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I Photograph Great White Sharks In (Hopefully) A Non-Scary Way
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I Photograph Great White Sharks In (Hopefully) A Non-Scary Way

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I’m George Probst, and I have been photographing great white sharks at Mexico’s Isla de Guadalupe since 2006. As a child, I was initially both fascinated and terrified by sharks from a very early age. I had always wanted to see a great white in the wild, which was something I had always just considered a “bucket list” item. When I headed to Guadalupe in 2006 armed with only a tiny point-and-shoot camera, I did not expect to ever return or see another great white, again. However, I got hooked after my first trip and have been at it ever since.

One thing that struck me on my first dive trip was that the sharks did not behave like I had seen them portrayed on movies and television shows (including some documentaries). While we were using protective cages to dive, the sharks didn’t seem particularly interested in the divers in an aggressive way. They were not actively “out to get” anybody and spent most of their time just swimming around calmly. They also didn’t have solid black eyes like Quint from ‘Jaws’ had led me to believe. In fact, when they come in close enough and the light is good, you can see that they have a blue iris, which allows you to tell where they are looking. They often will look eye to eye with you, which is certainly a unique feeling.

The more I photographed these animals, the more I noticed how a lot of photographs of the species tend to focus on them eating and looking particularly ferocious (which they certainly have the ability to be). I’ve taken a few of these kinds of open-jaw shots over the years, and they are admittedly popular among the masses, but I feel like they aren’t particularly representative of how I’ve typically seen the sharks behaving in my experiences with them. In fact, most of these kinds of shots actually involve dive boats using bait to get the sharks to open wide.

It’s worth pointing out that while great white sharks aren’t out to get people and aren’t always trying to eat anything in sight, they are still large, predatory, wild animals that certainly have the potential to be dangerous. As is the case with any wild animal, a high level caution and a healthy dose of respect should be used in their presence.

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Over the last several years, I’ve set out to try capture great whites in a manner that covers the whole spectrum of their typical behavior, beyond just them eating. I’ve also tried to capture some of the “personalities” of the individual sharks that I’ve become familiar with year after year. Most of the sharks we encounter at the island have been named by researchers as part of an ongoing identification project.

All of the photos shared here were taken using only natural light with housed Canon DSLRs (350D and 5D Mark III) with UWA rectilinear lenses (EF-S 17-85mm, EF 17-40mm F4L, EF 16-35mm F4L). Here are some of the images I’ve come up with over the years. I hope you enjoy them!

More info: sharkpix.com

Magical light

“Micks,” a male great white shark, is bathed in sunlight as he swims just below the surface.

The Clichéd Open-Jaw Shot

A great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) at the surface with jaws open. This open-jaw behavior is not typically how we see great white sharks at Guadalupe. Yellowfin tuna (a naturally occurring prey item at the island) is used by some boats to attract the sharks. This shark was attempting to grab a bite of tuna just before this shot was taken.

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Clearing a path

Mackerel scad clear the way for “Monkey,” a male great white shark, as he swims near the surface off the coast of Isla de Guadalupe.

Old blue eyes

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Despite Quint’s claim that sharks have “lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll’s eye,” great white sharks actually have a blue iris.

Natural beauty

Out of all the photos that I’ve taken over the years, I feel like this shot of a great white shark gracefully and peacefully swimming through the water is one of the most accurate representations of the species, and how it would typically be viewed in the wild.

Little lady

This young great white shark is one of the smallest females that I’ve seen at Guadalupe.

Surface reflection

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The pinnacle of the dorsal fin of a male great white shark just breaks through the water’s surface.

The beautiful ‘demon’

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“Tzitzimitl,” is a female great white shark named after an Aztec deity. Her name loosely translates to “air demon.”

The deep blue

With powerful strokes of his tail, a male great white shark glides gracefully through the deep blue abyss below.

Smile for the camera

“Cal Ripfin,” a male great white shark named for his damaged dorsal fin, looks head-on at the camera.

