In a breathtaking adventure across the Tasman Sea, renowned wildlife photographer and Sony Artisan Paul Nicklen was on a journey to document one of the most incredible marine phenomena – the world's largest marlins. The expedition, marked by the raw and untamed beauty of the ocean, promised high risks but also the potential for unmatched photographic rewards. Watch the video and read more below for Nicklen’s story behind the shot.
Braving Challenging Conditions To Get The Shot
The Tasman Sea is known for its challenging conditions, making this venture a formidable task. “More people have climbed Mount Everest and summited, than have sailed across the Tasman Sea,” Nicklen says. Despite initial skepticism about the feasibility of filming marlins 400 miles offshore, a high-pressure system emerged, promising calm seas. As dawn broke, Nicklen witnessed an extraordinary sight – thousands of birds circling above a massive bait ball of sardines, signaling the presence of marlin below.
Diving into the waters, Nicklen found himself amidst 30 to 40 marlins, some weighing up to 600 pounds. These majestic creatures, drawn to the bait ball, created a scene of vibrant chaos. As the marlins darted and swirled, Nicklen captured the intensity of the underwater ballet, with marlins snatching fish right around him. Using the Sony Alpha 1 II and Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master, he was able to capture this rare spectacle, highlighting the dynamic interplay between predator and prey.
Capturing Moments In Chaos
The adventure didn't end there. Nicklen also encountered a mako shark and the largest blue shark he had ever seen, adding another layer of excitement and complexity to the shoot. “It became my challenge to really try and capture these single moments. There was just so much chaos,” Nicklen says.
This expedition stands as one of the wildest and most unexpected experiences of Nicklen's career. The resulting images offer a glimpse into the raw power and elegance of marine life, captured through the lens of a photographer willing to push the boundaries in pursuit of his craft.
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