An underwater encounter with marine mammals has to be done on their terms, because they are so fast and well aware of their surroundings. It is simply impossible for divers to keep up with them. Seals can even swim circles around sharks. Therefore, we have to earn their trust in order to get close enough to film. Eventually, perseverance pays off, and we do earn their trust.
Curiosity gets the best of a seal or two.
They swim by for a glance at us, never lingering more than a few seconds. Usually only one at a time, the animals then begin to regularly approach. We stay completely still, to avoid frightening them. After a while, these daredevils come right up to us, apparently determined to figure out just exactly what we are. They are interested in examining any brightly colored or strangely shaped objects, first and foremost being our dive fins.