per person. For reservations, please call Pacific Whale Foundation at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1, or visit www.pacificwhale.org/mauiecocruises.

Photographers can also visit Pacific Whale Foundation’s new Adventure Photo area in Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Store in the Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea. At Adventure Photo, you can rent or purchase digital cameras and underwater cameras or binoculars. Photos taken on rented cameras during Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures can be burned onto CDs or printed right in the store upon passengers’ return. For more information, call the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at (808) 856-8323.