Euan Rannachan, a photographer, has been fascinated by sharks since he was a child. He now uses his camera skills to demonstrate the power and majesty of these apex predators. While Rannachan has spent many hours diving with sharks, it was on a recent trip to Mexico’s Guadalupe Island that he returned with the photo of a lifetime. Annachan photographed a great white shark striking a familiar pose while only 35 feet away in the safety of a shark cage. Any fan of the 1975 film Jaws will notice how similar his photo is to the film’s iconic cover image.
Artist Roger Kastel created the iconic Jaws painting, which was inspired by a taxidermy shark. It has become one of the most well-known movie posters over the years. Being able to take a photo that resembles the classic image is a dream come true for Rannachan.
“This is a photograph that many of my shark friends, including myself, have been trying to capture for years,” Rannachan tells My Modern Met. “I had a feeling I had it, but things move so quickly down there that all I could do was prepare for the next pass, if there was going to be one.” It wasn’t until much later that night, while backing up footage, that I realized I had it—and, more importantly, that it was in focus.”
Given how popular Jaws is, it’s no surprise that Rannachan’s photo caused quite a stir. All of the attention has allowed the photographer to share his passion for these amazing animals with a larger audience. He hopes that by doing so, people will realize that they aren’t the villainous animals that they are frequently portrayed to be.
“I think what always excites me is how powerful [and] precise they can be while remaining completely under control.” It’s incredible to see a 3,000-pound animal approach its target, flick its tail, accelerate, and spin on a dime as if nothing had happened.”
Shark-lover Euan Rannachan’s image of a great white shark recalls Roger Kastel’s iconic painting for Jaws.
Rannachan was able to get up close and personal with the great white shark from the safety of a cage.
Take a look at some of the other incredible shark photos he took during his adventure.
Euan Rannachan: Website | Instagram
Outstanding! Very impressive and extraordinarily interesting in every respect. These magnificent creatures have the power to instill real fear and authentic respect in us at the same time. Let’s hope we can stop polluting the oceans, clean up our act, be more unselfish and responsible to perhaps ensure the health, welfare and ultimate survival of all life, in the waters, as well as on land. All efforts start with ourselves.