The photographer that took this picture, Jose Hernandez told me about the comments on this site. Someone told him and he took a look at some of the pitiful comments. Some of you should be ashamed to make such adamant statements like you are experts that this image is a fake, taking away from the happiness and recognition Jose received from National Geographic. I was there with him when he took this shot. If you don't believe it is real take a look at the link below. My shot was 1 second after his, so now I guess we both used 3d models. Blue Skies.
http://www.kencongerphotography.com/gallery/4437021_ezVNr#265154293_YtDum