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Scientist Audun Rikardsen grew up in northern Norway and has always been fascinated by the whales of the Arctic coast. After becoming a Biology professor, and learning everything about marine life in 2010 he decided to start taking pictures. ''For me, nature photography is about having fun, telling stories, memorizing my moments and showing the public my fascination of the coastal nature, wildlife and culture, often from new and a different perspectives.''

His knowledge of wildlife also helps Rikardsen when he meets deep water creatures. The interesting thing is that when humpbacks dive they sometimes reveal unique fingerprint patterns found on the underside of the tail, and it serves as their 'identity card' for scientists such as Rikardsen.

Once the photographer even befriended a walrus named Buddy, and would often join it in the water to play. ‘‘I could tell whether it was having fun, teasing me, splashing water at my face and talking to me, or whether it was grumpy,’’ Rikardsen told The National History Museum.

More info: Audun Rikardsen Photography | Facebook (h/t: nhm)

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Sharisimone Hampton
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Real life Earth magic!! Wow!!! What a incredible gift to receive the opportunity to experience this moment!!!

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Yvonne Bernal
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ' unique fingerprint pattern' on the underside of the tail - I never knew there was one. Wow, how cool is that?!

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Jude
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Adun's site says the orcas get free meals of leftovers and scrap fish.

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Sharisimone Hampton
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so spiritual! The mighty whale giving salutations to the sky!!! AND Receives a blessing in return from the (did any one notice?) eagle soaring above!!! A very cool unity of the elements in harmony.

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Nikki Franklin
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All your pics totally breathtaking hope one day I get to see one of these amasing animals

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Sharisimone Hampton
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"...and here I am on vacation off the coast of..." as if this orca is posing for the pic!

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Speedy_Sloth
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow I wonder what kind of camera takes these wonderful and breathtaking shots

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Sharisimone Hampton
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are you a professional photographer or a Biologist? I love color filters! Either way, you're good!

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