Adam Ernster Photography

Adam Ernster Photography Adam Ernster is a wildlife photographer and filmmaker based out of Santa Barbara, CA.
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What a beautiful place to call home 🌍
04/22/2026

What a beautiful place to call home 🌍

04/15/2026

7 years, 1 beard, and a few wrinkles later…

I am still fascinated by life at sea 🌊

03/31/2026

Intro scene to my latest short story “My Friend the Whale,” available now on YouTube 📺

This quote from legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau has always inspired me. Captured by her net of wonder, being able to connect to the oceans has been the greatest gift of my life; a dream I’ve had since I was a little boy. It is in the presence of humpback whales that I feel that connection the strongest. Catching the gaze of a curious giant is such an honor. No matter how many times I’ve experienced it, it simply never gets old.

Checkout the full video linked in my bio! 🐋

Orca in the sea of Cortez are a rare treat. This whale in particular intrigues me. Thanks to a report from .sea, we foun...
03/30/2026

Orca in the sea of Cortez are a rare treat. This whale in particular intrigues me. Thanks to a report from .sea, we found it just a few hundred yards from shore, swimming in circles, tugging on fishing buoys sitting at the surface. At first we were worried about the health of the animal. It seemed a bit distressed, vocalizing and slapping its tail on the surface. As the light disappeared that evening we were left perplexed at this odd encounter.

The next morning we found him only a mile or so from where we left him the night before. He immediately led us north at 4 or 5 knots. It was almost as if he were waiting for us to es**rt him out of the bay. The drone revealed the animal to be in good health and free of any entanglements, but he continued to vocalize as he went. His ragged dorsal fin bares the scars of a hard life at sea. As incredibly complex and social animals, I always wonder how they survive in their own. They are a testament to the hardy nature of our oceans.

I haven’t been able to find much information on this whale from the researchers and guides I’ve talked to, and only been able to confirm one other sighting. This encounter adds to the mysterious nature of Baja’s apex predator 🫍

(Lmk if you’ve seen this orca in Baja! I’d love to hear about it! I have better ID shots if need be).

Aboard

03/27/2026

A sight I’d never thought I’d be lucky enough to see…

This time of year Bahía de Los Angeles gets a very bright bioluminescence. So bright it illuminated the entire boat as we motored through the bay. We had found a lone male orca swimming around at sunset, and as the light faded in the sky, it illuminated in the water. Little beads of bioluminescent plankton were lighting up the seas surface. It looked like the stars mirrored above. We tracked the male orca as he swam through the bio, and I was able to capture this brief moment with my phone. A moment I never thought I’d be lucky enough to witness; the oceans apex predator lit up by Poseidon’s brightest blue! 💎 Pi**he Bahía.

Only the best with

03/26/2026

A few of my favorite behind the scenes moments while filming my latest short story “My friend the Whale.” Available now on YouTube. Link in bio for more 🐋

03/25/2026

One of the most incredible moments of my life, occurred recently out on the big blue 💧

Being investigated by 2 humpback whales is something I’m fortunate to have experienced many times before. This time was different, as I got a front row seat into the delicate nature of these whales. Ever so gently, this whale rolled right next to me. It moved its giant pectoral fin as to not hit my boat, and locked eyes with me before letting out a powerful exhale. The experience moved me to tears, and I am beyond thankful to have become friends with this beautiful giant from the depths, even for just a moment in time.

I edited the hour long encounter into a short story available now on my YouTube channel. Check it out using the link in my bio 🐋

“To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, to draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. Th...
02/22/2026

“To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, to draw closer, to find each other, and to feel.

That is the purpose of life.”

Some “Behind the Scenes,” of my latest short film, highlighting the ’s mission to return sunflower sea stars back to the...
02/19/2026

Some “Behind the Scenes,” of my latest short film, highlighting the ’s mission to return sunflower sea stars back to the wild, catalyzing the restoration of coastal kelp forest ecosystems 🌱

I originally pitched this film almost 2 years ago now, so I am quite excited to see it finally come to life! It’s an immense privilege to be able to work on projects that not only fill my soul as a nature storyteller, but more importantly, add to the necessary conservation of our oceans. To me, these are the stories that matter the most in our changing world.

I am so thankful to have worked with experts in the field, and to have learned so much about sunflower stars. As a keystone species, their role as apex predators in coastal environments is crucial. Take one piece out of the puzzle, and the true fragility of our oceans reveals itself.

The film premieres tomorrow maritime distinguished speaker series at 6:30pm. There’s still some spots left for anyone who wants to join! 🎟️

Thank you to everyone who made this film possible. Including the SSL team, my mentor/ Director of photography .romanov cinematographers .seagrass

What a privilege to grow up in the presence of ocean giants 🐋From the time I was very little, I knew I wanted to spend m...
02/15/2026

What a privilege to grow up in the presence of ocean giants 🐋

From the time I was very little, I knew I wanted to spend my life with wildlife. The late great Steve Irwin was constantly on our old 1990s Panasonic television (the thing seemed as heavy as a small car). The connection came in and out, and sometimes only a small line through the middle of the tv was visible. Nothing a couple of smacks on the side couldn’t fix. Nevertheless, Steve was always there, his passion for conservation melting through the tv screen. Whether it was an array of different reptiles, primates, or whales, the animals on that TV screen inspired me to my inner core. To me, they offered a glimpse into the harmony of our wild planet. I wanted nothing more than to see them for myself, and share their lives with others, just as Steve did for me.

Years later, I am fortunate to spend my days amongst the wildest animals of them all. Whales have touched the hearts of so many, not only because of their immense size, but because of their deep wisdom and vulnerability. We see a lot of ourselves in them, yet they’re so foreign to us, so alien. I hope my images give you a sense of acknowledgement for the wild way of whales. I am beyond thankful for the life, lessons, and love they have gifted me.

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Santa Barbara, CA

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