Norwegian Pearl – While on our Alaskan cruise of the Inside Passage with the Norwegian Cruise Line, we brought along a shiny new D7000 on loan from the cool folks at Nikon USA. Our mission was to explore the camera’s abilities and share them with you.

Knowing that I would want a long lens to photograph humpback whales, I also brought along a rented Nikkor 80-400 zoom lens.

Little did I know that I would find interesting photographs as I was learning to use these cools toys from my cruise ship cabin’s balcony.

As I peered through the long lens, at first I felt uncomfortable and even a bit voyeuristic. Here I was, a long ways off, yet brought to the brink of personal space through technology.

As I snapped the first shot, I found a unique privilege as I entered this boy’s dreamy thoughts as he peered into the ocean blue.

What was he looking at?  What was he thinking about?

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I turned my tripod 180º and looked towards the aft.   There I found another balcony watcher.

Here again my Nikon lens brought me seemingly within a foot of this gentleman, yet I was really a long ways off.

He peered out behind his balcony partition to take in all the glory of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Where is he from?  What does he do for a living?  What is he now thinking about?  Does he speak my language?

Another 180º towards the bow and I find a group of folks peering from their balcony.

Where are they from?  They seem to have a travel book.  Are they planning tomorrow’s shore excursion?  There’s laughter.  Are their lives filled with joy, or is this an escape from some of life’s harsh realities.  Is this a celebration cruise?

For the last time, I spin my tripod aft 180º, and find yet another balcony watcher peering out into Alaska’s breathtaking beauty.

It seems that these landscapes will take your breath away.  But, afterwords, you are left with the most beautiful, peaceful calm.

Do you see that in her face?  Looking with intention, yet there seems to be a peace about her in this moment.  The slightest of smiles, the intent gaze.

The beauty of God’s creation has a certain healing effect on the soul. Are we a witness to this?

Deep breath…

I enjoyed my short visit with the balcony watchers.  I hope that they don’t mind the intrusion, for I came away with a very special memory as I watched the watchers.

Thank you.