How to use the Juneau Humpback Web-Catalog
All the flukes on this site are arranged from whitest to blackest. This is done so that it is necessary to compare only a subsection of the flukes in this catalog.
1. Compare only one of your fluke photos at a time.
2. Look through the catalog briefly to choose a section that has whale flukes of similar coloration or pigmentation. In other words, if you have a photo of a whale that has white coloration only on the tips, there is no need to look for a match in the beginning section, which has all-white flukes.
3. If you want to take a closer look at any fluke photos, simply click on the whale ID number below the picture and a larger photo will pop up with more information about that particular whale. If you choose, you can file through the photo in the fluke catalog using the navigation arrows in the lower right and left of the fluke window.
Tips on matching fluke photos
When matching fluke photos, there are some tricks to make it simpler.
All the flukes on this site are arranged from whitest to blackest. This is done so that it is necessary to compare only a subsection of the flukes in this catalog.
1. Compare only one of your fluke photos at a time.
2. Look through the catalog briefly to choose a section that has whale flukes of similar coloration or pigmentation. In other words, if you have a photo of a whale that has white coloration only on the tips, there is no need to look for a match in the beginning section, which has all-white flukes.
3. If you want to take a closer look at any fluke photos, simply click on the whale ID number below the picture and a larger photo will pop up with more information about that particular whale. If you choose, you can file through the photo in the fluke catalog using the navigation arrows in the lower right and left of the fluke window.
Tips on matching fluke photos
When matching fluke photos, there are some tricks to make it simpler.
- Remember that coloration and markings may be more or less pronounced depending on the lighting and angle.
- Also keep in mind that some markings can be acquired in the time between taking each photo
- When possible, use the trailing edge to confirm a fluke match. This tends to remain fairly stable through the whale’s life, and thus, is a reliable tool in identification.
- If you have access to photo editing software, there are some tools that can help “bring out” details and markings on a fluke that may otherwise be difficult to see. First , rotate the image so the fluke in the image is not slanted in the frame. Next, crop the photo so the fluke is the majority of the frame. You can alter the exposure of the photo by increasing and decreasing the gamma and contrast. It is not advisable to use the other exposure options, as those editing options are more dramatic and could make some markings “appear” that are not actually there.
- If possible, use photos that are the same size. This can be done by cropping your photo to a designated size, , such as 2x3.
- Be sure to always keep a copy of the original photo in case you want to go back to it.
