Sperm Whales

Wildlife photographer Franco Banfi talks about his striking photograph of a pod of sleeping sperm whales

- Franco Banfi

Seasoned professional wildlife photographer Franco Banfi took this rare photograph of sperm whales. It was captured in January this year, just off the coast of Dominica, an island in the Caribbean.

Originally from Cadro in Switzerland, Banfi makes the trip to swim with (and photograph) the whales annually. He tells us, ‘I make this trip every year in January, because it’s the right time to photograph the sperm whales for the weather and the sea conditions. During the latest trip, I also wanted to increase my photo library of whales. Every year I prepare myself, and my partner Sabrina does the same – she trains by swimming and free diving to become better accustomed to these encounters.’

Not necessarily setting out with a particular type of picture in mind, Banfi has become used to being ready to grab a variety of different shots as they happen in front of him over the years. He has been diving since 1981, near his hometown in Switzerland, which is where he first learned to hone his craft.

Opportune moment