Filtering the Sea

As I float in the open ocean, the blue waves gently move me up and down. Particles dance in the water, and suddenly, a giant emerges from the depths, its contrasting shadows and lights breaking through the blue. A whale shark (Rhincodon typus) swims gracefully, its mouth wide open, filtering the seawater to feed on small crustaceans, eggs, fish, and other tiny animals floating in the sea.

As the magnificent creature passes by, it shows no interest in me, the photographer. The whale shark is entirely focused on feeding, consuming as much as it can to sustain its colossal body, which stretches more than 8 meters in length.