Getting Up Close With The Whales - Jem Cresswell On Being Immersed In The Animal Kingdom And Photographing Life Underwater

So imagine swimming with humpback whales in the tropical waters of Tonga. Now imagine spending enough time swimming with them over five years to end up with 11,000 portrait photographs of them. Not wide angle shots from afar, but up close and personally, feelings their fins, watching the movement of an eye, hearing the sound and power of their voice and song. Imagine swimming with tiger sharks, whale sharks, what about Australian fur seals or manta rays? That’s what Jem Cresswell has built a career and life around over the last 20 years. His mastery of craft as an underwater photographer is near peerless internationally, and recently he released his first book, Giants, which captures his time in Tonga with thousands of humpback whales. It’s a stunning book, reflective of his broader skills and experiences where for two decades he has captured the wonder and beauty of life underwater.

As I said at the top, we all hope for greater, grander results and outcomes in many parts of our lives at the beginning of a new year, but Jem is here to remind us all that time in nature and with wildlife is a sure path to greater satisfaction, contentment and joy. I can think of few better things to aspire to this year than to spend more time in parks or beaches, in the bush or on mountains. Jem’s work showcases the spectacular beauty of life underwater, and his work on Giants is nothing short of extraordinary. I was moved sitting and spending time with the 100 plus images the book contains - from mothers with new born calf to vertically upright males and the playful curiosity of sub adults - this book captures the brilliance of the natural world.

We chat about many of Jem’s trips around the world capturing the sights of life underwater, but we also get into the role and necessity of creativity and how he approaches making great works of art, how to take better photos ourselves and the role of evocative imagery as a tool for the change maker.

Jem Cresswell brings a wonderful underwater world to each and every one of us. I hope you’re inspired by this to go seek out nature where you can this year. 

This show and Finding Nature wouldn’t be the operation it is without the help, support and the creation of the theme song by Rob Rogers. Thanks also to Leah Mazzone who built the finding nature website. For everything Finding Nature head to findingnature.com.au, plus give us a follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Substack and Humanitix - because too many digital platforms are barely enough.

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