Whale Spotter
Whale Spotter was created to be a ‘one stop shop’ providing anyone interested in whales, the ocean, science and conservation a place to discover the amazing world of whales.
This is achieved by working closley alongside scientists, conservationist, artists and educators who guide the creation of the website, social media posts and information posters. So we hope you’ll enjoy looking through the website.
News, current affairs and day to day updates are shared through our Facebook or Instagram pages.
Whale Spotter Facebook Page
Instagram @whale_spotter
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.” ~ Plutarch
The Polar Bear Clause
“Most of us would probably have difficulty recalling the statistics that flowed so
persuasively throughout Al Gore’s elegant film, An Inconvenient Truth.
The drowning polar bear was another matter!
The bear was the film’s saddest sight and the thought of the North Pole’s most powerful creature struggling to span the ever-increasing distances between Arctic ice floes was eloquent proof of photography’s ability
to carry an argument across another of nature’s great expanses.I’m talking about the gap that exists between the brain and its even more influential partner, the human heart.
Al’s flow charts made you think about global warming but it took the bear to make you feel the heat of the argument.”
“The 11th Hour” Environmental documentary by Leonardo DiCaprio
Movie Review by Sandra Hall – Sydney Morning Herald, October 8th, 2007
David Jenkins “Images That Change the World!”
As the old saying goes a photo is worth a thousand words! So with the many problems facing us today the importance and power of great images that can talk to people’s hearts and affect change seems more important than ever.
So David is always looking for opportunities to work alongside scientists, educators and environmentalists and help them illustrate their insights and discoveries, so that the wider public can fully understand what they are learning and seeing.
David Jenkins CV
David’s professional photography career began in 1988. Since then David has covered a wide variety of subjects and assignments including Extreme Sport, Travel/Adventure, Portraiture, Reportage, Dance, News and Current Affairs, TV, Wildlife and Landscape/Environment.
David’s clients include the City Of Sydney (as official photographer to Sydney’s Lord Mayor since 1996), the NSW Ministry for the Arts (as official photographer to the NSW Premier), NSW Rural Fire Service, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children as well as many commercial and private clients.
Saving the Planet One Photo at a Time
We currently face some of the most significant challenges we’ve ever faced in climate change, global warming and pollution. The Earth is fragile, precious and the only home we’ll ever have. It is David’s profound hope that in creating beautiful images of the Earth and all the animals we share it with people will come to appreciate and love it just as much as he does.
We will save what we love!
Whale Spotter – ‘It’s All About Whales’
Why whales? Well sometimes things choose you! When you love the ocean, animals and can’t help sharing these passions with anyone who’ll listen somethings are inevitable.
This awareness of the ocean also coincided with the remarkable recovery of the Australian Humpback Whales population. Taken to the brink of extinction in the late 1960’s only a few hundred whales were left on the east coast. The whalers simply ran out of whales to kill. Today over forty thousand whales migrate along the east coast with similar numbers traveling along the west coast.
Through wonderful collaborations with the Manly Environment Centre (MEC), environmental groups, passionate individuals and Macquarie Universities Marine Mammal Research Group David became involved in many whale related projects and studies.
Always fascinated to learn more David started to discover that there was no central place that gave you a complete overview of the whale species of Oceania. An educational website covering all this seemed to be the answer and Whale Spotter was born.
Whale Watching and Scientific Studies
2005 – Present Manly Little Penguins
David has supported the work of the Manly Little Penguin Wardens to protect the critically endangered Manly Little Penguin colony since it’s beginning. Acting as the group’s official photographer David has captured the Little Penguins in their natural environment, illustrated their lives, threats and struggles to survive living on the doorstep of Australia’s largest city.
Activities included:
– Working alongside the Wardens, NSW Parks & Wildlife, Taronga Zoo and scientists
– Producing photographs for use in education, protection and scientific publications
– Public education through talks, presentations and workshops
– Educational displays at festivals and events
– Participation in fieldwork
– Photography
2022 The Encounter Bay Right Whale Study
The Encounter Bay Right Whale Study is a citizen science program created to monitor, record and study the Southern Right Whales in Encounter Bay. David was able to spend several weeks supporting the team’s work.
Activities include:
– Creating photo ID catalogues
– Investigating population dynamics including abundance, residency, distribution, habitat use and behaviours
– Understand connectivity and movements of whales between different aggregation areas across southern Australia.
– Understand impacts of human activities on the whales.
2019-2020 Whale Guide
David acted as a whale guide and wildlife photographer with My Sydney Boat Tours.
Duties included:
– Whale eduction
– Whale photography
2017 Minke Whale Project
David was able to assist the Minke Whale Project with photographs and observations during his trip to the Ribbon Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef with Mike Ball Expeditions during July 2017.
Activities included:
– Whale Watching
– Whale Photography
– Assisting with Scientific Observations
2014 – 2017 University of Newcastle – Natural History Illustration
A wonderful collaboration with the university students who were learning to create scientifically accurate illustrations of animals and their environments. This collaboration produced a wide range of excellent whale related educational materials.
