"Woody" Steller Sea Lion (captive) & kids.

[Dave Taylor]

Another shot from the SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska. I don't do much with people photography, but I really enjoyed capturing the awe of the kids near this 2000 pound Steller Sea Lion. Even though you can't see their faces, you know their expressions.

Canon 50D
Tokina 12-24mm @ 12mm (cropped slightly and perspective correction)
1/80" @ F/6.3
ISO 640

I did do some cloning of the scratches on the glass of the aquarium. It looked like someone had purposely used something sharp to carve a face in the glass - sad.

There are more from this shoot on my website, in the recent Journal entry, link below
http://sixtyonenorth.com

[Bob Malbon]

Dave, That is one powerful image! More space for the swimmer would help make it better. Bob

[Dave Mills]

Hey Dave, I think this shot is great! Love the story and whats striking to me is the scale of the sea lion to the kids. I would show that shot to the center...they might love it for a brochure...

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Dave Thanks for the link to the website Really good and would recommend visiting !!! Got some awesome stuff there !! btw the vertical with the kids and the sea lion is might impressive !!! Big Congrats !!!

[Dave Taylor]

Thanks everyone, very much appreciated.
Bob - I totally agree with you, I think some empty "blue" space around Woody would really help set it off some. Unfortunately, the window isn't much bigger than what you see here. The aquarium wraps around to the left, but there is a solid wall just to the left of Woody's tail, then a vertical viewing window (the one that Alfred mentioned in his follow up post, which is in my Journal entry). I really would like to see the SeaLife Center build an addition to their facilities. Woody is huge and his play area would be better if larger. By the Bob, your avatar image - KILLER owl shot, wow!

Dave Mills - Thanks much. Actually, I have a new and quite good relationship with the SeaLife Center. They are allowing me to bring my workshop clients through for 2 long sessions each workshop, with a great behind the scenes tour. I told them that I would give them the selects of my shots, and they have given me total access to their facility any time and for as long as I want to stay. They are a non-profit, and their startup was funded mainly by money awarded after the Valdez Oil Spill. Great people there, great staff. Lucky to be working with them, and they will be using my stuff for ad campaigns.

Thank you Alfred for the kind words. I must say that your website is a favorite of mine - always checking out your work for inspiration (and a good way to bring me back down after I think I've got it nailed:))

[Sharna Lee]

Wow Dave. I think this image is wonderful. The kids in the foreground are really the icing on the cake.
What else can I add that hasn't already been said. So I'll shut up and enjoy the view. ;)

Sharna

[Dave Taylor]

Thank you Sharna:) Not for shutting up, but for your kind words!

[Dave Mills]

Hi Dave...I have a similar relationship with a raptor center. I give them access to all the images I shoot there for any use they want and they bring the birds out and we do set ups. I go there about once a year.

[Steve Canuel]

Neat shot. Really shows off the size.

[Charles Glatzer]

Dave,

Very cool and highly marketable image.

Best,

Chas

[Dave Taylor]

Thanks Dave - sounds like a great setup!

Thanks Steve,
I also photographed a younger girl in front of the viewing window - the difference in size is more dramatic, but I still go back to this one because of the kids interaction.

Thanks Chas,
Much appreciated. I am going back on Saturday. Weather through Turnagain Pass permitting. As much as you've been to Alaska, I'm sure you know how much fun that drive can be with "less than ideal" weather:)
Anyway, I'm hoping to spend a bunch of time at the SeaLife Center. This shot is cropped a little more than I would like. I was looking at a different tank and turned to see this interaction. Even though I won't be able to recreate this shot, I'm going to spend more time looking for this type of image - it's been popular so far. Honestly, this is my first time doing this type of shot - but I really liked it. Didn't know any of the kids that I photographed that day, so I gave all the parents a biz card and mailed them all prints. The parents loved them & signed releases. Good stuff all around.

[Charles Glatzer]

Dave,

FYI- some aquariums and zoos can get pretty sticky on using images for commercial gain taken at there institutions.

Chas

[Dave Taylor]

Dave,

FYI- some aquariums and zoos can get pretty sticky on using images for commercial gain taken at there institutions.

Chas

That was my immediate concern, but they have been very easy to deal with. I have a good arrangement; they get some selects & I get access, full copyright retention, a blurb with any photo used (to include my copyright symbol) and some other perks. I figure it's all networking, and may open other doors further down the line. Plus, I really like their program for marine wildlife study and rehabilitation. Plus, because of their business & tax status, I can claim each photo used as a charitable donation for deduction at tax time. At this point, I'm more about promoting their service & my photography - it's a good cause & I'm not concerned (at this point:D) with the direct money to be made. That may come later, and even if it doesn't - I love helping these kinds of organizations out. There's a lot to be said for warm and fuzzy feelings:)