Where to go for Humpbacks?

[Jonathan Bird]

OK, so I went to the Silver banks a few years ago....the water was milky and the whales were a bit stand-offish, although I know it can be hit or miss with whales. I was underwhelmed.

It is illegal in Hawaii.

The chances of actually getting near them in the Revillagigedos is slim.

That pretty much leaves the Tonga/Tuvalu/south pacific area. Anyone been there? Where is the BEST place on the planet to photograph Humpback whales in clear water? I'm thinking about a Blue World segment with Humpbacks.

Thanks in advance.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

What about Niue?

http://www.niueisland.com/dolphinwhale/

[tarczy]

Wow!!

That little island looks like a great dive site for whale encounters!! Since it's such a b**ch to get to, I'll bet one doesn't have to put up with many tourists. I'll also bet that you can probably get the natives to let you do just about anything in your quest to film whales.

Can't say much for the hotels and resorts on the island. But, I guess if you're tired enough, you won't notice the lack of luxury.

Let me know if you're going to go. I've been thinking about doing Fiji, but everyone has been to Fiji. I'd rather do something like this.

[Jonathan Bird]

I have been thinking about it. It's where Amos Nachoum goes for whales. The problem is you have to fly all the way to friggin' AUCKLAND NZ to get there!!

[Jonathan Bird]

Wow!!I'll also bet that you can probably get the natives to let you do just about anything in your quest to film whales.

"Yeah, can you guys wrestle a whale into a big pen for me so the damn thing will stop swimming away?" :D

[Jonathan Bird]

I have contacted Dive Niue (http://www.dive.nu/) to see what they say. Stand by!

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

I heard from the Niue people and they did not sound very confident. I spoke to some people from Tonga at DEMA who showed me some video and pictures and I feel a lot more confident about Tonga for this adventure. AND it's a lot easier to get to from the USA (fly LA to Fiji and Fiji to Tonga.).

I'm working on a possible trip for 2009. Anyone want to go see some Humpbacks?

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

I heard from the Niue people and they did not sound very confident. I spoke to some people from Tonga at DEMA who showed me some video and pictures and I feel a lot more confident about Tonga for this adventure. AND it's a lot easier to get to from the USA (fly LA to Fiji and Fiji to Tonga.).

I'm working on a possible trip for 2009. Anyone want to go see some Humpbacks?

Jonathan

Always ready!

Jukka

[tarczy]

A very good buddy of mine, Rod Kline, just returned from a month-long stay in Tonga shooting humpback whales. I really love Rod's work. Every photo he publishes is worthy of hanging on my living room wall. Here are a few pics from his Facebook page . . .

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs259.snc1/10628_1091114409328_1570541996_30218835_6476283_n. jpg http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs259.snc1/10628_1091114489330_1570541996_30218837_4187208_n. jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs259.snc1/10628_1091114729336_1570541996_30218843_581038_n.j pg http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs279.snc1/10628_1091114849339_1570541996_30218846_3147840_n. jpg

God, I love his work!! Someday, when I grow up, I'd like to be half the photographer Rod is. Anyway, Rod stayed at Dive Vava'u (http://www.divevavau.com/) and the Nai'a Liveaboard (http://www.naia.com.fj/).

Jonathan, if you ever put together a Tonga trip, Christine and I will be the first to sign up (yes, this time we'll really go). And, if you wait too long, we'll probably just go ourselves, but it would be much more fun going with the group. ;)

P.S. If you subscribe to Facebook, you can see Rod's work here (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/rod.klein), or by visiting his website (http://www.rhkuw.com/newsletter/sept09.html).

[sorvju-f]

A very good buddy of mine, Rod Kline, just returned from a month-long stay in Tonga shooting humpback whales. I really love Rod's work. Every photo he publishes is worthy of hanging on my living room wall. Here are a few pics from his Facebook page . . .

God, I love his work!! Someday, when I grow up, I'd like to be half the photographer Rod is. Anyway, Rod stayed at Dive Vava'u (http://www.divevavau.com/) and the Nai'a Liveaboard (http://www.naia.com.fj/).

Jonathan, if you ever put together a Tonga trip, Christine and I will be the first to sign up (yes, this time we'll really go). And, if you wait too long, we'll probably just go ourselves, but it would be much more fun going with the group. ;)

P.S. If you subscribe to Facebook, you can see Rod's work here (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/rod.klein), or by visiting his website (http://www.rhkuw.com/newsletter/sept09.html).

I have no words...

Jukka

[solisti]

I have one. Wowza!

[Jonathan Bird]

Mark,
I have been thinking about a Tonga trip for years. It might be time to schedule it. Can you find out the best best best time to go from Rod?

And are you sure he is OK with his pics being reposted here?

Jonathan

[tarczy]

Mark,
I have been thinking about a Tonga trip for years. It might be time to schedule it. Can you find out the best best best time to go from Rod?

And are you sure he is OK with his pics being reposted here?

Jonathan


I'll call Rod and ask about the "best time" to go to Tonga. Regarding his images being re-posted here . . . I hot-linked the images from his Facebook page. So, if he takes them down from Facebook, they're gone from UWPC. In other words, I am not hosting his images.

In my mind, once you put your images on something like Facebook, they're out there in the public domain. If that's not how it works, and you would feel more comfortable with me obtaining his permission, I'm more than happy to do so.

How'd your Goliath Grouper shoot go?

[solisti]

I would feel more comfortable if you asked for the permission.

All user do have the option of choosing who sees their pictures so obviously he has chosen to show them to all (?). The sad thing is that if you read the small print in Facebook rules I believe there is a statement that they can free of charge use all your content for advertising.

I have deleted all my facebook photos...

[Jonathan Bird]

I'm just surprised that Rod would post his images on Facebook without a copyright. The copyright at least keeps his name on the image when they get re-posted elsewhere.

I'm not sure I agree about the "public domain" comment. A photographer owns the copyright to his images no matter what, and just because he posts them on a website doesn't mean that he is giving permission to repost them on another. You have been considerate enough to credit the images in the re-post, but many people do not. I think you should ask his permission. I do not know what kind of relationship you have with Rod, but I understand you are friends. So maybe I'm being paranoid.

The Goliath Grouper shoot was awesome....I'll post some comments in the thread.

Jonathan