The Shark Species I’ve Met
Memorable encounters, favorite species, and the stories that stay with me
Over the years, I’ve encountered many species of sharks — from the gentle to the formidable, across reefs, open seas, and shadowed channels. Each encounter has its own rhythm, its own quiet dialogue between curiosity and respect.
But some species stay with you. Their movement, their gaze, the light in that moment — they leave an imprint that lasts long after the dive is over.
These are a few of my favorite shark species — the ones that shaped how I see the ocean, and the stories I continue to tell through my lens.
“Some sharks pass through your frame. Others stay in your mind.”
Favorite Species from My Encounters
Each of these species has taught me something different — about behavior, balance, and the quiet intelligence that defines sharks. Click through to see the photographs, scientific details, and personal stories behind each encounter.
Whale Shark
Genus, specific epithet: Rhincodon typus
Where I’ve seen them: Isla Mujeres (Mexico), Sea of Cortez (Mexico), Philippines
The largest fish in the sea, graceful and unhurried — a reminder that scale and serenity can coexist.
Read the Story
Great White
Genus, specific epithet: Rhincodon typus
Where I’ve seen them: Isla Mujeres (Mexico), Sea of Cortez (Mexico), Philippines
The largest fish in the sea, graceful and unhurried — a reminder that scale and serenity can coexist.
Read the Story
Great Hammerhead
Genus, specific epithet: Rhincodon typus
Where I’ve seen them: Isla Mujeres (Mexico), Sea of Cortez (Mexico), Philippines
The largest fish in the sea, graceful and unhurried — a reminder that scale and serenity can coexist.
Read the Story
What These Encounters Have Taught Me
Every favorite here represents more than a photograph — it’s a moment of realization.
Each species reminded me that beauty in the ocean isn’t always about spectacle; sometimes it’s about patience, presence, and paying attention.
“Photographing sharks taught me that curiosity is the truest form of respect.”
Explore Further
These are just a few of the sharks I’ve had the privilege to meet. To discover more about their roles in marine ecosystems — and what’s being done to protect them — visit Shark Conservation & Science →