One happy-looking shark

“Legend,” a male great white shark, seemingly had quite big smile on his face as he was swimming by for this shot.

The lovely Lucy

One of my favorite ladies of Guadalupe, “Lucy,” an adult female great white shark, gracefully swimming by for a nice photo op.

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Getting a bit nosey

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“Legend,” a curious male great white shark, made several close approaches to my camera on this particular dive.

Bent, but not broken

“Lucy,” a female great white shark, is one of the most recognizable sharks who visits Isla de Guadalupe, due to her deformed caudal fin (tail). Lucy has adapted to the injury with a modified swimming method, and she has maintained a healthy weight over the years.

Why, hello there!

“Cal Ripfin,” a male great white shark, comes in for an extreme close-up.

Who wants a hug?

“Legend,” a male great white shark, curiously approaches the camera. His pectoral fins remind me of somebody coming in for a hug (Disclaimer: don’t try to a hug a great white shark).

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vivien-francisz avatar
VivienFrancis
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love what you are doing! Sharks are so misunderstood creatures.. they have the right to live like any other animal.. Keep going! You are doing amazing work!

georgeprobst avatar
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! I think the more people learn about them the less "scary" they become, in general.

Load More Replies...
aleisha_crabb avatar
AleishaMaree
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Magical light is absolutely amazing. It is quite ethereal. Thankyou for showing so beautifully what wonderful creatures they really are.

aleovir avatar
AleOviedo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really like your photos, it is truly wonderful to see the sharks as they are, majestic and magnificent animals and not like the misrepresented evil creatures people seems to think they are. Thank you for your effort and the love that you pour in your work.

tabby-parmegiani avatar
Hippo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first one seems magical... Almost from a fairytale

tabby-parmegiani avatar
Hippo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are amazing! I love the last one especially, it's so cute and the name is hilariously ironic...

rurina_kissi avatar
RurinaKato
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing pictures . I didn't get to see any in Guadeloupe my last trip . I guess I have to go back again :) beautiful island too.

marcoszamarripa avatar
Marcos Zamarripa
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely and great photos from an awesome animal in a beautiful country! Congratz, I love your work.

diandramistressdidiblackthorn avatar
Diandra “Mistress Didi” Blackthorn
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful photos! Wonderful writing! Thank you! I enjoy seeing these majestic creatures with a new understanding!

eloise_1 avatar
Eloise
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are a hero - these photos, and these amazing creatures are wonderful!

samantha_dickson007 avatar
Samantha Dickson
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to admit, these photographs are epic and very hauntingly beautiful! I am still scared to death of these great creatures though!.

avinash_hemmady avatar
AvinashHemmady
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is stupendously outstanding photography. You`ve charaterised these beauties so well. I can almost name them all now!. God speed!!

tordog79 avatar
ToriWilson-Evered
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have always loved great whites and have read a great deal about them over the years, but never knew the truth about their eyes. Not only incredible photos but an informative and interesting article. Amazing stuff thanks

birgitrappold avatar
BirgitRappold
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing pictures. I love your idea to present those majestic animals in this more peaceful way. Keep doing it.

micky-a avatar
Micky.A
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not gonna lie I think they're scary af. However they are also graceful and fiercely beautiful. Loved these amazing pictures. You are both talented and brave lol. Thank you for sharing how you see these amazing creatures.

fracarr avatar
FrançoisCarré
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great work. I totally agree with your point of view, hope it will help getting more and more people to respect sharks, not only for their majestic beauty, but also as an essential element of biological balance in their environment, as well as being one of the most ancient animal form of life on this planet. Keep it on !

vukmiler avatar
VukMiler
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your photography is amazing, and your cause just. However, a mouth full of teeth, is still a mouth full of teeth, and it's scary no matter how happy the animals smile makes it seem.

