Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Gentle Giants

As these humpback whales played on the surface, I slipped beneath the water at the same time as one of the whales. I felt a connection and a mutual respect between myself and these gentle giants. It's moments like these where time stands still.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Mo'orea, French Polynesia
Camera: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Copyright: © Aaron Lynton
Awards
Photo of the Day: 05.17.22