When Mike Coots was just 18 years old, he had a life-changing encounter with a tiger shark while bodyboarding with friends in Hawaii. The attack resulted in the loss of his right leg at the calf and almost took his life due to severe blood loss. However, instead of harboring hatred towards sharks or abandoning his love for the ocean, Coots took a different path.
Now at the age of 44, Coots has become deeply fascinated by sharks and has dedicated his life to photographing them. His work not only benefits sharks but also helps humans to better understand these often-misunderstood apex predators. In his new book, “Shark: Portraits” published by Rizzoli, Coots showcases his captivating shark photography, aiming to illustrate the beauty of sharks and their crucial role as apex predators in maintaining the health of our oceans.
Coots’ shark attack occurred in 1997 while he was attempting to catch some waves in his native Kauai. Recalling the experience, he describes feeling immense pressure but no pain during the attack. The incident happened during the time of year when attacks are more frequent, and the water was murky, which likely led to the shark mistaking him for a turtle. Luckily, Coots managed to fight off the shark by punching it in the nose, and with the help of his friend, who applied a tourniquet, he survived.
Following the attack, Coots studied photography in college and gained experience photographing models and professional surfers. However, it was a shark-diving trip that truly ignited his passion for shark conservation. Capturing sharks on camera became his favorite subject, as he found them beautiful, mysterious, technically challenging, and enjoyable to photograph.
Over the past two decades, Coots has developed a network of fellow conservationists and has traveled to various shark-populated diving spots, from Mexico to New Zealand. However, finding sharks to photograph is not always easy, as they are not as common as people assume, and sometimes he has to venture to remote locations to find specific species.
When photographing sharks, Coots ensures safety precautions are in place. Maintaining clear visibility and establishing eye contact with the sharks are essential for underwater safety. By letting the sharks know of their presence, the likelihood of an attack decreases. Coots advises against panicking, splashing, or looking like an injured animal, as these actions may provoke an attack. He also warns inexperienced photographers not to be too engrossed in the camera viewfinder and to remain aware of their surroundings, especially in the presence of multiple sharks.
Coots acknowledges that Hollywood films, such as the iconic “Jaws,” and media portrayal have contributed to the misguided fear surrounding sharks. With their large, powerful bodies and sharp teeth, sharks can evoke a sense of terror, almost resembling extinct dinosaurs. However, Coots emphasizes that sharks do not actively seek out humans as prey. This misconception stems from misinformation and sensationalism.
The greatest reward for Coots is the opportunity to share compelling and authentic images of sharks with both shark enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with these creatures. Through his photography, he aims to showcase a new perspective and prove that sharks are not only misunderstood but also vital for a healthy planet.
“Shark: Portraits” by Mike Coots, published by Rizzoli, is now available for purchase at £49 ($60).
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