#karim lliya

[sitting-on-me-bum]

"Barrel Roll"

A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf

Moreai Rurutu, French Polynesia.

By Karim Iliya

BigPicture Natural World photography competition

[demeter1111]

Photo by Karim lliya

“Eye contact with a humpback whale can be a

powerful experience. They are intelligent,

curious, social animals, with unique

personalities and moods. They gather

across the world for a few months to

socialize, breed, and raise their newborn

calves. This is the eye of a humpback whale calf

that came over to me while I was free

diving. I have seen grown women and men

brought to tears after coming face-to-face

with whales. In moments like this I cannot

bring myself to put my camera in front of

my face and look through the viewfinder.

Instead I rely on my instinct and my hands

to compose and shoot the photos without

looking, so that I can use my eyes to

experience these brief moments. “

[seasoflife]

karim lliya - photographer

mtgayrum