About the Photo:
In an amazing display of nature, visitors to Port San Luis had the opportunity to get up close and personal with Humpback Whales feeding on a bait ball in the Harbor. Amongst the Whales were diving Pelicans, Heermann’s gulls, Harbor Seals, Dolphins, Seal Lions, Elegant Terns and of course Kayaks. This photo was taken on August 20th, 2012 from the Harford Pier where observers were given the rare opportunity to see Humpback Whales lunge feeding mere feet from where they were standing.
About the Photographer: Donald Quintana
As a nature and wildlife photographer based in Los Osos, California, Donald Quintana’s passion for nature and love of art fuels his photographic vision. Finding comfort and renewal by spending time amidst the wonders of the natural world, his greatest enjoyment comes from capturing those fleeting moments in nature that are often missed by the casual observer and sharing them with others.
A self-taught photographer, his formal education in art and design help him to see and compose pleasing images of the natural world. Quintana became serious about his photography in 2007 when, at the encouragement of friends and family, he entered his first photography contest. Taking first place in the Flora category, gave him the drive necessary to pursue nature and wildlife photography full time. Several years later, entering the same contest, he took first place in the Animal category. Most recently, Quintana received the honor of being a tier III winner for the prestigious 2010 NANPA Expressions annual. It is a publication that highlights the top 250 photographs from the NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association) Showcase competition held each year. It displays the very best photographs selected from thousands of submissions by a juried panel of industry professionals.
In addition to being a member of the North American Nature Photographers Association (NANPA), he also belongs to the San Luis Obispo Camera Club, The Morro Photo Expo program committee and the Photo Morro Bay Yahoo group.
More images are located at Quintana’s Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/donaldquintana/ or stop by www.donaldquintana.com or www.quintanastudios.com.