Secrets of the Whales

Experience the intimate, astonishing world of whales with images by National Geographic’s most celebrated underwater photographer.

Learn fascinating secrets of whale life, from their songs and games to matriarchal societies, as the book illuminates the groundbreaking new science of these incredible mammals.

In these arresting pages, award-winning National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry offers bold new insight into the lives of whales and the world’s largest mammals' complex societies. Skerry reveals that whales—especially the sperm and humpback species—share an amazing ability to learn and adapt to opportunities, from specialized feeding strategies to migration techniques. There is also evidence of deeper, cultural elements of whale identity, from unique dialects to matriarchal societies to organized social customs like singing contests. Here, these alluring creatures are revealed in in all their glory: a potent symbol of how these majestic creatures can teach us about ourselves—and our planet.BRIAN SKERRY is a photojournalist specializing in marine wildlife andunderwater environments. Since 1998 he has been a contract photographer for National Geographic. In 2014 he was named a National Geographic Photography Fellow. In 2015 he was named a Nikon Ambassador, and in2017 the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year. An award-winning photographer, Skerry is praised worldwide for his aesthetic sense as well as his journalistic drive.