Latest news with #SharksUpCloseWith
American Press
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- American Press
Swimming with Sharks: Behind the (underwater) lens
Dan Beecham is a British underwater cinematographer who specializes in shooting wildlife sequences for documentaries. In this photo Beecham took, he films Bertie Gregory for his latest show, 'Sharks Up Close With Bertie Gregory.' (Dan Beecham / National Geographic) Patience is a crucial virtue for a cinematographer — in particular for underwater cameraman Dan Beecham. Beecham was part of a team of divers and cinematographers who followed National Geographic explorer Bertie Gregory on a cage-free mission to film the great white sharks off the coast of South Africa. The film, 'Sharks Up Close With Bertie Gregory' premieres at 9 p.m. today on National Geographic and will stream starting July 6 on Disney+ and Hulu as part of the channel's 15 days of 'Sharkfest' presentations. 'What's nice in this film is it did give quite an honest representation of what wildlife filming can be like,' Beecham said in a Zoom interview with the American Press. 'It can be a lot of sitting around in a boat, in the rain, everyone getting kind of fed up because things aren't happening. But the reality is at any moment the next 10 minutes could be what makes the film.' Beecham said it only takes minutes for the water's visibility to change, for the wildlife sought to appear, and for the magic to happen. 'You've got to stay a bit frosty all the time and even when for weeks on end the thing's not happening — as you see in the film — you just have to pretend it is going to happen at any moment, really,' Beechum said. The team spent five weeks in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, searching for the elusive white shark. Some days involved diving as long as five hours at a time. 'Every morning when 5 a.m. rolls around and you're getting up to get out to sea for sunrise, and you haven't dived in weeks, you've got to pretend everything is going to happen — the gears are ready, the batteries are charged, everything is perfect on the camera because the universe knows when you let your guard drop, that's when it all happens,' he said. 'We've had to learn that the hard way.' Beecham said the job can have its drawbacks — like being away from home quite often, moving in and out of airports, and experiencing extreme temperatures — but it's something he adores doing. 'It often looks like more fun than it is, but we all love those moments when the really big thing happens that we might not have ever seen before,' he said. 'We might know no one else has seen this on TV before and you're looking down at the monitor seeing something amazing on screen and you know it's going to be on a big screen one day. That's an amazing buzz. That's a drug that's impossible to replicate. As a cameraman, it gives you such an adrenaline hit.' Underwater, there's no script and surprises happen. Though the film's focus is the white shark, playful seals followed the cameraman around, popping up to examine his monitors. He also captured footage of a mother whale sleeping as her calf rode her dorsal fin. 'We never would have guessed that would happen on that shoot,' Beecham said. 'Just by spending the time out there, having the right approach with the animals — myself and Bertie have both worked with whales a lot in different parts of the world — and with a very cautious manner, that's what gets you those encounters.' No two dives are alike. Beecham said he learns something new each time — either about himself or the world around him. 'Especially in South Africa where the weather changes so much, the ocean changes so much. Everywhere you go these days people say the weather is different, the weather is changing more. That makes shoots very difficult to plan and predict because the conditions are so unpredictable. That means you have to be ready for anything at any time. Each thing that happens you have to take as a gift because it might not happen again.' The ultimate message of the film is how humans and sharks can share the ocean together. By entering their domain, Beecham said the team quickly discovered the challenges sharks are facing on this rapidly changing planet. 'It's a bold topic to go towards with the film because the two attacks there that happened where very shocking for the town. It was pretty horrific attacks,' he said. 'We're certainly not making light of those by going and diving with these animals. We do it with the upmost respect. But it's an important topic to shine a light on and talk about and it's good for Bertie to go and speak to all of the stakeholders — the shark spotters and all the different parties that are involved there — and get an understanding from an outsiders' point of view. There's a line Bertie says in the film, 'You can't manage sharks, but you can manage people,' to make it to where sharks and people can co-exist. That's a great way to sum this up. That's what has to happen, basically.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bertie Gregory and other experts explain how to not get eaten by a shark
