Judith Scott is a whale-watching guide and photographer who works between Iceland, Norway, Mexico, South Africa, and Antarctica. Scott began her career as a volunteer whale watcher, where she learned how to take field data and work with research scientists. Since then, she has utilized her skills in photography to create images that both aid field scientists and inspire the public to learn more about whales, gentle giants who are endangered in most parts of the world. This is why Judith Scott’s work is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Life Below Water.
Weighing up to 200 tons (33 elephants), whales, especially blue whales, are the largest living organisms on the planet. Despite their stature, they are some of the world’s most gentle beings, who take their time to nurse their young and forge families and social groups similar to human social groups. Unfortunately, their gigantic size and friendly nature have pushed them to the brink of extinction. Globally, six out of the known thirteen great whale species are classified as endangered, even after decades of conservation and preservation efforts. The biggest cause for their species' decline remains to be accidental capture or wounding from human fishing. Global shipping lanes and habitat loss due to rising levels trail close behind.
These circumstances are greatly disheartening, especially considering that whales play a crucial role in the natural carbon cycle. Each whale species absorbs an estimated 33 tons of CO2 on average, thus playing a crucial part in the global fight against climate change. All these reasons are why whale photographs by Judith Scott go a long way.
They help advocate for rigorous whale preservation and conservation efforts to the public, which will, in turn, help to pressure key stakeholders such as governments. On the other hand, as Scott frequently travels to whale watch, her photographs are also directly helping researchers to track the movements of whale schools and study their behaviours further — coming back full circle to help the preservation and conservation of these gentle giants.
Scott has also taken the initiative to share more about the wonderful whales she has captured on her social media and website. Under each listed whale species, Scott has outlined their habits, habitats, and personal anecdotes and stories of her encounters with them. In short, she is introducing each whale species more intimately and warmly, bringing these whales closer to the hearts of her audiences.
Judith Scott's whale photography serves as a powerful tool for conservation, bridging the gap between scientific research and public awareness. By capturing the majesty and vulnerability of these gentle giants, her work not only aids researchers in tracking and studying whale populations but also inspires the public to advocate for their protection. Through her images and personal narratives, she reminds her viewers of the vital need to safeguard these magnificent creatures for future generations.
Find out more about whale photography by Judith Scott and their other pieces by checking their Instagram @judith_scott_photography.