420 Dive Log Australasia OCTOBER 2026

Baby Humpback Whale

Baby Humpback Whale. Vavau, Tonga I photographed this baby calf during our guided Humpback whale Photo Tours. Whales are the largest living subjects that UW photographers will ever face so there are many challengers and important photography techniques that our participants need to learn during our tours. Following are just a few. Image by Kevin Deacon. Location: Vava’u, Tonga Genre: Wide Angle Sunlight Only Photography. Photography Data: Nikon D800, Nikkor 16 - 35mm lens, Seacam Housing, Aperture Priority Exposure Mode. ISO 1000. Exposure f8 @1/800 th sec Photo Hints: A very fast shutter speed is essential to prevent image blur as both photographer and whale are in constant motion and the water surface is rarely still so you will be jostled by its movement. My solution is to use a more sensitive ISO setting which results in faster shutter speeds available to the camera in Aperture priority mode. All compact and DSLR cameras offer this mode and its use will provide the fastest possible shutter speed at any moment in time based on the sunlight available.

This type of photography demands all the automated tools available to the camera. Auto exposure, auto focus & high speed Burst Mode. Equipment Comments: My most important tool for success is my Seacam 45 Degree Optical Viewfinder. When shooting whales from the surface it is very useful being able to look down into a large optical viewfinder while pointing the fully submerged camera housing aimed 45 degrees forward towards the subject. Interesting Facts: We time our tours to coincide with the period when the babies are more developed as they are more confident and interactive with our snorkelers. The mothers are also more relaxed and allow junior to get up close and personal with us! Kevin Deacon is a pioneer of Underwater Photography. His images have been published World Wide in prestigious books, magazines and advertising media. Kevin & Cherie Deacon operate DIVE 2000 based at Sydney’s, Northern Beaches providing Photo Guided Dive Travel Tours, Photo Guided Africa Wildlife Safaris, Sales of Underwater Photographic Equipment & Training. www.dive2000.com.au

Kevin Deacon is a pioneer of Underwater Photography. His images have been published World Wide in prestigious books, magazines and advertising media. Kevin & Cherie Deacon operate DIVE 2000 based at Sydney's, Northern Beaches providing Photo Guided Marinelife & Photo Guided Africa Wildlife Safaris. Sales of Seacam Underwater Photographic Equipment & Photography Training.

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Dive Log Australasia #420 Oct ‘26

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