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

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Salish Spray

When we spotted the family hunting along the eastern wall of one of the islands in the San Juan Islands, I knew this could be the perfect opportunity to capture the spray from the orca in the perfect light. The sunlight was behind the family but not yet below the trees. This provided the ideal combination of light on the blows exiting the water against a dark rock background.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2024
Date Uploaded: 10.2024
Photo Location: Friday Harbor, Washington, United States of America
Copyright: © Derek Nielsen