This is the animal I’ve built my career around.

I’ve done over 2,000 tiger shark dives in my life.

That’s 2,000 chances to observe, to learn, to understand a powerful predator that most people only know through headlines and fear.

I’ve seen firsthand how a single tiger shark can change an entire dive.

We’ve had dives with 40 plus lemon sharks, reef sharks, and nurse sharks all around us, but the moment a tiger shark arrives, everything shifts.

All eyes lock on her.

The energy changes.

The other sharks fade into the background, and everyone is completely mesmerized.

They have this powerful presence.

I’ve seen the curious side of this animal, the one that approaches divers with caution and curiosity, trying to understand what we are.

I’ve also seen their mischievous side, the one that reminds you they are still wild, ancient predators that demand your respect.

Diving with tiger sharks is a dream, if you follow the rules.

Break them, and you will pay the price.

I’ll be honest, over the years, I’ve taken these moments for granted.

But when I step back, I remember just how rare and lucky I’ve been to spend so much time with these animals.

*Emma the tiger shark, is a shark I have known for over 17 plus years. She is the reigning Queen of Tiger Beach in the Bahamas. 1/320, f9, ISO 500*

One of the reasons I love working with tiger sharks is how photographable they are.

Thankfully, they’re slow-moving and give you time to compose your shot without rushing.

When they’re relaxed, they approach divers with calm confidence, often offering close, clean passes that are a dream for any underwater photographer.

I shoot them using only natural light, which means my ISO varies depending on the conditions. My go-to settings are usually 1/320 sec at f/9, fast enough to freeze movement, and a good depth of field to keep the entire shark in focus.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the water with one, be present, be respectful, and be ready.

In the Bahamas and other protected areas, tiger shark populations are thriving.

But in much of the world, they’re in decline.

That contrast has taught us something important: when we protect ocean life, it can quickly recover.

The ocean gives back when we give it a chance.

So here’s to the tiger shark, iconic, misunderstood, and essential.

Let’s celebrate them, learn from them… and protect them for generations to come.