The Great Wing

The roughly translated scientific name of the Humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, means Great Wing of New England.

Indeed, there can be few sights more alluring or entrancing than the huge foil-like wing of the Humpback Whale hoisted ten feet clear of the water with a cascade of droplets streaming from its glistening surface.

Of the many privileged and breath taking opportunities I have had to create works celebrating the size, span and wonder of a huge whale fluke hoisted clear of the ocean, this image ranks amongst my most cherished.

You can wait months, and often years, for moments like this where weather, accommodating subject, light, sea state, and proximity to an intriguing angle of an elevated fluke all align for one magical moment.

I remember waking up on this November morning far off the African coast and seeing the wonderfully contrasting light, ruffled sea state and a huge pod of advancing whales coming closer, knowing that this morning would be my chance to capture something special.

The mood created by an advancing Atlantic storm, the sheer size of the fluke hoisted in close proximity to me, and the low angle from which I was able to shoot gives the image a wonderfully intimate and artistic feel that I believe sets it apart from many of my other works.

Available Sizes
Large: 146cm x 99cm – AED 33,180
Classic: 118cm x 80cm – AED 26,334

Available Editions
Large: 12
Classic: 12

CHRIS FALLOWS