Slashing teeth, lifeless eyes, and a taste for human flesh—that's what most movies might have us believe is typical shark behavior. But what is it really like to be in the water with these apex predators? Sharks have been on Earth for longer than trees, and there are more than 500 species—from the infamous great white and iconic hammerhead to the gentle whale shark and pocket-sized dwarf lanternshark. (This was the best place on Earth to see great white sharks—then they vanished.) Regardless of size, sharks can be unpredictable, so it's important that those who share the water with them have knowledge of, experience, and respect for the animal. So what does it take to swim with sharks? Ahead of National Geographic's Sharks Up Close With Bertie Gregory premiere on July 5, streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the next day, we talked to shark experts to find out how they prepare for these endeavors. While filming the show, National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory experienced his 'all-time favorite' shark dive in the 'spooky' Cathedral underwater cave in South Africa's Aliwal Shoal reef. (Cape Cod may have the highest density of great white sharks in the world.) As many as 40 spotted ragged-tooth sharks 'were just swirling around in this cave,' he says. Growing to around 10 feet long, these seemingly menacing creatures have 'terrifying looking mouths with hundreds of needle-sharp teeth.' But Gregory wasn't afraid. 'Fear comes from a lack of understanding,' he says. He knows that needle-like teeth are designed for grabbing rather than slicing, which means 'prey needs to be a size they can swallow. I'm too big to fit down their throat, so they can't chew me.' Even great whites—probably the most feared fish on the planet—aren't mindless man eaters. 'We're not on their menu,' says Gregory. 'We're low in fat, and we taste funny.' Adult white sharks have evolved to eat seals and sea lions because of their energy-dense blubber, as opposed to us sinewy humans. Although shark bites are incredibly rare—there were 47 unprovoked bites in 2024, according to the International Shark Attack File—the best way to prevent any incident is to understand the conditions and the animal's behavior. Shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez, who didn't appear on the show but has been diving with sharks for over a decade, always carefully reviews environmental factors before getting in the water with any shark species, but especially large ones. 'I never enter the water if there's a strong scent trail from bait or carcasses, unless it's a controlled research setting,' she says. For an experienced professional like Márquez, safety protocols are a non-negotiable. This includes working with a highly trained crew, following clear procedures, and using a safety pole when needed to make sure there is always something between you and an overly curious shark. Time of day is also important. Predatory sharks tend to hunt at dusk and dawn, so experienced professionals usually avoid these times, especially when the water is murky. 'If they're hunting in poor visibility water, they could mistake a human for a seal,' says Gregory. By the time a large predatory shark has taken a test bite and realized the human isn't food, the victim likely has catastrophic injuries, he says. 'It's about not giving them the opportunity to make a mistake.' Some factors, however, are impossible for researchers to know beforehand—like how the animal is feeling. 'Is it hungry? Is it full? Is it hunting? Is it happy? Is it healthy?' asks Lacey Williams, a shark behavioral ecologist who appeared on the show. 'We can't ask, unfortunately.' Sharks give off signals if you know how to read their body language. Signs that a shark feels uncomfortable or agitated include jerky movements, raising its head, lowering its pectoral fins to point downwards, and arching its back. If Márquez notices an exaggerated swishing tail, the animal making tighter circles, bumping objects around it, or several close passes, 'that's a signal that it is time to exit the water calmly and quickly,' she says. When you're in the water with sharks, it's important to stay calm, move slowly, avoid sudden movements, and 'have a healthy respect for what that animal is capable of,' says Williams. Always 'have your head on a swivel,' she says. Don't turn your back to the shark and always maintain eye contact. As ambush predators, sharks are less likely to see you as potential prey if you keep your eyes on them at all times. Although it's sensible to be cautious, a shark isn't going to try to chomp on any human it sees. Many species—including hammerheads, puffadder shysharks and thresher sharks—tend to be timid and avoid divers. (This is how we can share our coasts with sharks.) For predatory species like tiger, bull, and white sharks, going after a meal uses up valuable energy, so they need to know their efforts will be worth the reward—and that they won't get injured themselves. Márquez says she stays vertical in the water to appear as large and off-putting as possible, joking that she's not sure 'how much that actually works in my favor at a meager 5 foot 1.' Experts also consider how to prevent stressing out the sharks. 'These are wild animals, and every encounter should be on their terms,' Márquez says. That means giving them plenty of space and never chasing or cornering them. 'Swimming with sharks is a privilege, not a thrill-seeking stunt,' she adds. Most importantly, never, ever try to touch a shark. 'None of us really like being touched without our consent,' adds Williams, so the same goes for sharks and other animals. Some experts worry that the rise of social media footage of professionals interacting with sharks encourages people to take unnecessary risks—and sometimes get hurt. People 'think they can just go up and touch them or ride them, and that's very much not the case,' Williams says, even for docile species. When it comes to sharks, people are usually concerned about the wrong thing, says Gregory. With these majestic animals threatened by human activities—including overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution—he says, 'we've spent far too long worrying about sharks when we should be worried for them.'
