Japan - Yusuke Okada - RF Lens World

Yusuke Okada

EOS R6 Mark II • RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM • 45mm • 1/60 • F4 • 400

Early in the morning in the Falkland Islands, as the sky turns pink with the morning glow, king penguins and gentoo penguins are heading out to sea to hunt. At first glance, the scene looks peaceful. But lurking in the surf are their natural enemy, the sea lions (otters), waiting for them to enter the water. Their march to the sea is a tense, life-threatening event. As I lined up this shot, a rainbow appeared over the ocean. I snapped the shutter, hoping the penguins would be safe.

EOS R6 Mark II • RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM • 142mm • 1/350 • F4 • 200

Walking around the penguin colony, I happened upon a pair of penguins romancing each other in the mist. The silence and stillness of the mist and the shallow water created an atmosphere of calm security, unlike the tension in the sea where natural enemies await.

EOS R6 Mark II • RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM • 84mm • 1/125 • f2.8 • 125

A line of penguins walked slowly through a flock of sheep, on their way to the sea. Neither group took any interest in their neighbors. The penguins strolled along like a pack of people out for a morning walk, cackling away in casual conversation. They reminded me not so much of penguins, but of certain people that I know.

Click to see full screen

EOS R6 Mark II • RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM • 45mm • 1/60 • F4 • 400

EOS R6 Mark II • RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM • 142mm • 1/350 • F4 • 200

EOS R6 Mark II • RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM • 84mm • 1/125 • f2.8 • 125

Yusuke Okada (Japan)

Born in Saitama Prefecture, Yusuke has worked as a freelance photographer since 2003. Having lived at length on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa and Oahu, Hawaii, he is currently based on the Miura Peninsula, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Yusuke is a wildlife photographer specializing in underwater photography of large marine mammals such as of dolphins in the Bahamas and Hawaii, humpback whales in Tonga, and manatees in Florida, as well as seaside animals such as polar bears in the Arctic Ocean and penguins in the Falkland Islands.

He also works as a concert photographer and publishes works for magazines and advertisements.

Awards: