Login

Language

Cart

Your cart is empty
Male surface
Male surface

Male surface

The encounter at water level

Format:

Format
Paper:

Paper
Management:

Management
Sale price€49,00

Quantity:

An image where the power of an adult orca meets the golden softness of an Arctic sun at the end of the day. The sea is choppy, the waves sculpt the animal's silhouette, and the light—rare and low at this time of year—reflects on its back like a thin film of molten metal.

In the background, the snow-capped mountains of northern Norway appear as an unreal backdrop, bathed in a blend of deep blue and warm glows. This duality between the ruggedness of the fjord and the delicate gold of the sunset creates an almost cinematic atmosphere.

The photograph is taken extremely low, practically at the surface of the water. This rare perspective gives the impression of sharing the same level as the orca, of being within arm's reach of this marine giant. It is an image of closeness, of gentle tension, of synchronized breathing between the photographer and the animal.

Each art print by Stéphane Granzotto is checked by the artist, and printed on high-end art paper to reproduce the subtlety of light and the depth of ocean textures.
Male surface
Male surface Sale price€49,00

The story behind the image

"It's a photo I really like because, here too, there's a story behind it, an intense moment.
That day, it was November, still in Norway, and we spotted more than a hundred, I think even 150 orcas during the day. It was a completely crazy day of observation.

In this late Arctic polar day, the light becomes incredible, golden, but there's this cold and this snow clinging to the mountains. We're following a group of orcas, one of the males of which, I noticed, has separated himself slightly from the group.

We're on board a rigid inflatable boat, very low in the water. My skipper friend and I noticed this large male breaking away from the group and seemingly heading towards us. I have a 70-200mm lens in my hands, I crouch down on the side of the boat, on the inflatable tube, trying to get as close to the water's surface as possible.

I frame the scene: the mountains, the golden sky, the seemingly endless sunset. I wait for it to pass. I turn my head to the left for a moment, observing, anticipating. A stroke of luck: it reappears in exactly the right spot. The photo isn't cropped.

I can still hear its breath, this incredible closeness to the animal. As a photographer, it's a powerful moment: you sense things, and nature does the rest. I love this atmosphere. I still feel like I can hear its breath, almost touch it. It's a truly magnificent animal.

Stéphane Granzotto

Why is this image unique?

This image is unique because it captures a moment of exceptional closeness with an adult male orca, bathed in absolutely sublime Arctic light. The low sun transforms the water's surface into molten metal, and the male's dorsal fin cuts across the scene like a black blade, imposing and instantly recognizable.

The composition, created just a few centimeters above the water, places the viewer exactly at the animal's eye level. This is an extremely rare perspective, requiring not only audacity but also complete confidence in interpreting the orca's behavior.

The captured moment is unrepeatable: the animal emerges at the precise spot anticipated by the photographer, without any reframing, like a perfect alignment of instinct, experience, and chance. The water droplets trickling down the male's back further emphasize this impression of movement, power, and proximity.

The combination of this golden light, the dark and choppy sea, and the majestic silhouette of the orca creates a profoundly cinematic image, both powerful and intimate.

Art print

Printed on Canson Infinity paper, each artwork is crafted with professional care, certified, and signed by the artist. Prints are available in various sizes, framed or unframed. Each piece captures the richness of golden hues and the depth of the Arctic sea.

The photographer's recommendation

The image lends itself to different styles:
• Contemporary interiors seeking a strong and cinematic work,
• more classic living rooms in deep colors (midnight blue, dark green, anthracite grey),
• warm spaces with leather, dark wood or patinated metal,
• offices and libraries where a room is desired that imposes a calm but powerful presence.

The matte black frame particularly highlights the scene, enhancing the contrasts and depth of the arctic light.

The artist

Stéphane Granzotto is a photographer, filmmaker, and diver, as well as a Canon Europe and Canson ambassador. His work explores the intimate connections between marine animals and light, in an approach that is both artistic and naturalistic. Discover his complete world on the Biography page.

Place

Northern Norway
Arctic fjord

Species

Orca
Orcinus orca

Device

Canon R5 mark II

The collections

Cachalots

sperm whales

Orques de Norvège

Orcas

Mer

Sea

The latest photos viewed

Fast and tracked shipping

Secure payment

Printed on Canson paper

Professional supervision