Activities included:
– Working alongside the students and teachers
– Providing guidance, assistance and information
– Providing reference photographs and information
2016 One Ocean Expeditions
David was invited by One Ocean Expeditions to be the whale guide and expedition photographer on their Marine Mammal Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsular in March 2016.
Duties included:
– Whale and photography education through talks, presentations and workshops
– Whale Watching
– Whale Photography
– Assisting the passengers with their photography
2012 Whale Spotter
Launched in March 2012 the Whale Spotter website has provided the public with the latest up to date information and news about whales.
Activities included:
– Working alongside scientists, educators and artists to create educational material, website pages and displays
– Guided whale watching tours and events
– Public education through talks, presentations and workshops
– Educational displays at festivals and events
– Participation in scientific field work
– Whale photography
2011 Whale Watching Guide
Over the 2011 whale watching season David acted as an expert guide for whale watching tours operating out of Sydney.
Duties included:
– Boat Based Whale Watching
– Expert Commentary
– Whale Photography
– Public Education
2007 – 2010 Humpback Migration Study
Over three years David worked as a field assistant in support of Megan Kessler (Macquarie Universities Marine Mammal Research Group) Phd study of the impacts of the whale watching industry on the Humpbacks whales migrating past Sydney.
Duties included:
– Land and Boat Based Whale Watching
– Field Observations
– Data Entry
– Volunteer Training and Supervision
– Public Education
2006 IFAW Humpback Icon Project
Working alongside the Manly Environment Centre David organised the official launch of the IFAW Humpback Icon Project. The project was launched by then federal environment minister Malcolm Turnbull and local member Tony Abbott. The Humpback Icon Project enabled local communities to adopt and name a Humpback whale as a way of showing their concern for these beautiful animals and protest their continued whaling.
1989-1992 University Zoology Field Work
Over three years David worked as a field assistant in support of University studies into Dasyuridae (marsupials) and Feral Cats in outback Australia (Western NSW, Central Australia).
Duties included:
– Setting up of study sites – trap lines, cameras
– Field Observations – checking trap lines
– Data Entry
– Location support – driving/camp admin/cooking
– Photography
Photographic Awards, Publications and Exhibitions
Awards
– Head On Portrait Prize – Top Two Hundred Portraits Finalist 2013.
– The EPSON International Pano Awards 2011, two Silver and five Bronze Awards.
The “Long Reef “ image ranked 14th in the world.
– Winner of North Sydney Council “Seniors Moments” Photography Competition 2009
– Finalist in Manly Environment Centres “Eco Awards” 2009, 2010 and 2011
– Short Listed Hasselblad Masters 2002 and 2003
Books Published
“This Is Me!” Portraits of Life by David Jenkins, Published in 2010
Solo Exhibitions
“This Is Me!” Portraits Of Life 2004 Artichoke Gallery Manly and Surry Hills, Sydney.
Group Exhibitions / Displays
Directory of The Art Sanctuary Gallery 2005 to Present
– “Whale Dreamers” 2013 to 2019 – Whale Dreamers Festival
– “Ocean Care Day” 2007 to 2019 – Manly Environment Centre
– “Manly Food and Wine Festival – Eco Hub” 2010 to 2016 – Manly Environment Centre
– “Top Two Hundred Short List Portraits 2013” – Head On Portrait Prize – NSW State Library
– “Vintography Exhibition” – Chatswood Concourse 2012
– Northern Expressions Group Show – NSW Parliament House 2011
– “The Beauty of Biodiversity” 2010 – Manly Environment Centre
– “Lagoon Life” 2009 – Manly Environment Centre
– “Seniors Moments” 2009 – North Sydney Council
– “The Nature of Manly” 2008-09 – Manly Art Gallery & Museum
– “Forces of Nature” 2007 – Manly Environment Centre
– “Mosman 2088” 2005 & 2006 – Mosman Art Gallery
– “The Day the Sky Turned Black!” 2004-05 – Canberra Museum & Art Gallery
– “My Manly” 2005 – Manly Council
Hasselblad Masters 2002 & 2003
Photography Collections / Achieves
– City Of Sydney Council
– NSW State Government – NSW Ministry of the Arts
– North Sydney Council – Stanton Library
– Manly Council – Manly Art Gallery and Museum
Work Published in Magazines
– Better Photography (photos and stories)
– Inside Sport
– Pro Photo
– Australian Camera (photos and stories)
– Photography International
– Scuba Diver Magazine
– The Australian Way – Qantas inflight magazine
– Panorama – Ansett inflight magazine
– Jet Action News and Trick (photos and stories)
Work Published in Newspapers
– The Sydney Morning Herald
– The Sun Herald
– The Sunday Telegraph
– The Australian Magazine
– Manly Daily
– Mosman Daily
– Peninsular Living
Supporters, Sponsors and Partnerships
Over the past thirty years it has been a pleasure and honour to work with many fantastic people, companies and organisations whose support, encouragement and generosity have made the work of Whale Spotter and Nomad Photography possible.
