A Fearless Photographer Photographs A Great White Shark Jumping 12 Feet Into The Air

Thanks to one great white shark, South African wildlife photographer Chris Fallows just grabbed the shot of a lifetime. Years in the making, The Pearl is a magnificent black and white photograph of a great white jumping 12 feet over the water. Fallows hopes to spend even more in the animal conservation that he is so passionate about as a result of the attention it is receiving.

During Shark Week the story of The Pearl was featured on the Discovery Channel's Air Jaws show, which followed experts as they sought to capture the finest shark breach. Fallows coupled his years of experience as a famous wildlife photographer with a few calculated risks to obtain the shot paid off handsomely.

“I tried to capture a really low perspective of a breaching great white off a sled I was dragged on years ago and it established the framework for the image of The Pearl,” Fallows explains. “The issue was that the sled was large, which caused the sharks to become preoccupied. I wanted something smaller so I created a new tow sled for my equipment. My camera and lens are entirely exposed just inches off the ocean on the seaward side facing the shark posing a significant risk. It's game over if there's a major splash or wave.”

When Fallows realized he'd gotten the snapshot he wanted, the risk was well worth it. “I still feel the surge of adrenaline when I think of that magnificent sight of a breaching great white shark where everything came together. Moody clouds and an incredibly athletic shark that jumped 12ft high displaying a classic profile, hard to beat!”

The Pearl will very certainly be featured in Fallows' limited edition print series, given its popularity. He frequently produces 12-photo sets 11 in black and white and one in color. He then gives 10% of the revenues to WildAid, a non-profit that attempts to reduce global wildlife product consumption and support conservation programs. Fallows and his wife Monique also use their own money to buy land in Africa for habitat restoration and animal protection.

Chris Fallows, a wildlife photographer obtained incredible images of a great white shark jumping 12 feet above the ocean.

“I still feel the surge of adrenaline when I think of that magnificent sight of a breaching great white shark where everything came together.”

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