Oceanic Whitetip Shark

I became a shark photographer because I loved the ocean and wildlife so much, learning to coexist with sharks seemed like an inevitable step in my career. What I didn't realize is that becoming a shark photographer took years of time and dedication. Eventually this career opened up a world of knowledge I didn't know existed. Did you know that each species of shark acts different? And even within one single species there will be shy sharks, bold sharks, and even funny sharks!

Disclaimer: Yes. I anthropomorphize sharks (and all animals, honestly). I'm an artist working in the field, not a scientist, so if you are still here and you decide to follow along on my journey, you can expect a lot facts and also a lot of non scientific language.

As I fell in love with all sharks, with the exception of maybe just the cookie-cutter shark (if you don't know, look it up. It's a creature from hell), the specific behavior of a species became an obsession. These are the stories I really want to share with you because I think sharks are often associated with fear or adrenaline and that doesn't paint the right picture. They are not out to get humans. They are instead animals that eat the dead or dying of the ocean, and most of us humans are just not water efficient enough to not look like prey, no matter how much we like the ocean.

The first highlighted species of this series is the Oceanic Whitetip Shark. The species I truly believe is what inspired pirates to add planks on their ships. The oceanic whitetip shark is a true pelagic predator. Which is a fancy way to say these sharks spend the majority far offshore in deep deep water. Because of this, they can go a long time between meals and they will not pass up any opportunity to eat, especially if whatever possible prey in front of them is struggling.

Physically they are pretty small (11 ish feet at the very most) compared to the sharks that usually have the worst reputation like tiger sharks and white sharks. Oceanics have long round fins with white fancy tips at their end. The design of these white markings often sports freckles as the white fades into their gray bodies. It's not uncommon to see them surrounded by pilot fish that keep them company on their blue journey. I imagine it gets boring in there after a while.

Although I don't believe you can learn how to deal with wild predators on the internet, I think the world of animal behavior is more entertaining than space, so following you will find a short guide on what to expect with this species of sharks, but if you don't have experience and are not with a professional, keep in mind the best approach is: exit the water calmly and quickly.

If you encounter these sharks in the ocean and you are in the water, expect intense curiosity. After all they are probably thinking "what are you, why are you here in open ocean, and why do you swim so weird?"

They can approach quickly, especially if they sense something unusual. these sharks prey on what can't swim too well and that probably has a blind spot somewhere. If what they are preying on is hurt, the desired meal will be less likely to deter an approach more than once or twice. I've had these sharks skyrocket from the bottom in thousand of feet of water and then proceed to reapproach from different angles. Out of nowhere. I find this behavior particularly exciting but if you are not prepared for it it can turn a fun trip into a disaster. Oceanic whitetips sharks are so smart and specialized they will even work as a team to try to get to their point of interest.

These sharks are very bendy and will whip around fast. Oceanic whitetip sharks often hunt at night but will show up to investigate noise during the day too. If you are trying to fish in deep water, you might see them come all the way to the surface following the struggles of the fish you just caught. Remember, just like every other shark, they are scavengers and opportunistic by nature. They will try to take your fish. It's the ocean's way.

The oceanic whitetip shark is a masterpiece of elegance and precision. Through my lens I've learned from them and come to realize they are incredible predators full of personality and purpose. If this is a shark you dream of photographing, I invite you to join me on one of my photography expeditions. Together we can stay curious, respectful, and keep diving into the deepest shades of blue.