Roni Essex
Freediver, Spearo, Creator
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Roni Essex
Freediver, Spearo, Creator
Every winter the Arctic fjords of northern Norway welcome the ocean’s apex predator, the orca. Many witness these animals from the comfort of a boat, but photographer Jacques de Vos plunges into the cold, dark water in an unwavering pursuit to experience and capture their lives under the waves. While fulfilling a childhood dream, his work continues to support conservational efforts to protect these orcas by sharing his images globally and advocating for the only local full-time research group, the Norwegian Orca Survey. Let's take a closer look at the story, dedication, and equipment it takes to photograph and film Norwegian orcas in their natural environment.
"My name is Jacques de Vos, I'm a photographer and I spend every winter in the Arctic where I shoot and film Norwegian Orcas in their natural environment. What I do is very reactive. It's about being in the right place at the right time and reacting to what I see.
As a kid, I always had a fascination with the ocean, especially whales and dolphins. Because of this interest, when I was really young, my aunt gave me a book about marine mammals. Inside there was a picture of an orca and that started my fascination with Orcas.
There were a series of events that I met a friend who was also a scientist. The friendship led me to Norway to do research on the Orcas. From the time we first came here, we wanted to learn from people who have experience in the field. I got in touch with the Norwegian Orca Survey and I've been fortunate enough to learn from them and in turn do my best to advocate and support the work they are doing.
As you're looking under the water, the first thing you will see is the head-on view of an Orca, kind of coming straight towards you. They even scan you as they're looking at you so you can hear the very, very distinct clicking. As they get closer you realize the size of these animals. When they actually pass you and you can get a view which is close enough where you can actually see their eyes and you can really see them looking at you it is a very, very, very special experience. Something I don't think I'll ever get used to.
We're very high up in the Arctic Circle. So conditions are pretty extreme. We have very low temperatures, heavy sea states at times. Personally, I do a lot of jumping in and out of boats. It's very physical".