National Geographic
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
How to not get eaten by a shark, explained by professional divers
Although sharks aren't the mindless man-eaters they are sometimes made out to be, experts know that staying safe involves skill, knowledge, and practice. Host Bertie Gregory filming a ragged tooth shark underwater. "Sharks Up Close With Bertie Gregory" premieres on National Geographic on July 5. Photograph By Dan Beecham, National Geographic Regardless of size, sharks can be unpredictable, so it's important that those who share the water with them have knowledge of, experience, and respect for the animal. So what does it take to swim with sharks? Ahead of National Geographic's Sharks Up Close With Bertie Gregory premiere on July 5, streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the next day, we talked to shark experts to find out how they prepare for these endeavors. Sharks up close While filming the show, National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory experienced his 'all-time favorite' shark dive in the 'spooky' Cathedral underwater cave in South Africa's Aliwal Shoal reef. Magazine for all ages starting at $25/year (Cape Cod may have the highest density of great white sharks in the world.) As many as 40 spotted ragged-tooth sharks 'were just swirling around in this cave,' he says. Growing to around 10 feet long, these seemingly menacing creatures have 'terrifying looking mouths with hundreds of needle-sharp teeth.' But Gregory wasn't afraid. 'Fear comes from a lack of understanding,' he says. He knows that needle-like teeth are designed for grabbing rather than slicing, which means 'prey needs to be a size they can swallow. I'm too big to fit down their throat, so they can't chew me.' Even great whites—probably the most feared fish on the planet—aren't mindless man eaters. 'We're not on their menu,' says Gregory. 'We're low in fat, and we taste funny.' Adult white sharks have evolved to eat seals and sea lions because of their energy-dense blubber, as opposed to us sinewy humans. Although shark bites are incredibly rare—there were 47 unprovoked bites in 2024, according to the International Shark Attack File—the best way to prevent any incident is to understand the conditions and the animal's behavior. Staying safe around sharks Shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez, who didn't appear on the show but has been diving with sharks for over a decade, always carefully reviews environmental factors before getting in the water with any shark species, but especially large ones. 'I never enter the water if there's a strong scent trail from bait or carcasses, unless it's a controlled research setting,' she says. For an experienced professional like Márquez, safety protocols are a non-negotiable. This includes working with a highly trained crew, following clear procedures, and using a safety pole when needed to make sure there is always something between you and an overly curious shark. Time of day is also important. Predatory sharks tend to hunt at dusk and dawn, so experienced professionals usually avoid these times, especially when the water is murky. 'If they're hunting in poor visibility water, they could mistake a human for a seal,' says Gregory. By the time a large predatory shark has taken a test bite and realized the human isn't food, the victim likely has catastrophic injuries, he says. 'It's about not giving them the opportunity to make a mistake.' Some factors, however, are impossible for researchers to know beforehand—like how the animal is feeling. 'Is it hungry? Is it full? Is it hunting? Is it happy? Is it healthy?' asks Lacey Williams, a shark behavioral ecologist who appeared on the show. 'We can't ask, unfortunately.' Reading a shark's body language Sharks give off signals if you know how to read their body language. Signs that a shark feels uncomfortable or agitated include jerky movements, raising its head, lowering its pectoral fins to point downwards, and arching its back. If Márquez notices an exaggerated swishing tail, the animal making tighter circles, bumping objects around it, or several close passes, 'that's a signal that it is time to exit the water calmly and quickly,' she says. When you're in the water with sharks, it's important to stay calm, move slowly, avoid sudden movements, and 'have a healthy respect for what that animal is capable of,' says Williams. Always 'have your head on a swivel,' she says. Don't turn your back to the shark and always maintain eye contact. As ambush predators, sharks are less likely to see you as potential prey if you keep your eyes on them at all times. Overturning stereotypes Although it's sensible to be cautious, a shark isn't going to try to chomp on any human it sees. Many species—including hammerheads, puffadder shysharks and thresher sharks—tend to be timid and avoid divers. (This is how we can share our coasts with sharks.) For predatory species like tiger, bull, and white sharks, going after a meal uses up valuable energy, so they need to know their efforts will be worth the reward—and that they won't get injured themselves. Márquez says she stays vertical in the water to appear as large and off-putting as possible, joking that she's not sure 'how much that actually works in my favor at a meager 5 foot 1.' Experts also consider how to prevent stressing out the sharks. 'These are wild animals, and every encounter should be on their terms,' Márquez says. That means giving them plenty of space and never chasing or cornering them. 'Swimming with sharks is a privilege, not a thrill-seeking stunt,' she adds. Most importantly, never, ever try to touch a shark. 'None of us really like being touched without our consent,' adds Williams, so the same goes for sharks and other animals. Some experts worry that the rise of social media footage of professionals interacting with sharks encourages people to take unnecessary risks—and sometimes get hurt. People 'think they can just go up and touch them or ride them, and that's very much not the case,' Williams says, even for docile species. When it comes to sharks, people are usually concerned about the wrong thing, says Gregory. With these majestic animals threatened by human activities—including overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution—he says, 'we've spent far too long worrying about sharks when we should be worried for them.' "Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory" is coming to National Geographic starting July 5 at 8/7c, and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Check local listings.
