Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Big Baby

That’s a really really really big baby! Nothing but smiles after swimming with this extra curious humpback calf in the crystal clear waters of French Polynesia. In the winter, the Polynesian islands are full of migrating whales, coming to breed and raise their babies. This young female definitely didn’t know the meaning of personal space. She kept doing circles around me until mom decided it was time to go.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: French Polynesia
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Brittany Ilardi