547208418a2ab avatar
CatieBrandyberry
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are really great! You can see the personalities shining through!

nirianne avatar
Narisa
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely stunning shots. I love Great Whites and to see them up close is pure awesomeness :) Great job!!

riukkuyo avatar
Riukkuyo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really nice photographs! You totally captured sharks not looking scary, the one with the caption "Smile for the Camera" was cute!

sharkespeare1 avatar
DrewScerbo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Outstanding work, as usual, George. Thanks for attempting to help the image of these magnificent sharks.

sharon_bynoe avatar
Marri
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love Sharks and these photos are really beautiful!

vivien-francisz avatar
VivienFrancis
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love what you are doing! Sharks are so misunderstood creatures.. they have the right to live like any other animal.. Keep going! You are doing amazing work!

georgeprobst avatar
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! I think the more people learn about them the less "scary" they become, in general.

Load More Replies...
aleisha_crabb avatar
AleishaMaree
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Magical light is absolutely amazing. It is quite ethereal. Thankyou for showing so beautifully what wonderful creatures they really are.

aleovir avatar
AleOviedo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really like your photos, it is truly wonderful to see the sharks as they are, majestic and magnificent animals and not like the misrepresented evil creatures people seems to think they are. Thank you for your effort and the love that you pour in your work.

tabby-parmegiani avatar
Hippo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first one seems magical... Almost from a fairytale

tabby-parmegiani avatar
Hippo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are amazing! I love the last one especially, it's so cute and the name is hilariously ironic...

rurina_kissi avatar
RurinaKato
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing pictures . I didn't get to see any in Guadeloupe my last trip . I guess I have to go back again :) beautiful island too.

marcoszamarripa avatar
Marcos Zamarripa
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely and great photos from an awesome animal in a beautiful country! Congratz, I love your work.

diandramistressdidiblackthorn avatar
Diandra “Mistress Didi” Blackthorn
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful photos! Wonderful writing! Thank you! I enjoy seeing these majestic creatures with a new understanding!

eloise_1 avatar
Eloise
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are a hero - these photos, and these amazing creatures are wonderful!

samantha_dickson007 avatar
Samantha Dickson
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to admit, these photographs are epic and very hauntingly beautiful! I am still scared to death of these great creatures though!.

avinash_hemmady avatar
AvinashHemmady
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is stupendously outstanding photography. You`ve charaterised these beauties so well. I can almost name them all now!. God speed!!

tordog79 avatar
ToriWilson-Evered
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have always loved great whites and have read a great deal about them over the years, but never knew the truth about their eyes. Not only incredible photos but an informative and interesting article. Amazing stuff thanks

birgitrappold avatar
BirgitRappold
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing pictures. I love your idea to present those majestic animals in this more peaceful way. Keep doing it.

micky-a avatar
Micky.A
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not gonna lie I think they're scary af. However they are also graceful and fiercely beautiful. Loved these amazing pictures. You are both talented and brave lol. Thank you for sharing how you see these amazing creatures.

fracarr avatar
FrançoisCarré
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great work. I totally agree with your point of view, hope it will help getting more and more people to respect sharks, not only for their majestic beauty, but also as an essential element of biological balance in their environment, as well as being one of the most ancient animal form of life on this planet. Keep it on !

vukmiler avatar
VukMiler
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your photography is amazing, and your cause just. However, a mouth full of teeth, is still a mouth full of teeth, and it's scary no matter how happy the animals smile makes it seem.

547208418a2ab avatar
CatieBrandyberry
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are really great! You can see the personalities shining through!

nirianne avatar
Narisa
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely stunning shots. I love Great Whites and to see them up close is pure awesomeness :) Great job!!

riukkuyo avatar
Riukkuyo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really nice photographs! You totally captured sharks not looking scary, the one with the caption "Smile for the Camera" was cute!

sharkespeare1 avatar
DrewScerbo
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Outstanding work, as usual, George. Thanks for attempting to help the image of these magnificent sharks.

sharon_bynoe avatar
Marri
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love Sharks and these photos are really beautiful!

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