16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
On the Brink

The ocean’s health is at the mercy of the decisions we make. In this picture, I was able to capture the moment just before a young humpback whale breaks through the surface of the water. The poignant moment, frozen in time, is symbolic to the beguilingly quiet crossroad of the ocean's fate.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2016
Date Uploaded: 11.2018
Photo Location: Vava'u, Tonga
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Copyright: © Mok Wai Hoe