Jodi Frediani is a Monterey Bay-based photographer whose images have captured the world’s most extraordinary marine life, from the icebergs of Antarctica to the vibrant waters of the Caribbean and South Pacific. Yet her connection to the ocean goes beyond photography. A passionate conservationist and researcher, Frediani’s work has contributed to understanding humpback whale populations across the globe.
“I feel quite fortunate to be able to share my passion for the beauty of the natural world with others through my photographs,” Frediani says. “I hope to inspire people to join in protecting the wildlife and wildlands around us.”
In addition to being a photographer, Frediani is also a key player in whale research. She collects fluke ID photos — images of the unique markings on a whale’s tail — used to identify and track individual whales’ movements over time. Working in Alaska, Monterey Bay and the Dominican Republic, Frediani contributes these vital photos to databases managed by organizations like Allied Whale, CEBSE, Happywhale and Cascadia Research. These collections help scientists monitor whale populations, migration patterns, and health. Frediani also supports California Whale Rescue by documenting entangled whales and collaborates with the California Academy of Sciences and Long Marine Lab to study whales affected by ship strikes. Currently, she is part of the WhaleSETI team, combining her photography skills with acoustic research in Alaska.
