FIRST PLACE IN NATIONAL WILDLIFE PHOTO CONTEST

We are pleased to announce that our split level photo of spawning sockeye salmon was awarded First Place in the 39th annual National Wildlife Federation photo contest.




We have a strong collection of high resolution images of endangered Pacific salmon, including all five species. To see more of our photos, click here.

Happy Holidays!

OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

Our marine photos of humpback whales, sea turtles, sharks, and bluefin tuna have been included in a new film produced by NRDC (The Natural Resources Defense Council) titled "Acid Test". Take a look at www.acidtestmovie.com

We are proud to have contributed to this powerful presentation on the only recently acknowledged environmental issue of how our oceans are becoming more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide levels. This increased acidity has profound negative effects on shell-building creatures such as snails, crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimp and other commercially valuable shellfish), and even coral reefs.

e: brandoncole@msn.com
w: www.brandoncole.com
t: 509-535-3489

BRYDE'S WHALES FEEDING ON BAITBALLS

Earlier I reported on our very successful marlin shoot. But I did not mention that in addition to striped marlin, I also was fortunate enough to capture some of the most dramatic underwater feeding shots of Bryde's Whales (Balaenoptera brydei) in the world today. I wish I could say that these pictures of this unusal rorqual whale resulted from careful research, but that would be a lie. I had absolutely no idea that these baleen whales were going to show up to crash the marlin party. I was simply in the right place at the right time. Lady Luck deserves much of the credit this time. Anyhow, it was quite the experience to have to dodge the rapier-like bills of fiesty marlin AND twenty tons of blubber at the same time. The National Geographic Magazine has just published two of the images in the October 2009 issue, and I can finally post my collection on my web site. Photos here: ( link )

BRYDE'S WHALES PHOTOS IN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE

We're pleased to announce that two of our new Bryde's Whale underwater photos from Mexico have just been published in the National Geographic Magazine, October 2009 issue, as double page spreads in a feature titled "In Hot Pursuit." Both shots show 35 foot long whales on the hunt, zeroing in on a baitball of sardines also being targeted by marlin and sea lions.

Dramatic pictures of this elusive baleen whale species are very rare. We are among the first in the world to capture their feeding behavior underwater. A collection of dramatic photos have been posted to our web site .

SLIDESHOW OF NEW MANGROVE PHOTOGRAPHS

We've built a Flash slideshow of our new mangrove images.

Mangroves are that tangle of shrubbery at ocean's edge, lining tropical coastlines throughout much of the world. At first glance, the tangle may be one's only impression, but this often overlooked marine habitat is much more. Indeed, mangroves are vital for a healthy ocean and the people who live nearby. They act as natural breakwaters providing a buffer between coastal communities and wave-borne storms. Mangroves are home to a diverse throng of birds, fishes and invertebrates. They are critical nursery grounds to many commercially valuable seafood species.

But all is not well in this verdant ecosystem. Around the globe, mangroves are under attack and disappearing at an alarming rate. High-rise condos and sprawling oceanfront developments see mangroves as prime real estate. Garbage collects in the buttress-like roots of mangrove trees and pollutants seep into the sediments. Shrimp farms and other aquaculture enterprises all too often transform mangrove wildlife sanctuaries into ecological nightmares.

Pictures of man's impact on the mangrove habitat.

Photos of marine biologists conducting research on lemon sharks in the mangroves.

Brandon Cole Marine Photography imagery is born of the world's oceans–colorful and creative, dramatic and effective. A top specialist in his field, Cole brings you a comprehensive collection of whales, dolphins, sharks, fish and invertebrates, scuba divers and many other subjects above and beneath the waves. Knowledgeable staff delivers personal, professional service to editorial and advertising clients worldwide. Keyword searchable website.


e: brandoncole@msn.com
w: www.brandoncole.com
t: 509-535-3489

SHARKS PHOTO ESSAY IN OCEAN CONSERVANCY

We are quoted in an article entitled "Sharks: The New Fear Factor" appearing in Ocean Conservancy Magazine, Summer 2009 issue. Link to the article here . Six of our photographs of various shark species from around the world illustrate the printed article. We are passionate about marine conservation, and happy to partner with Ocean Conservancy in their efforts to raise awareness of the perils facing sharks today.

e: brandoncole@msn.com
w: http://www.brandoncole.com
t: 509-535-3489

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PUBLISHES GREAT WHITE SHARK PHOTO

We're pleased to announce that one of our Great White Shark underwater photos from Guadalupe Island Mexico has just been published in the National Geographic Magazine, August 2009 issue, as a double page spread in the Visions of Earth feature.

