seal of approval

The olde evil eye

Great expression and camera angle.

What could have been a 'common' snapshot has been turned into one that really 'catches the eye'..no pun intended ;) Good job!

It looks like you scared her. That wasn't very nice of you but you got the shot. Was it worth it?

Actually, Kent, seals are very curious. I never approach them. I never come closer than 100 meters and I sit in my boat waiting for them to come to me. They frequently approach as close as 2 meters. One should never purposly try to scare marine wildlife as you have implied. I am very careful and I move as little as possible. Remember, this shot was taken with a 600mm telephoto and is less than 25% of the original frame.

This is an excellent shot. Perhaps a bit more DOF but great as it is.

Thanks David. I am glad to hear the amount of respect you give these animals. I believe that if the animal is made to feel fear or even discomfort the photog is too close. I am probably reading human body language in this animal but she looks afraid. It's the way she's swimming away from you and looking back over her shoulder. If this is the one who has a pup she is even more cautious than usual. She is a beautiful creature and you did a good job of capturing her. Again, I am glad you are respectful of her. Paul Strand and HCB both have maintained that it is the respect the photog has for his subject that makes the difference between a good photograph and a bad one.

hmmm. 100 meters is the length of a football field and in the details it says you used a 80-400mm zoom.

Kent: please reread my comment. One is not allowed to approach but it is ok if they come to you which they do all the time. I just sit there and be as quiet and still as possible. This adult approached me at about 5 meters.