Rachel Suzanne Tien Wood

My first time in Tahiti also was my first time photographing humpback whales. From the leaky first dunks in the water with the AquaTech housing with the camera, to the ruined drone, short fins that were too big, leaking masks, sunburnt armpits, stolen cameras, etc... this was not a luxury or easy trip. 

But it was one of growth and serenity. I have always been terrified of the ocean and currents. I used to have night terrors of sharks and monsters deep in the ocean blues. But when Kori reached out to me and offered me this chance to photograph one of the largest mammals in the world, I had to say YES. 

Day 4 on the water.  
Mother, child and female escort sighted resting in the protected lagoon of Moorea. Humans are not allow to get in the water with them in the shallow lagoon waters, so that they can rest in peace.

The drone unfortunately took a nosedive into the boat and then into the ocean, but I was able to get the dead drone and save the memory card!

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