A dusky dolphin swam right up to me, looked me in the eye—and spun. So I spun too. We circled each other like it was a secret game, no rules, just instinct. Dusky dolphins are some of the most acrobatic and social marine mammals in the world. Found mainly in New Zealand’s coastal waters, they live in large pods and communicate through clicks, whistles, and body language—like spinning. Scientists believe this playful behavior helps strengthen social bonds. Whatever it meant, it felt like a moment of mutual curiosity. The aerial image shows how they leap through the water, creating a wake with each splash. I was excited for better visibility on this excursion, but still hoping for a perfect day in the near future to capture a very specific shot I’ve dreamed of. #duskydolphins #newzealand #dolphins #underwaterphotography #sonyalpha #aquatech_imagingsolutions