3rd Place Wide-Angle

Gregory Sherman

"Humpback Calf"

Gregory has won a Video 2000 light from I-Torch!

The story: While sitting on the bow of the boat during the surface interval I saw a mother and calf repeatedly surface in a cove not far from the boat.  I was disappointed to hear that next dive wasn't in this cove.  I talked with one of the dive masters who wasn't guiding anyone about separating from the main group and giving the cove a try.  We both thought it was an all or nothing proposition.  None of the other divers wanted to risk a dive and instead opted for the more probable option of seeing mantas and hammerheads. After the main group had dropped in at the main site we went back to the cove and back-rolled in.  As we were descending the calf appeared out of the depths.  It seemed to be making a beeline for me.  As the Calf passed within 2 meters of me on its way to the surface, I could see that its closest eye was watching me.  I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the creature.  With my heart racing, I brought up the camera and was able to squeeze of a few clicks.  This is the result of that magnificent encounter.

Location:  San Benedicto Island, Archipielago Revillagigedo, Mexico

Camera:  Canon 5Dmk3 in a Sea & Sea housing, dual Inon z240IV strobes, Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens

Settings:  1/125sec at f11.  ISO 640

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