Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Biology Professor Photographs Arctic Whales And His Photos Will Take Your Breath Away (28 Pics)
Scientist Audun Rikardsen grew up in northern Norway and has always been fascinated by the whales of the Arctic coast. After becoming a Biology professor, and learning everything about marine life in 2010 he decided to start taking pictures. ''For me, nature photography is about having fun, telling stories, memorizing my moments and showing the public my fascination of the coastal nature, wildlife and culture, often from new and a different perspectives.''
His knowledge of wildlife also helps Rikardsen when he meets deep water creatures. The interesting thing is that when humpbacks dive they sometimes reveal unique fingerprint patterns found on the underside of the tail, and it serves as their 'identity card' for scientists such as Rikardsen.
Once the photographer even befriended a walrus named Buddy, and would often join it in the water to play. ‘‘I could tell whether it was having fun, teasing me, splashing water at my face and talking to me, or whether it was grumpy,’’ Rikardsen told The National History Museum.
More info: Audun Rikardsen Photography | Facebook (h/t: nhm)
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Jude 9 years ago
Contact Adun at http://www.audunrikardsen.com/section721091.html since he sells prints.
Load More Replies...
Opus Arte Factum Lyric 9 years ago
A revealing message to commercial shippers ,fishing boats, and disguised 'research' vessels. Thank you !
RELATED:
#2
RON CHARBONNEAU 9 years ago
Humpback Whales exhibit amazing grace of movement underwater and entertainment above the surface.
Opus Arte Factum Lyric 9 years ago
Ethereal moment in time. A reminder of why our oceans are so vital , to life on earth, to every living creature within that liquid blue environment. xoxo
#3
Sharisimone Hampton 9 years ago
Real life Earth magic!! Wow!!! What a incredible gift to receive the opportunity to experience this moment!!!
Shray Patel 9 years ago
I like how the water cascades of the whale's tail, and how the aurora borealis looks very similar to the tale.
#4
Yvonne Bernal 9 years ago
The ' unique fingerprint pattern' on the underside of the tail - I never knew there was one. Wow, how cool is that?!
Jude 9 years ago
Yes, researchers have been keeping track of humpback populations and how far some individuals have traveled. Volunteers have helped by photographing the tails of humpback too.
Load More Replies...
#5
#6
Frida Nyberg 8 years ago
Ohmigod the whale looks like Morgan! (And a little like Shouka, but she's Icelandic.)
#8
#9
Sharisimone Hampton 9 years ago
This is so spiritual! The mighty whale giving salutations to the sky!!! AND Receives a blessing in return from the (did any one notice?) eagle soaring above!!! A very cool unity of the elements in harmony.
#10
Nikki Franklin 9 years ago
All your pics totally breathtaking hope one day I get to see one of these amasing animals
#11
Sharisimone Hampton 9 years ago
"...and here I am on vacation off the coast of..." as if this orca is posing for the pic!
#13
Sharisimone Hampton 9 years ago
Another 'just at the right moment' picture. Magically enchanting.
#15
Sharisimone Hampton 9 years ago
This is powerfully impacting!!! I am truly moved by this photo.
#16
Sharisimone Hampton 9 years ago
I think they're celebrating...laughing and singing. Like at a birthday party!
#17
#19
Speedy_Sloth 9 years ago
Wow I wonder what kind of camera takes these wonderful and breathtaking shots
Squiddosnazz 9 years ago
We learn in school how big these animals are - but it takes seeing these amazing pics to fully realize
#20
Sharisimone Hampton 9 years ago
Are you a professional photographer or a Biologist? I love color filters! Either way, you're good!
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Yvonne Bernal 9 years ago
Audun Rikardsen is one excellent photographer.... you open the window for others to capture a glimpse of the majestic creatures coexisting on our planet.
Jane The Tiger 9 years ago
Beautiful photos... But the killer whale is actually a dolphin. They actually kill whales though, which is probably how they got their name!
Zita Zimmermann 9 years ago
Incredible shots! You are lucky to see all these with your own eyes <3
Gaijin Arts 9 years ago
Some of the best whale photos I've seen ever. I strive to be just as majestic as these whales.
Yvonne Bernal 9 years ago
Audun Rikardsen is one excellent photographer.... you open the window for others to capture a glimpse of the majestic creatures coexisting on our planet.
Jane The Tiger 9 years ago
Beautiful photos... But the killer whale is actually a dolphin. They actually kill whales though, which is probably how they got their name!
Zita Zimmermann 9 years ago
Incredible shots! You are lucky to see all these with your own eyes <3
Gaijin Arts 9 years ago
Some of the best whale photos I've seen ever. I strive to be just as majestic as these whales.
You May Like 30 Animal Panorama Fails That Are So Bad They're Good Magical Rainbow Pics That People Happened To Capture (40 Pics)
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Miglė
Related on Bored Panda
