The dolphin, affectionately known locally as Danny and a regular visitor to Swanage, has been captured on film in a remarkable image, appearing to kiss another dolphin in mid air.
In a once in a lifetime chance, the photographer, 15 year old Archie Butterfield took the amazing shot while visiting relatives in Weymouth.
“I’d really love to do photography professionally”
The dolphins, Danny, Harry and Will are frequently spotted along the Jurassic Coast. This photo titled ‘Give us a kiss!’ shows Danny out of the sea, looking up at Will, who is leaping in the air. Archie said:
“I’ve never really taken photos of dolphins before – I mainly enjoy taking images of insects with a macro lens, and of course lots of photos of my dog, Puddles! I’d really love to do photography professionally – perhaps do an apprenticeship and take it from there.”
“They started performing before us!”
Archie from Derby was with his mother, Rachel when they decided to book an evening cruise. Rachel Butterfield added:
“We took a trip on an organised cruise boat on Monday evening and the guy said that he hadn’t seen any dolphins earlier, so we didn’t have any high expectations. Then while we were on the trip, the skipper spotted them and they started performing before us!
“Archie would like to become a professional photographer when he leaves school. He’s taken some of the most beautiful sunsets. With the dolphin photo, he had his camera on rapid shutter speed and just got it at the right moment.”
“It’s a fantastic picture”
Timothy Crabbe, who runs the Swanage and Purbeck Photography Facebook Group, praised the image. He said:
“It’s a fantastic picture, well captured and lucky to be in the right place at the right time. Many a photographer would be happy to get that same shot!”
The photograph remains the copyright of Archie Butterfield and must not be reproduced without his express permission.
Remember they are wild creatures
While taking photos of Dolphins is an amazing experience, dolphin experts say that people should remember they are wild creatures and as such, no one should get too close to them on a jet ski or boat.