These have included:
– Nikon Australia
– Landscape Photo Gear
– Mainline Photographics
– Novoflex Australia
– Sirui Tripods Australia
– NiSi Filters Australia
– Leofoto Tripods Australia
– AquaTech Underwater Housings
– Dive 2000 (Nauticam Underwater Housings)
2017 Minke Whale Project
David was able to assist the Minke Whale Project with photographs and observations during his trip to the Ribbon Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef with Mike Ball Expeditions during July 2017.
Activities included:
– Whale Watching
– Whale Photography
– Assisting with Scientific Observations
2016 One Ocean Expeditions
David was invited by One Ocean Expeditions to be the whale guide and expedition photographer on their Marine Mammal Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsular in March 2016.
Duties included:
– Whale and photography education through talks, presentations and workshops
– Whale Watching
– Whale Photography
– Assisting the passengers with their photography
2012 Whale Spotter
Launched in March 2012 the Whale Spotter website has provided the public with the latest up to date information and news about whales.
Activities included:
– Working alongside scientists, educators and artists to create educational material, website pages and displays
– Guided whale watching tours and events
– Public education through talks, presentations and workshops
– Educational displays at festivals and events
– Participation in scientific field work
– Whale photography
2011 Whale Watching Guide
Over the 2011 whale watching season David acted as an expert guide for whale watching tours operating out of Sydney.
Duties included:
– Boat Based Whale Watching
– Expert Commentary
– Whale Photography
– Public Education
2007 – 2010 Humpback Migration Study
Over three years David worked as a field assistant in support of Megan Kessler (Macquarie Universities Marine Mammal Research Group) Phd study of the impacts of the whale watching industry on the Humpbacks whales migrating past Sydney.
Duties included:
– Land and Boat Based Whale Watching
– Field Observations
– Data Entry
– Volunteer Training and Supervision
– Public Education
2006 IFAW Humpback Icon Project
Working alongside the Manly Environment Centre David organised the official launch of the IFAW Humpback Icon Project. The project was launched by then federal environment minister Malcolm Turnbull and local member Tony Abbott. The Humpback Icon Project enabled local communities to adopt and name a Humpback whale as a way of showing their concern for these beautiful animals and protest their continued whaling.
1989-1992 University Zoology Field Work
Over three years David worked as a field assistant in support of University studies into Dasyuridae (marsupials) and Feral Cats in outback Australia (Western NSW, Central Australia).
Duties included:
– Setting up of study sites – trap lines, cameras
– Field Observations – checking trap lines
– Data Entry
– Location support – driving/camp admin/cooking
– Photography
Photographic Awards, Publications and Exhibitions
Awards
– Head On Portrait Prize – Top Two Hundred Portraits Finalist 2013.
– The EPSON International Pano Awards 2011, two Silver and five Bronze Awards.
The “Long Reef “ image ranked 14th in the world.
– Winner of North Sydney Council “Seniors Moments” Photography Competition 2009
– Finalist in Manly Environment Centres “Eco Awards” 2009, 2010 and 2011
– Short Listed Hasselblad Masters 2002 and 2003
Books Published
“This Is Me!” Portraits of Life by David Jenkins, Published in 2010
Solo Exhibitions
“This Is Me!” Portraits Of Life 2004 Artichoke Gallery Manly and Surry Hills, Sydney.
Group Exhibitions / Displays
Directory of The Art Sanctuary Gallery 2005 to Present
– “Whale Dreamers” 2013 to 2019 – Whale Dreamers Festival
– “Ocean Care Day” 2007 to 2019 – Manly Environment Centre
– “Manly Food and Wine Festival – Eco Hub” 2010 to 2016 – Manly Environment Centre
– “Top Two Hundred Short List Portraits 2013” – Head On Portrait Prize – NSW State Library
– “Vintography Exhibition” – Chatswood Concourse 2012
– Northern Expressions Group Show – NSW Parliament House 2011
– “The Beauty of Biodiversity” 2010 – Manly Environment Centre
– “Lagoon Life” 2009 – Manly Environment Centre
– “Seniors Moments” 2009 – North Sydney Council
– “The Nature of Manly” 2008-09 – Manly Art Gallery & Museum
– “Forces of Nature” 2007 – Manly Environment Centre
– “Mosman 2088” 2005 & 2006 – Mosman Art Gallery
– “The Day the Sky Turned Black!” 2004-05 – Canberra Museum & Art Gallery
– “My Manly” 2005 – Manly Council
Hasselblad Masters 2002 & 2003
Photography Collections / Achieves
– City Of Sydney Council
– NSW State Government – NSW Ministry of the Arts
– North Sydney Council – Stanton Library
– Manly Council – Manly Art Gallery and Museum
Work Published in Magazines
– Better Photography (photos and stories)
– Inside Sport
– Pro Photo
– Australian Camera (photos and stories)
– Photography International
– Scuba Diver Magazine
– The Australian Way – Qantas inflight magazine
– Panorama – Ansett inflight magazine
– Jet Action News and Trick (photos and stories)
Work Published in Newspapers
– The Sydney Morning Herald
– The Sun Herald
– The Sunday Telegraph
– The Australian Magazine
– Manly Daily
– Mosman Daily
– Peninsular Living