Your wildlife photography guide.
Explore the southern right whale in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the southern right whale in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the southern right whale in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the southern right whale’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Southern right whale
Scientific name: Eubalaena australis
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: BALAENIDAE
Group: Marine mammals
Sensitivity to human approach: Very shy
Minimum approach distance: 100 m
Reproductive period: April to May
Duration: 365 jours
Births: April to May
Habitat:
Temperate coastal waters and sheltered bays
Activity period :
Activity varies depending on season, weather, or human pressure.
Identification and description:
The southern right whale is a large baleen whale in the family Balaenidae, measuring 13–18 m in length and weighing up to 80 tonnes. Its robust body lacks a dorsal fin and is covered with white callosities on the head. It inhabits temperate coastal waters of the Southern Hemisphere and feeds on zooplankton by slow-swimming filter feeding. During the breeding season, females give birth to and nurse calves in sheltered bays.
Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
Approach quietly by boat to about 100 m, and shoot at water level to capture the blow and silhouette. Choose sunrise or sunset for raking light, and use a fast shutter speed to freeze the spout.
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