How do you behave around a wild animal you’d like to photograph, but which weighs 40 tonnes, and might want to protect its young from an irritating human?
You’ll need respect, patience and time – and if you want close-ups to capture the subtle cues of emotion and character, five years might just do it.
Sydney-based filmmaker and photographer Jem Cresswell’s new coffee table book, Giants, is a stunning portfolio of humpback whale portraits, one that shares his extraordinary contacts with these huge creatures in the warm waters of Tonga.
All who have spent time underwater exploring the marine world, one so alien to our own, will know how hard it is to share those experiences with others. The average snapshot reveals little from a single moment, and nothing of the feeling of what it is to be close to and observe another animal in their natural environment.
Nor, in a single image, is it easy to describe their behaviour, or the active interaction between two species, whale and human, observing and interacting with each other.
That Cresswell does so well with these elegant and graceful black and white shots, including many close-ups, culled from over 11,000, is testament to a two-way interaction.
Cresswell has been meticulous to avoid disturbing the creatures he studies, and allowing the whales to dictate what contact they’re happy with.
For these reasons Giants is ideal for anyone who has spent time whale-watching or wants to relive an underwater encounter of their own. There is a warmth and depth to Cresswell’s photographs and minimal text, all of which reminds us that real communication can occur between two very different species.
Humpbacks and Right whales are regular visitors to Tasmania’s warming waters, and Jem reminded me that Australia has legal restrictions on how close we can safely and ethically get to them. Going too close can disturb feeding, or cause distress or aggression, so if you’re in a boat, stay 500m off and if you’re in the water snorkelling or swimming, keep back 100m – this way you’ll keep them and you safe, and if you’re really lucky, allow them to get a little closer and give you a glimpse.
Meanwhile, if there’s little chance of you getting anywhere near them any time soon, Giants is a brilliant way to see what lies below the splashes and fluke-waving we thrill to see from the shore.
Giants, by Jem Cresswell,
NewSouth – UNSW Press, ISBN: 9781761170461, RRP: $49.99
Jem Cresswell – Author, photographer
B.P. Marshall is a scriptwriter and author.
