Q-and-A: Whale shark photographer Mauricio Handler
Sep 5th, 2011 by wwftravel
Whale sharks are slow swimmers, moving at speeds of no little more than 3 miles per hour.
Professional marine photojournalist Mauricio Handler has been capturing wildlife images for decades. It wasn’t until 2007, however, while leading a scuba diving outing in the Galapagos, that Handler, saw his first whale shark.
Several years later he began photographing the world’s largest fish off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, where he sometimes finds schools by the hundreds. Handler’s stunning whale shark images have recently been featured by such outlets as National Geographic and Discover News.
We caught up with him from his current base in Freeport, Maine, to learn what draws him to this magnificent species. While he may spend many more hours in the water with whale sharks than a typical traveler, the emotion he feels when coming upon the species is no different.
WWF Travel: How many times have you swum with whale sharks?
Mauricio Handler: I spend two weeks a year in the water with these giants. I can safely say that every day has been different. Every encounter brings new photo opportunities. You learn to observe after the initial adrenaline rush subsides.
The whale shark is a filter feeder and can neither bite nor chew.
WWF: What are the challenges of photographing whale sharks and how do you manage to capture such incredible images?
MH: These are big animals, and although they are moving relatively slow on the surface, it is crucial to place oneself in the right place at the right time. The only way to do this is to be in the water as much as possible and not come out! This increases your opportunities drastically. It also allows you to observe the fish and learn its motion and emotions, so to speak. These factors are crucial in creating images that go beyond the mere ID photo. You must be there and be ready at all times. There are no second chances in nature.
WWF: Are whale sharks really as docile as people say?
MH: Whale sharks are indeed docile. They are like very large Labradors! They are in no way dangerous to us as other sharks may potentially be, but they are large powerful fish with large fins. It is important to remember not to get in their way while they feed, because they do not stop their forward motion. It is like a slow moving freight train.
WWF: Do you have any tips for people who are planning their first trip to swim with whale sharks?
MH: Get comfortable using fins, a mask and a snorkel. If you are comfortable then you will have great experiences in the water. You do not want to be dealing with gear issues (such as a foggy mask or loose fins) while you have this wonderful animal in front of you!
Observe them as close as you can, watch the tail and never touch or grab them as this will be the end of your encounter and they will avoid you next time around. You must respect their space at all times.
A whale shark’s mouth is at the very front of its head – as opposed to the underside of the head like most sharks.
WWF: What is the biggest whale shark you have ever encountered?
MH: In the Galapagos Islands of Darwin Island I encountered a mature 40-foot plus male. That is one big fish! In Mexico they max out at about 30 feet—still very large.
WWF: Why do continue to go back each season to capture images of whale sharks?
MH: Photographing large gatherings of whale sharks is one of the highlights of my professional career. I keep finding new angles and moments that I want to capture in a photo. It takes weeks, months and sometimes years to be fully satisfied that you have got it all. Then one day, the animals allow a glimpse into something new, fresh and revealing, something you had never seen before, and the obsession begins all over again!
See more of Handler’s photography on his website and Facebook page.
Join WWF on a tour to swim with whale sharks to Mexico or the Philippines.
