New California Sea Lion Portraits in La Jolla

By March 8, 2021La Jolla, Sea Lion

I photograph California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) often, and this winter has been no exception. We have had ideal weather for photographing the local colony of sea lions and I’ve tried to take advantage of it, making more portraits of them in the golden morning sun. I repeat this every year and don’t really need more of these images, but I enjoy just being around these gorgeous animals watching them socialize, play, rest and nurture their young.  These are some of my favorites from the last several months.  This summer and fall will be the time to dive with them, and then I’ll take my cameras underwater and make even more sea lion photos.  Cheers, and thanks for looking!

California Sea Lion Portrait, La Jolla, Zalophus californianus

California Sea Lion Portrait, La Jolla.
Image ID: 36811
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

California Sea Lion Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef, Zalophus californianus, La Jolla

California Sea Lion Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef.
Image ID: 36860
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

California Sea Lions, Mother nursing her pup, Zalophus californianus, La Jolla

California Sea Lions, Mother nursing her pup.
Image ID: 36861
Species: California sea lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

California sea lion portrait, La Jolla, Zalophus californianus

California sea lion portrait, La Jolla.
Image ID: 36761
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

California Sea Lions Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef, La Jolla, Zalophus californianus

California Sea Lions Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef, La Jolla.
Image ID: 36795
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

California Sea Lion Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef, Zalophus californianus, La Jolla

California Sea Lion Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef.
Image ID: 36856
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

Sea Lions in the Surf and Waves, La Jolla, Zalophus californianus

Sea Lions in the Surf and Waves, La Jolla.
Image ID: 36805
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

Sea Lions Socializing and Resting, La Jolla, Zalophus californianus

Sea Lions Socializing and Resting, La Jolla.
Image ID: 36808
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

California Sea Lions Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef, La Jolla, Zalophus californianus

California Sea Lions Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef, La Jolla.
Image ID: 36816
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

California Sea Lions Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef, La Jolla, Zalophus californianus

California Sea Lions Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef, La Jolla.
Image ID: 36820
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

California Sea Lion Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef, Zalophus californianus, La Jolla

California Sea Lion Resting in the Sun, on rocky reef.
Image ID: 36854
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

Sea Lions Socializing and Resting, La Jolla, Zalophus californianus

Sea Lions Socializing and Resting, La Jolla.
Image ID: 36806
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!