January 17, 2016
January 17, 2016
Photograph by George Probst
Photograph by George Probst
Photograph by George Probst
Photograph by George Probst
Photograph by Rafi Amar
Photograph by Steve de Neef
Photograph by Shane Gross
Debunking the Jaws Myth
As a boy, George Probst was captivated by sharks—especially great whites (Carcharodon carcharias). They both fascinated and terrified him. He saw Jaws over and over again, believing the stereotypical image of sharks as ferocious, man-eating monsters intent on devouring everything in their path. He thought divers who swam with sharks were crazy. Despite these fears, George knew he would someday see one in the wild.
That opportunity came in 2006, when, on a whim, George booked a trip to Isla de Guadalupe to go cage diving with great whites. #Underwater Hashtag Challenge editor Lauri Hafvenstein asked George about that first encounter and why he’s so passionate about sharks. He also shared some of his favorite shark images among the thousands submitted by Your Shot members.
Lauri Hafvenstein: What got you so passionate about photographing sharks?
George Probst: That first trip to Isa de Guadalupe. I’d never done any open-water diving before. I can remember thinking how perilous it would be to climb from the boat into the cage. I was convinced a shark might appear from below at any moment and grab an unsuspecting diver. Needless to say, my first time breathing underwater through a regulator involved some rapid breaths!
Not long after the sharks arrived, my fears about the species dissipated. Some were more curious than others, but they weren’t aggressive. It became clear that the way sharks behaved in movies like Jaws in no way represented their actual behavior. I was hooked, not just on sharks but on diving.
I’ve since become very active in promoting sharks in a positive and responsible way, through my photos and by speaking at schools. I stress that while sharks are wild, predatory animals that must be treated with caution and a healthy dose of respect they are not the monsters that fictional tales have taught us to irrationally fear. By creating a more representative image of sharks, I believe it becomes easier for people to see their importance and the need to protect them.
Q: What makes a great shark photo?
A: Composition and technical factors come into play, of course, but ultimately you’re at the mercy of the shark and the ambient conditions. Decent water visibility and having the right light can make or break a shot. When sharks are near the surface and the sun is high in the sky, the water refracts the light and can create some dramatic patterns across the shark’s skin.
Some of my favorite shots are those where a shark popped into the frame out of nowhere. There’s an extra dimension of movement underwater, and sharks are really good at sneaking up so you have to be prepared for the unexpected. Photobombing marine life also is a factor. I sometimes think smaller fish are tired of sharks getting all the attention, so they intentionally dart into the frame at the last split second!
Having a great subject is probably the most important element. A shark that isn’t camera shy is a game-changer. You have to respect the sharks and let them do their own thing.
Q: Above you’ve selected a few of you favorite shark images from Your Shot. What made you choose these?
A: I probably have a different mindset and approach to photographing sharks than the average person. Many focus on open-jaw shots and images of sharks attempting to feed, which really emphasizes a level of ferocity. I prefer images that show sharks in ways the general public might not typically see. It gives a more well-balanced representation of how sharks appear naturally.
Photographs in order by George Probst (first four photos), Rafi Amar, Steve de Neef and Shane Gross.
Click here to see incredible underwater footage of sharks at night from our NatGeo video team.
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