Sea Otters are such cute creatures it is too bad they aren’t found all over the world. Still, many of us have the privilege of photographing these guys. It is often challenging to get close enough to them for intimate portraits. There really are two possible options for locations to make this happen. The on-land version is probably the one preferred by most but is less predictable. In my limited experience the otters I have found close to land, at least in photographic terms, are ones that are getting a rest in harbors and marinas. The water is calm and shallow there, the perfect spot to rest and sleep without having to worry about predators or being carried away by tides or waves. The following pictures were taken in harbors (and as you can see, sometimes you get lucky and a mom hangs out there):
Sea Otter mom and pup resting in harbor
Sea Otter resting in harbor
The second option is going in their habitat — or at least on it. I have photographed otters both in kayaks and motorboats. This allows for a really unique perspective. The following shots are taken ‘on the water’:
Sea Otter picture taken from kayak
Sea Otter wrapped in kelp, taken from motor boat
The most important thing in both situations is to place the safety of the otter as the number one priority. As many of you know Sea Otters do not have a blubber (fat) layer like other marine mammals but rather rely on their fur coat to keep them warm. Maintaining their coat takes a lot of energy and sea otters forage for food a larger percentage of the time then most other marine mammals. This means they are fragile beings, always on the edge due to the harsh environment they live in. When photographers scare the animal and make it move just to get a better shot you are making the otter use energy it doesn’t really have to spare, subsequently endangering its survival. When you approach, do it very very slowly (on a boat I just let the currents take me). If you see the otter move away from you, stop immediately, you will not get closer no matter what you do and by stoping you ensure that the otter will be there tomorrow for another chance to photograph it. Remember endangering the animalis is never worth getting a good picture. If there are things I didn’t cover or you have questions on just comment and I’ll make sure to answer!