NEW BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN IMAGES

Fresh from last month's dolphin shoot in the Caribbean: stunning sunset shots, intimate portraits, dolphins at play, and underwater images. We've added the first batch of dramatic new bottlenose dolphin photos to our web site. More to come soon. This new coverage adds to our already comprehensive collection of marine mammal photography. Please contact us to discuss how we can help bring your next editorial project or advertising campaign to life.

e: brandoncole@msn.com
w: http://www.brandoncole.com/
t: 509-535-3489

NEW PAGE ON WEB SITE- "SELECTS"

We've created this new feature on our web site ( link ) to highlight some of our favorite photographs from over the years, and to give you a quick, easy look into the subject diversity of our photo library. We will update this page monthly, so check back regularly.

e: brandoncole@msn.com
w: www.brandoncole.com
t: 509-535-3489

NEW ZEALAND

I'm not sure why it's taken so long to dive Middle Earth. Whereas previous trips to this magical land saw me focusing on whales and dolphins, this time we did everything that we had not done before, including scuba exploration of the Poor Knights Islands. Which I'll sum up with "Great fun, bold color, interesting critters, refreshingly different underwater habitat." But that was only the start. With scuba gear still wet, we piled into a campervan and went on a rampage, north to south. Our list of topside adventures included caving in the Waitomo area, Maori culture and boiling mud pits in Rotorua, hiking up volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, clawing up and sliding down Franz Josef Glacier, kayaking in Milford Sound, cruising on Doubtful Sound, killing swarms of sand flies in Fiordland, marveling at tree-sized ferns in temperate rainforest, and much, much more. Honestly, I would say that there's most exciting outdoorsy stuff to do here, and more jaw-dropping scenery awaiting around every corner, than just about any place on earth. What a trip! Photos await: ( link )

ON A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN PHOTO SHOOT

I'm down in the Caribbean right now (on the island of Roatan off Honduras), focusing on Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). I've been fortunate to create some great new photos here of them jumping two and three at a time, both under blue skies and at sunset, as well as underwater portraits, etc. We will post a strong selection to our web site soon. If you need engaging imagery for commercial or editorial purposes, please let us know.

To see photos of these bottlenose dolphins from previous shoots, click here.

RECENT PRESS

Recent magazine covers showcasing our photography:

Sport Diver Magazine, May 09 issue, showing scuba diver alongside colorful coral wall, Komodo National Park, Indonesia. See more Indonesia underwater stock photos from this expedition on our web site.
















National Geographic Extreme Explorer Magazine, April 09 issue, showing great white shark from Guadalupe, Mexico. See more underwater pictures of great white sharks on our web site.








Tauchen Magazine, April 09 issue, Europe's largest circulation scuba diving publication featuring Cole's brand new wild striped marlin image. See more dramatic marlin photography available for licensing on our web site.

MARLIN AND SAILFISH PRINTS FOR SALE

FOR SALE: prints of Striped Marlin and Sailfish feeding on sardine and mackerel baitballs. Top quality prints available for the fisherman's home, office, or boat. Order prints of your favorite shots of wild marlin and sailfish attacking schools of sardines and mackerel.

Choose from these rare underwater marlin photos.

Choose from these dramatic action shots of sailfish.

Contact us by emailing: brandoncole@msn.com to discuss sizes, pricing, and shipping options.

