The importance of photography in research:
I can think of no better way to start this blog than to
use a quote from Masen’s favorite shark expert, Chris Fallows.
“To see the magnificence of a great white shark
firsthand is the fastest way to change perceptions and separate fact from
fiction. This is the only way people will ever learn to love and not fear
sharks.”
Chris is not a biologist or scientist; he is a person
who felt compelled to observe sharks and learn their secrets, much like our
team. He has proven that the right photograph can say so much more than the
words in our scientific papers. A dark gray fin gliding across the top of a
near still surface evokes feelings of beauty and mystery, while a photo of a
cavernous mouth filled with razor sharp teeth can send a shiver down the
hardiest of spines.
We’ve been here in False Bay for a month and already
we’ve taken thousands of photos. No matter the angle, the lighting, the water
conditions, there is a unifying theme in every picture—power. This is not a
mindless monster of the sea. This is a cunning hunter, a cautious explorer, and
a superior swimmer.
I have to say, I wasn’t sure about this topic when it
first popped into my head because I knew I couldn’t write it without making
this admission … I didn’t want to come to False Bay. When Masen first broached
the subject with us, he was holding a print out of one of Chris’ photos and the
first thought that entered my head was that we could fit in that shark’s mouth.
Gopher could fit in that shark’s mouth.
For all the great whites we saw at Farallon, I never once had that thought.
After our team meeting, I followed Masen into his
office at his request. He wanted to show me a different picture to see if it
changed my mind at all. The one he chose showed a great white swimming, mouth
closed, head tilted upward toward the surface, and the light refracting
perfectly to highlight the contrast between its white underbelly and grey top
coloring. It changed my mind because as soon as I saw it, I knew that was something
I had to do. I had to see this big, beautiful creature at ease in her home and
enjoying her life.
One of the most surprising things I’ve found in our
photos of these sharks is that there is a huge amount of personality and
intelligence reflected in their eyes. They are watching us. I know that sounds
scary and that a lot of people will read that and assume I mean it in a scoping
out their next meal way, but that’s not my meaning at all. It’s an
acknowledgement that we’re sharing the water. It’s a warning that I’m welcome
in their home so long as I don’t cause them harm. It makes me wonder what those
big gorgeous eyes interpret when they process our faces. Are they able to
distinguish features and differentiate between researchers? Do they see Chris out
there and recognize him from past expeditions? Can they tell the difference
between those of us who want to help them and those that only see them as a
source of food and fear?
This blog can go on for thousands of words and I may
say something that clicks with a group or two. But my other option is to post a
picture, my favorite from our time here so far. Look closely. Find the beauty
and mystery here. And if you see it, find your local conservation groups and do
what you can to help us save these animals so that your children and your
children’s children can see what you’ve seen in this photo.
