Tara Vis Gallery continues its mission to find and capture the most unique and innovative worldwide photography with this year’s visit to Vava’u, one of the many island groups of Tonga, to swim with beautiful humpback whales. Another adventure involved surfing at Jaws for the 2016 Pe’ahi Challenge, all with Tim Whitfield, owner of Tara Vis Gallery, Brian Bielmann, surf photographer extraordinaire, and Ben Reed, surf and wildlife photographer/videographer. “The raw power of being on the ocean during these types of conditions, whether on a jet ski or boat, is such an overwhelming feeling,” Whitfield says. “To be able to witness the passion and ability of those that choose to follow the path of attempting to ride and conquer these giants, just for a moment in time, is something that is unbelievable to me. It’s not a photo, it’s a lifestyle.” Surf photography and the spectacular underwater spectacle of the whales in Vava’u will be the major theme this winter at Tara Vis, beginning in mid-January. The gallery will also introduce and exhibit a different local artist from Charleston every month. Visit Tara Vis Gallery at 218-C King St.
