Diving into Conservation with Shark Angels: Capturing Beauty and Grace Among Sharks

In the serene turquoise waters of the Maldives, where the ocean teems with life, we had the extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with Shark Angels, a prominent conservation group dedicated to protecting our oceans’ most misunderstood creatures: sharks. This collaboration wasn't just about capturing stunning underwater photography; it was about reshaping perceptions, turning fear into fascination, and advocating for marine conservation through art and imagery.

The Concept: Beauty and the Beasts

The concept was bold yet elegant: a series of underwater photographs featuring a model, adorned with angel wings, gracefully existing among sharks. This juxtaposition of ethereal beauty and raw oceanic power aimed to convey a powerful message: that sharks are not the ruthless predators often portrayed in media, but rather majestic and essential guardians of the marine ecosystem.

Partnering with Shark Angels

Shark Angels, founded by Julie Andersen and led by Jamie Pollack and Cheryl McCarron, is at the forefront of shark conservation efforts worldwide. Their mission resonates deeply with anyone who understands the critical role sharks play in maintaining the health of our oceans. Collaborating with them meant not only gaining access to their expertise and networks but also becoming part of a global movement to protect these magnificent creatures.

The Maldives: A Perfect Backdrop

Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, the Maldives provided an ideal setting for our photo series. Beneath the surface, we encountered a kaleidoscope of marine biodiversity, from colorful reef fish to graceful manta rays and, of course, the stars of our shoot—sharks. The warm waters and excellent visibility ensured that every shot captured the essence of our message: harmony between humans and sharks in their natural habitat.

Planning and Preparation

Creating such a unique photo series required meticulous planning. We scouted several locations, eventually choosing a shallow water site known for its regular shark sightings.



Safety was our top priority. Shooting underwater comes with its unique set of challenges, from navigating currents to ensuring the safety of both the model and the marine life. Sharks, though generally not dangerous to humans, are wild animals and must be treated with respect. Working closely with an experienced dive crew from the premiere live-aboard Blue Force One helped mitigate these challenges, ensuring that our interactions with the sharks were respectful and non-intrusive. We were thrilled to collaborate with such a skilled team in such an incredible destination.

The Shoot: An Underwater Ballet

The model, Abbey Blake, a professional mermaid and free diver, donned a pair of handcrafted angel wings and stunning red evening gown designed to flow gracefully underwater. Led by safety divers Garbiel and Yanu, our 4 person team descended beneath the surface using SCUBA gear.

Soon, we were joined by a small group of nurse sharks, their sleek bodies moving effortlessly through the water. Abbey would “share air” with her dedicated safety diver until she was ready to perform. She’d then remove her mask and hand off her regulator before dancing among the sharks with grace and poise. It was a breathtaking sight, reminiscent of an underwater ballet. The sharks, curious but calm, swam alongside her, creating a scene of surreal beauty.

Capturing these moments was both challenging and exhilarating. The light played off the water in mesmerizing patterns, and Abbey’s movements had to be perfectly timed with those of the sharks. Patience and persistence were key as we waited for the perfect alignment of model, wings, dress, and sharks.



When Abbey was running low on air she would signal for the safety diver to return with her mask and air supply, and this process was repeated many times until we were ready to ascend.

Don’t Try This At Home!

It’s important to note that this type of underwater photography and modeling technique requires professional training and an experienced safety team. Holding your breath underwater when using compressed air can lead to serious injury or death. You should never try this on your own.

Conservation Message

Beyond the visual spectacle, this project carried an important conservation message. Sharks are vital to the health of our oceans, yet many species are facing critical threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. By portraying sharks in a positive light, we hoped to shift perceptions and foster a deeper understanding of their importance to marine ecosystems.

The Shark Angels are committed to educating the public and advocating for the protection of sharks. Our photo series serves as a reminder of the beauty of these creatures and the urgent need to preserve their habitats. Through our art, we aim to inspire a sense of wonder and a call to action for their conservation.

If you're interested in learning more about shark conservation please visit sharkangels.org

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