Sharks, the enigmatic creatures of the deep, have fascinated and intrigued humans for centuries. While there are various ways to appreciate their magnificence, photographing them while freediving allows for a unique perspective and an up-close encounter with these underwater marvels. In this article, Peter Marshall, freediving ocean photographer and co-founder of AGULHAS, shares the exhilarating world of underwater shark photography, offering practical tips, insights, and the firsthand experiences
1. Understanding the Environment:
Before setting out on your underwater shark photography journey, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of the underwater environment. Knowing the specific species of sharks you’ll encounter, their behaviour patterns, and the dive location will help you plan your approach. Researching their natural habitat and preferred hunting grounds will increase your chances of capturing those breathtaking moments.
“Before I ever jumped in the water with a camera to photograph sharks, I dove with sharks alongside some very experienced ocean men and women. I learned from others’ experiences and my own. With sharks there is a lot to learn but mostly it was understanding that they’re simply not very interested in what I taste like. They think I’m a big ocean animal there for the same things they are, so I can enjoy sharing space in the ocean with these impressive ocean creatures. Then it was about understanding my underwater surroundings and what we expected on the dive- what types of sharks generally show up and their typical behaviour. Sharks always ask a bit more attention when diving but it’s a focused awareness that I enjoy, and I don’t think I’m particularly special- anyone can enjoy them. “
Peter Marshall
2. Safety First:
Photographing sharks demands utmost respect for their power and unpredictability. Always prioritise your safety and that of the sharks when engaging in freediving activities. Adhere to local regulations, receive proper training, and dive with experienced professionals when necessary. Remember, capturing stunning images is a thrill, but it should never compromise your well-being or harm marine life.
3. Mastering Freediving Techniques:
Freediving skills are crucial when photographing sharks. Enhancing your breath-holding capabilities, perfecting buoyancy control, and honing your swimming techniques will significantly contribute to capturing that perfect shot. Practise regularly and gradually increase your breath-hold duration and depths to improve your confidence underwater.
“Freediving is an art that requires patience and practice. Like anything, the more you do it, the better you become. I like that. It’s not a freebee. It requires something of me, and the more I practice, the more freediving changes me into a freediver. It’s not hard, but it requires some skill and practice, so that when I dive with sharks I know I have plenty of margin to enjoy an encounter. Sharks, like all ocean animals, don’t like noisy bubbles and freediving allows for incredible close encounters.”
Peter Marshall
4. Choose the Right Gear:
Selecting the appropriate equipment is vital to achieve high-quality shark photographs. Consider investing in a reliable underwater camera or a dedicated housing for your existing camera. Depending on what you want to photograph, a good place to start is a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of these magnificent creatures. When a shark comes in to investigate it is always nice to have enough lens to capture these close encounters.
5. Composition and Lighting:
Creating visually striking photographs requires attention to composition and lighting. Aim to capture the unique characteristics of each shark species by framing them in a compelling way. Utilise natural light to your advantage, keeping in mind that different depths will influence the colours and intensity. Experiment with angles, perspectives, and use the surrounding marine environment to add depth and interest to your images.
“Photographing while freediving means pushing my camera around while I swim, so I typically shoot without strobes and use natural light to my advantage. It’s turned into a nice creative constraint. It means I have to pay attention to where the sun is and what the underwater visibility allows on the day. That can limit where and when I can photograph some animals, but it has also led to some very beautiful moments and perspectives that are typically ignored.”
Peter Marshall
6. Patience and Respect:
Shark photography demands patience and respect for wild animals. Avoid sudden movements or actions that may startle or stress the sharks. By giving them space and demonstrating respect, you increase the chances of capturing their authentic behaviour and expressions.
“Every shark is different, not only in size and appearance but in behaviour. They’ve all got a unique personality and disposition that you have to feel out each time you enter the ocean. No matter what shark I’m with in the water, I try to have an attitude of respect, not only because they are a top ocean predator but because they have a calm, confident presence that demands your attention in the same way a magnetic personality does in a room full of people. So I never touch them unless absolutely necessary, and I let them come to me before I approach them. Many times the bigger sharks take a while to come closer while the smaller ones come right in for a look, which isn’t what you’d expect, right? But our best encounters always occur after a period of time where the sharks and divers are feeling out the social order underwater. Once everyone understands where they are in relation to each other, the real encounters take place, but they won’t if you try and force it.”
Peter Marshall
Photographing sharks while freediving is a thrilling and awe-inspiring adventure that offers a unique perspective into the underwater world. By combining an understanding of their behaviour, mastering freediving techniques, and using the right gear, you can capture breathtaking images that showcase the magnificence of these creatures. Remember, though, that safety, respect, and responsible practices should always guide your journey, ensuring a memorable and thought-provoking experience for both you and the sharks.
Peter Marshall: “Diving with sharks very quickly demystifies the Jaws-like expectations many people have, and as you continue to dive with sharks you begin to realise how curious and beautiful they are. The best part is that anyone can do it. You don’t have to be a pro or in a cage or dressed in chainmail (it’s very hard to freedive in chainmail by the way.) All you need is a mask, snorkel, some fins, and a bit of freediving practice.
So, go for it, and let your camera become a window to the mesmerising world of sharks beneath the surface. Happy diving and photographing!