WORKING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We are committed to protecting our world Ocean. BCMP has a long history of working in both public and private sectors to forward marine conservation efforts and promote awareness of the environmental challenges facing our blue planet. Following are links to some examples of our photography being used by proactive organizations:

Chantecaille Beaute cosmetics:: http://www.chantecaille.com/flash/

Save the Redwoods League:: http://www.savetheredwoods.org/league/pdf/bulletin_sp09.pdf

FishWise:: http://www.fishwise.org/our-methods

Our Ocean:: http://www.ouroregonocean.com/

The Nature Conservancy:: http://reefresilience.org/Toolkit_Coral/C1_Intro.html

World Wildlife Fund:: http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/bluewhale/bluewhale.html

Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa:: http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/exhibitions/whales/EducationResource.aspx?irn=179

NEW ZEALAND

We just returned from a month in New Zealand. What a trip! Surely this country has more to offer the outdoor enthusiast than any place on the planet. Scuba diving, hiking up volcanoes, tramping through fern forests, climbing glaciers, kayaking fiords, caving, whale and dolphin watching, thermal pools, stunning scenery, and of course the millions of adrenalin-fueled pursuit such as sky diving and bungi and jetboat rides, the list goes on and on.

We began our adventure by scuba diving in the Poor Knights marine reserve for 11 days. Refreshingly different, these volcanic islands off New Zealand's North Island delivered healthy, colorful rocky reefs abustle with many species of fish and invertebrates we have never seen before. The underwater terrain itself was diverse: Caves and swim-thrus, kelp gardens, boulder fields and sheer walls. "Islands to Dive for".

We begin the photo edit shortly, and will post a few favorites here when possible. A larger selection of images will be added to our web site, of course. We are now well positioned to provide complete photo/text packages on New Zealand scuba diving and whale and dolphin encounters, with topside adventure and scenic photo support.

NEW MARINE PHOTO COVERAGE

Striped Marlin feeding on baitballs I just returned from a wildly successful photography expedition and have something very cool to share with you: brand new underwater pictures of striped marlin. Not struggling on a fisherman’s line, but totally wild and free, lording it over the blue. Quality underwater photos of these majestic gamefish are very rare. I was fortunate enough to finally find myself in the middle of amazing baitball action with dozens of billfish on the hunt. Displaying remarkable agility and speed, the excited, neon-flashing "stripies" rocket into the spinning mass of sardines and mackerel, slashing with spear-like bills to separate, stun, and then swallow one unlucky baitfish at a time. Photographing these eight-foot long menacing "superfish" hunting in the open ocean was one of my career highlights. ( More photos of marlin feeding on sardine baitballs )



Fiji While it's undeniable that many of the world's coral reefs are suffering, it's wonderful to find some which go against the tide and are as healthy, or healthier, than I remember fifteen years back. On a ten day extended live-aboard diving cruise through Fiji's Bligh Waters and beyond, Melissa and I joined close friends and fellow photographers and experienced colorful coral nirvana. ( New photographs of colorful soft corals and pristine hard coral reefs from Fiji )



Orcamania in my blood 5am wake-ups and 100 mile plus days on the water in my little boat under a scorching sun is the price I must pay for a few minutes alone with Killer Whales, my ancestral totem animal. ( New high resolution stock photos of Orca whales breaching, spyhopping, at sunset, etc )



California August found me tangled in the golden clutches of Southern California kelp forests, and racing alongside herds of Common Dolphins. Meeting up with old dive buddies to revisit old stomping grounds, we photographed Giant Black Sea Bass, San Clemente Island's reefs, blue whales, and more. ( New underwater images of marine life from the Channel Islands )



South Australia I ventured Down Under to throw myself into the middle of 1) a mating frenzy of Giant Australian Cuttlefish, and 2) a swirling million-dollar mass of Bluefin Tuna. Great new pictures of alien invaders and endangered sushi. ( New underwater digital photos of Southern Bluefin Tuna and behavior shots of Australian Giant Cuttlefish )



Mangroves As part of my commitment to diversify and photograph some new subjects in 2008, I visited Bimini Bahamas to work in the mangroves alongside shark researchers. A fascinating shoot! ( New lemon shark photos taken in mangrove habitat and images of marine biologists at work )



To view our complete photography library of underwater photographs and marine wildlife, please link to our main web site where you will find a keyword search engine

Under Construction! Thank you for your patience while we build our blog.

In the meantime, please visit our main web site at http://www.brandoncole.com where you will find thousands of photos from the world's oceans. Images of whales, dolphins, sharks, manatees, scuba diving, coral reefs, kelp forests, fish, invertebrates, marine habitats, environmental issues and more await. Our knowledgeable staff delivers personal, professional service to editorial and advertising clients worldwide.