SUMMARY
Wildlife photographer Leighton Lum captured a rare image of a Hawaiian monk seal pup resting on its mother on a busy Waikīkī beach, maintaining a safe distance with a 700mm telephoto lens setup. This moment is significant as it marks the sixth Hawaiian monk seal birth recorded at this popular location. Lum's photograph, taken with a Canon EOS R5, has been selected as a finalist in the Ocean Photographer of the Year awards in the Conservation (Hope) category. The image highlights the importance of responsible wildlife photography and conservation efforts.
TAKEAWAYS
Photographer Leighton Lum captured a rare Hawaiian monk seal mother and pup on Waikīkī beach.
He used a 700mm lens setup (Canon EOS R5 with 500mm lens and 1.4x extender) to maintain distance.
The image is a finalist in the Ocean Photographer of the Year awards.
The birth is the sixth Hawaiian monk seal recorded at this busy beach location.