Whale
FAQ

Is this a political project?

No. This project has nothing to do with politics. It is about storytelling, and makes no comment on the politics of hunting whales.

What's the difference between subsistence whaling and commercial whaling?

Subsistence whaling is the hunting of whales by aboriginal groups who have a tradition of whaling. Commercial whaling is the hunting of whales for commerical profit. The International Whaling Commission includes a more detailed definition here.

Do you personally support subsistence whaling? 

As stated above, this project is not political.  But speaking personally, after spending nine days with an Inupiat Eskimo family in Barrow, Alaska, observing their traditional whale hunt, I support their right to continue whaling, in compliance with scientifically determined annual quotas.  Nutritionally, whale meat has allowed the Inupiats to subsist in the Arctic for thousands of years (where farming is impossible due to eleven months of snow covered ground, and where fresh fruit and vegetables are flown in at great expense).  Culturally, the whale hunt is equally important to the Inupiats, shaping their sense of honor, purpose, community, and identity.

How about commercial whaling?

I don’t support the hunting for commercial profit of any species whose population is at risk.

Is this a collaboration with Andrew Moore?

Andrew Moore and I organized the trip together, and traveled together. He shot large format photographs, and I used a digital camera to shoot many smaller digital photographs, which are presented here on this website. In the future, we might combine our photographs into a single presentation.

What camera did you use?

I used a Canon EOS-1D Mark III.

What kind of battery did you use?

I used an Expedition Lithium Battery, custom-designed by Stuart Cody.

Did you use a tripod?

While sleeping, I would prop the camera on a tripod, and attach a chronometer set to snap a picture once every five minutes. While awake, I would wear the camera around my neck, and take a picture at least once every five minutes.

Have you read Moby Dick?

Yes.