Sea Lions at play
by Mark ~ August 1st, 2009. Filed under: Destinations, favorite moments, nature photography, processing, underwater photography, wildlife.
Sea Lions at play
I recently reprocessed this photograph that was originally shot back in 2001 on a trip to the Galapagos Islands. There isn’t much dramatic change from the original version, just a bit more contrast and pop I wanted to add. However, aside from the technical processing tweaks, this photograph remains symbolic of one of my most memorable experiences with wildlife.
There is a sea lion colony off Santiago Island in the Galapagos that congregates around a place called “Cousins Rock.” The name is appropriate, because this “island” looks like a rock sticking out of the ocean, although a rather large one. Waves and surf crashed against and battered its surface, making it look like a particularly unfriendly place to visit. But the sea lions like it, and I am sure it offers some protection against predators.
Tug-of-War
As we took the inflatable craft from the main boat to this rock, our dive guide handed us a rope. At first we thought it was because of heavy currents in the area. But he explained..”No, this is for tug-of-war.” The sea lions apparently get a lot of amusement not only swimming around clumsy divers, but having their way with you in a game of tug-of-war as well. As you can imagine, it was great fun.
Working on this image again reminds me of so many things – the playful nature of these wonderful animals, the crashing surf of the environment, and the effortlessness of their movement underwater. It is one of those experiences that you remember for a lifetime.
August 1st, 2009 at
Hi! Love the picture of selions at play. Thanks for posting that again (I haven`t seen it before).
BR Lars Andreas Dybvik
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August 1st, 2009 at
Hi Mark, the photo of playing sealions is amazing! Thanks for posting. It must have been unforgettable experience.
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August 1st, 2009 at
Wonderful scene and image Mark, that must have been an incredible adventure, thanks for sharing it with us !!
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August 2nd, 2009 at
Mark, what a wonderful experience these photos so beautifully represent. I think it’s easy to lose touch with the fact that we are but one of many intelligent species on this blue/green planet. Your visit to the sea lions environment was one I truly envy-beautiful photos, sir.
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August 3rd, 2009 at
Your photographs give me a welcome peek into one of the planet’s gifts that I will never enjoy except vicariously. And, by the way, the blues are stunning. How nice for us that you periodically revisit old files.
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August 4th, 2009 at
Thanks a lot folks. It would be nice to get back there someday.
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August 5th, 2009 at
Cool shot Mark. Was that your first experience with underwater photography?
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August 5th, 2009 at
Thanks Richard. To your question – no it wasn’t – I would have to go back to around 1994 for that!
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August 6th, 2009 at
Surely a tremendous experience this must have been. Beautiful shot.
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August 7th, 2009 at
[...] See the original post here: Graf Nature Photography | Notes from the woods » Sea Lions at play [...]
August 7th, 2009 at
What an amazing experience!!! Great pictures of sealions.
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