Posted by Paul Dileanis on October 24, 2007 at 4:37 PM
Hello all,
I registered for this forum a few months ago, but have been too busy to post until now. I thought that this image of a Mother sea otter and her 2 month old pup would make a good first contribution. I took the photo last saturday while kayaking on Elkhorn slough. One of the Sanctuary Docents had alerted me to her presence so I paddled off to find her. Once I located the otter and her pup I floated around at a respectful distance and took about a hundred images of mom and an amorphous fluff ball. I decided to leave and come back to see if her position changed and I could get a better shot. While paddling on the other side of the channel I noticed mom crossing over with pup in arms so I stationed myself in a position where I hoped they would pass by. At this time another kayaker spotted them and started chasing them down the channel at a distance of about 5 feet. After a heated exchange with the kayaker trying to explain the Marine Mammal protection act to them I moved on figuring that was it for the day. About 20 minutes later I was sitting chatting with some other kayakers and spotted mom heading up the channel towards us. We all sat quietly and she passed by close enough to get the attached image.
Oh, and a little about myself. I was raised in Santa Cruz and currently live in the Almaden Valley area of San Jose. I began my career in photography as a photographer and diver with the Navy's Pacific Fleet Combat Camera Group. I worked as a scientific and technical photographer for the Navy for 15 years. I moved back into the bay area in 1995 and started my own business doing aerial, architectural and commercial photography. I also teach photography for the REI Outdoor Schools.
Recently I have been looking to showcase my wildlife and landscape work. That is when I stumbled upon this forum. The diversity and talent of the many contributors here caught my eye and I am looking forward to becoming apart of this community.
Welcome to CANP, Paul. This is a wonderful photograph - the look on the pup's face is priceless. I am also admiring your choice of framing and depth-of-field.
Hello Paul. Welcome to the NPN site and specifically the CANP forum here. The shot posted here is just a super scene with regard to a very protective mother taking care of her little one. Hope to see more images from you as time goes by.
Again, it was very nice to meet you on line here.
Posted by Richard Wong on October 24, 2007 at 10:04 PM
Cute shot Paul. Look forward to seeing more of your work. That's noble of you to stick up for the sea otter because a lot of city slickers out there are buffoons and have no business out in nature.
Posted by Lon Overacker on October 25, 2007 at 12:18 AM
Paul,
Welcome to NPN and CANP - look forward to seeing more posts. This forumn here isn't the most active on the web, but I think you'll find we're all pretty good folk and passionate about what we do - including applauding you for respecting the rules. Your patience was justly rewarded with this fine catch of momma and her young.
Posted by Paul Dileanis on October 28, 2007 at 1:11 AM
Thank you all for your comments. I went back monday to try to find mother and pup, but they were not to be seen. I will be heading up to Yosemite this monday, hope I'm not too late for the fall. I will return to Elkhorn slough the week after to see what is new .
Posted by Ed Cooley on October 31, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Great compositional choice and the muted colors help by not detracting from the subject. Your eyes go immediately to mama's eyes/stare then when you find the pup it completes the story nicely.
Discussion
12 repliesI registered for this forum a few months ago, but have been too busy to post until now. I thought that this image of a Mother sea otter and her 2 month old pup would make a good first contribution. I took the photo last saturday while kayaking on Elkhorn slough. One of the Sanctuary Docents had alerted me to her presence so I paddled off to find her. Once I located the otter and her pup I floated around at a respectful distance and took about a hundred images of mom and an amorphous fluff ball. I decided to leave and come back to see if her position changed and I could get a better shot. While paddling on the other side of the channel I noticed mom crossing over with pup in arms so I stationed myself in a position where I hoped they would pass by. At this time another kayaker spotted them and started chasing them down the channel at a distance of about 5 feet. After a heated exchange with the kayaker trying to explain the Marine Mammal protection act to them I moved on figuring that was it for the day. About 20 minutes later I was sitting chatting with some other kayakers and spotted mom heading up the channel towards us. We all sat quietly and she passed by close enough to get the attached image.
Oh, and a little about myself. I was raised in Santa Cruz and currently live in the Almaden Valley area of San Jose. I began my career in photography as a photographer and diver with the Navy's Pacific Fleet Combat Camera Group. I worked as a scientific and technical photographer for the Navy for 15 years. I moved back into the bay area in 1995 and started my own business doing aerial, architectural and commercial photography. I also teach photography for the REI Outdoor Schools.
Recently I have been looking to showcase my wildlife and landscape work. That is when I stumbled upon this forum. The diversity and talent of the many contributors here caught my eye and I am looking forward to becoming apart of this community.
Paul
I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Regards.
Beautiful work! Look forward to seeing more.
Thanks for the comments. When you have a chance I have been trying to get more images up on the photoportfolio site;
http://members.photoportfolios.net/portfoliopfcgiauppiPAULDu23785
So many images, so little time...
Paul
Again, it was very nice to meet you on line here.
Welcome to NPN and CANP - look forward to seeing more posts. This forumn here isn't the most active on the web, but I think you'll find we're all pretty good folk and passionate about what we do - including applauding you for respecting the rules. Your patience was justly rewarded with this fine catch of momma and her young.
Lon
Wonderful photo.
Scott
This is a wonderful photograph! You were well rewarded for your patience and efforts.
If you have any questions about CANP you can post them here or send me an e-mail.
We look forward to seeing your work!
-PB
Well done.