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Kite Aerial Photography Project
Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Saturday, February 25, 2007
 Kite Aerial Photography (KAP) as it relates to photographically documenting whales is a relatively new approach to studying these gentle giants of the sea. The exciting part is that almost all research and success with whale KAPing has its roots here in Banderas Bay and Baja California.
For the past two seasons, Oscar Frey, a marine biologist and owner of Puerto Vallarta's Ocean Friendly Tours has been active in bringing this exciting new way of looking at whales to Banderas Bay.
I've been lucky enough to join Frey on several KAPing sessions here on the bay. But, while out with him this past Saturday I took the opportunity to document the process so that I could share the story and the photos with our Forum members. Thankfully, Frey was generous enough to allow us to publish some of his KAP photos here at the Forum. I know you'll all be amazed by his outstanding works of art.
It's generally a very long and bumpy afternoon out on the water. The one thing Frey needs is wind and with wind comes waves. But, it's one of the most exciting things in which I've ever had the pleasure to be involved. During the day, many lucky whale watchers were able to witness the entire process from onboard other authorized whale watching vessels.
I'm always amazed at just how much planning and preparation goes into making just one successful photograph. It’s a complicated process that holds the potential for astounding results.
In addition to catching the perfect winds, Frey has to consider other weather conditions, ocean currents, controlling the delicate and very expensive equipment and last but not least those badly behaved behemoths that move through the water at will and without regard for the photographer desperate to snap an award winning photograph.
The processes involved in launching the gear and photographing the whales are pretty much the same every time. After determining that the climatic conditions are cooperative and hitting the water in a small boat, Frey continues by locating the whale or group of whales to be photographed.
 Once the subjects are identified the camera and lens (a Nikon D50 in this instance and a fish-eye lens) are connected to a state-of-the-art rigging that is made up of a series of gears and pulleys. These allow the camera to pivot up and down and move in circles while connected from the kite.
After testing the rigging and ensuring that the camera is responsive to the hand held radio controller, it's time to assemble the kite. After the rokkaku kite (a different type of kite may be used depending on wind conditions) is assembled, wind speed and direction are checked once more and the kite is flight tested without the camera attached.
It’s important to note that during each step of the process, someone is posted to keep an eye on the whales so that they can be followed, but more importantly that the boat remains a safe distance away from the animals while the equipment testing and subsequent photography session is being conducted.
Eventually, the camera and rigging are attached to the kite and it's all sent aloft. Once the camera is in position, it's time to take aim and shoot – all via a handheld remote control device similar to those used by model plane enthusiasts. Except, this one has a shutter release button built into it.
Finally, when the wind, weather and world are all in perfect alignment, the power of the resulting photographs are unspeakable. So, I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Check out the final images below.
Happy Whale Watching!
Keith May
Forum Coordinator
Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Forum
RELATED LINKS
Drachen Foundation - Grey Whale KAPing
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