A Southern California-based photographer on Saturday captured a stunning image showing that even “small” humpback whales can be made to appear massive.

But the image Delaney Trowbridge shared via Instagram also reveals the dynamic nature of the famously boat-friendly whales, showing a magnificent breach against the Santa Barbara coast as a backdrop.

Trowbridge, a captain for Pacific Offshore Expeditions, stated via Instagram: “Big swells making the perfect playground for a small humpback! We watched this whale (and another) breach and slap their pectoral fins repeatedly early Saturday morning.

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“I’m used to whales being the most boisterous during windy days, so it was fun to enjoy this sighting in glassy waters!”

Trowbridge’s followers appreciated the image, with one person commenting: “This is an amazing positive… Great photograph!”

Humpback whales can measure up to 60 feet and weigh as much as 40 tons. They’re encountered seasonally off Southern California, including the Santa Barbara Channel.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: ‘Small’ humpback whale larger than life off Santa Barbara