Prince William Sound is home to abundant marine life. And one of the favorites is the sea otter. Once decimated to near extinction for their prized fur, the US west coast population has come back, thanks to protective measures. They are ravenous eaters, and they appear cute and cuddly. In fact they are quite large, and like all wild animals, can defend themselves with vigor. I’ve been photographing annually in Prince William Sound since 1989, with extended thanks to captain Dean Rand of Discovery Voyages, for offering access to this marvelous place. For one of Alaska’s classiest and authentic Alaska excursions, check out what they offer. It is superb. The best results photographing otters from a motor vessel are achieved with a long lens, preferably image stabilized, shoot from as low to the water as you can get, and plan to slowly motor past them in a non-direct approach.
Sea otter in Port Wells, Prince William SoundCanon 1Ds Mark II, 500mm f4.0L IS, w/1.4 extender, 1/1000 sec @f9.0, ISO 400
