I have had more than my fair share of orca encounters over the years around the world.  One thing I will say that I have learnt from these animals is that **NO TWO** animals are the same and **NO TWO** encounters will be the same either, which I believe is a testament to their unique individual personalities and constant ever changing emotional states.  Make no mistake these animals are highly emotional, **that is a fact** ~ We can even go as far as to say they probably have the same range & in-depth of emotions that we are capable of.  Some even believe that they are capable of emotional aspects to a level we still do not understand.

The other one important lesson I have taken away from my countless encounters is that you must have patience.  
<center>**Patience is key!!**</center>
When you are attempting to take photographs of these animals you must be quick and have a good understanding of what behaviour they are demonstrating in order to place your vessel out of the way and somewhere close enough it makes them curious and want to interact with you.  This is something you can never force BUT if you take care and are patient, 90% you do get an unforgettable encounter with the apex predator of the oceans.

Then some days this happens.  You watch them from a distance, learning their behavioural pattern, keep out of their way but they have other ides and decide to swim closer to investigate you and your vessel.  You just happen to have your camera out and pointing up and then that happens... Its over in mere seconds but a moment that lasts a lifetime.

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[![IMG_7758.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQ26NVmvX9Sy5NcxwFdxtGvQgVoXKnDeLCwGsjoCc2BFq/IMG_7758.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQ26NVmvX9Sy5NcxwFdxtGvQgVoXKnDeLCwGsjoCc2BFq/IMG_7758.jpg)
<center>*A mother and calf spy hopping at the same time belly to belly*
Click image for full size.</center>

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<center>Check out some of my previous posts on Orca if you are interested in some of my other favourite encounters I have had with them over the years:
**Fast moving orca in bumpy conditions** ~ https://steemit.com/photography/@thomasjmitchell/fast-moving-orca-in-bumpy-conditions
**Animal Encounter #5 ~ Staring contest with an Orca** ~ https://steemit.com/blog/@thomasjmitchell/animal-encounter-5-staring-contest-with-an-orca
**Sunsets in the Juan De Fuca Strait with Killer Whales** ~ https://steemit.com/goldenhourphotography/@thomasjmitchell/sunsets-in-the-juan-de-fuca-strait-with-killer-whales
**My favourite whale** ~ https://steemit.com/blog/@thomasjmitchell/my-favourite-whale
**Animal Encounter #3 ~ A mother orca teaching her young to hunt Aug 18, 2016** ~ https://steemit.com/nature/@thomasjmitchell/animal-encounter-3-a-mother-orca-teaching-her-young-to-hunt-aug-18-2016</center>
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All stories & photographs are of my own work unless noted under the picture in question.

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