My first thought when trying to find a title for this great white shark breach photograph was "Breathless" simply because that was how the moment left me...breathless.
I have often wondered what it is about nature that compels me to photograph every aspect of it. Only recently I realised that it wasn't about capturing the image, but rather the euphoria of being able to witness beauty around me.
I am not a photographer that photographs nature, but rather a naturalist that happens to take photos.
Sharks have always fascinated me; there's something about these creatures that I find mesmerising.
Being in such proximity to one of the world's most feared creature was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had. One can't help but realise just how fragile man is without our technology to hide behind.
Whether I am photographing great white sharks, crocodiles, snakes, or the big cats, it's not the perfect image that I am chasing, but rather that elusive moment where life just seems to make perfect sense, without complication, only beauty in its simplicity.
Nature teaches us humility, keeps us "grounded" so to speak.
Saint Augustine once said:
"There is something in humility which strangely exalts the heart."
That is probably the most eloquent description of the way I felt at precisely the moment the great white shark exploded out of the water, the perfect breach, just metres away from my wife and I.
There is a colour version of this shot which does not quite have the same impact. I believe that this black and white version fully captures the "emotion" I have tried to describe above more so than its colour counterpart.
Camera settings: 1/1250 sec at F/8 ISO 640
Lens: 100mm (EF 70-300mm F/4-5.6L IS USM)
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