In Giants, a striking series of portraits, Australian photographer Jem Cresswell explores the awe-inspiring behaviors and undeniable anthropomorphism of the humpback whale. Captured over the course of 5 years in the southern Pacific Ocean, the series offers an intimate glimpse of the “gentle giants” as they complete their annual migration to Tonga.

Each photo shot by Cresswell exhibits his artistic approach to underwater photography. Carefully selected from over 11,000 photographs, the photos that compose Giants are rendered in a stark black and white color palette and are compositionally creative. When paired with his astounding ability to capture the expressive emotion and individual personalities of his swimming subjects, these aesthetic sensibilities culminate in a collection of powerful portraits.

Words by Kelly Richman-Abdou

Digital Pigment Print on Cotton Rag

100 x 150 cm
Edition of 8 + 2AP

70 x 105 cm
Edition of 8 + 2AP