A newborn and family portrait photographer by trade, Marjorie Cohen is still fairly new to underwater photography. Although she's mostly been working on documentary style portraits underwater, she recently took a trip to Moorea in French Polynesia where she got the amazing opportunity to photograph humpback whales, plus some sharks and stingrays too.
A calf playfully swims around his mama as they come up together for air. His lungs can only hold oxygen for about 3-5 minutes, while hers can sustain 12-15 minutes underwater. The calf will surface on his own while the mother rests at a lower depth. When they rise together, they are in constant contact, swimming and playing together at the surface. Moorea, French Polynesia - September, 2022. © Marjorie Cohen
A few moments later, the pair is joined by a male escort who has been traveling with them. Moorea, French Polynesia - September, 2022. © Marjorie Cohen
A unique view of the terrestrial and marine world coming together in beautiful Moorea, French Polynesia. September, 2022. © Marjorie Cohen
Stingrays and black-tip sharks approach in the hopes of receiving some food scraps in this patch of shallow waters known as The Sandbar. September, 2022. © Marjorie Cohen
A curious humpback calf plays on the surface and checks out the snorkelers while mom rests below. Moorea, French Polynesia - September, 2022. © Marjorie Cohen
A humpback calf pops up for air and poses for the camera. Moorea, French Polynesia - September, 2022. © Marjorie Cohen
Moorea, French Polynesia - September, 2022. © Marjorie Cohen
A humpback whale waves goodbye as it leaves to explore other waters, flashing its beautiful fluke at the camera. Moorea, French Polynesia - September, 2022. © Marjorie Cohen
Marjorie Cohen lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband and two kiddos and works as a Newborn & Family Photographer. She's recently started to explore underwater photography where she can bring together two of her biggest passions: photography and the ocean. Marjorie uses the Canon EOS R5 in an Ikelite Underwater Housing and 8 inch Dome Port for her underwater images. You can check out more of Marjorie's work on her website.
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Additional Reading
Gray Whales, Blue Water | Photographing Humpback Whales in Moorea
Worth The Upgrade | Canon EOS R5 and R6 Full Frame Mirrorless Underwater [VIDEO]
Tonga Underwater with Humpback Whales and Grant Thomas
How to Shoot Split Shots (Half-In, Half-Out of the Water)
Customer Photos | Jillian Morris Sharks4Kids
Techniques for Photographing Sharks
Up Close and Personal: A Guide to Underwater Animal Portraits
