Killer Whales, Alaska – Image 2592

Every once in a while, I put a slide on the light table and stare in wonder. I ask myself if I really could have taken such a photo. This is one of those photos that I consider one of my best of all time. I was out in a boat with my friend and fellow wildlife junkie, Jim Collins. We were dead in the water when these three killer whales came barreling down on us. I was hanging over the edge of the boat, trying to get a low angle so that it would look like I was in the water with the whales. They passed directly beneath us, misting my lens as they passed by. This image illustrates the month of November in my 2009 Juneau Alaska Calendar which has been published for 20 consecutive years.Nikon F5, Lens: 500mm f/4 Nikkor, Fuji Velvia slide film-Mark Kelley