Salish Spray

San Juan Islands, 2024

Limited Edition Fine Art Print of 6—After weeks of searching for orcas in the San Juan Islands, I finally spent a full evening with them—not just a full evening, one I’ll never forget. In my mind, I knew the shots I was looking for, but capturing powerful images of orcas is so much more complicated than one can imagine. First, you have to find orcas, which is a challenge in its own right. Second, the conditions have to be cooperative. When we spotted the family hunting along the eastern wall of one of the islands, I knew this could be the perfect opportunity. The sunlight was behind the family but not yet below the trees. This provided the ideal combination of light on the blows exiting the water against a dark rock background. The results were like nothing I had ever seen and something I am incredibly proud to share with my collectors. Copyright Derek Nielsen Photography.