Images(3)

Sperm whales

Photographer Valerie Taylor (born 1935)

Date1953-2000

Object numberANMS1462[819]

NamePhotographic slide

MediumColour transparency film, paper

DimensionsOverall (Inc carrier): 50 × 50 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor

Terms

DescriptionCetaceans (infraorder Cetacea) are a group of largely marine mammals including whales, dolphins, porpoises and narwhals. They are found worldwide from the tropics to the poles and hold important positions on various levels on the food chain. Cetaceans evolved from four-legged land mammals and their adaptations to life in the water are evident in their streamline bodies with flippers for swimming, blowholes for respiration and unique underwater vocalisations. Globally, cetacean populations are under a range of threats including climate change, pollution, fishing and habitat degradation, however there are diverse conservation efforts underway to protect these amazing animals. SignificanceValerie has a special connection with animals and this is best seen in her photography of marine species. As an accomplished photographer alongside her husband’s underwater filming, they have an amazing catalogue of films and images they created together. Valerie’s imagery has been published across books and magazines around the world. She has numerous prestigious honours for her contributions to conservation by using these pictures to help promote the importance and protection of the animals she has dived with and gotten to know firsthand. Valerie’s photographs also give you an intimate viewing into her career. Her images take you behind the scenes of filmmaking, epic seafaring journeys to remote spots and for many locations, capturing marine ecosystems often when they were much healthier than what can be seen today.