Allen Walker is a passionate underwater photographer. His stunning underwater imagery of sharks portray the beauty of these threatened marine animals.
I'll let Allen tell his story,
"I started diving a long time ago but strangely enough only did my first course (Open Water) with Dr. Eghardt Brand in Namibia, 18 January 1997. I then became an Open Water Scuba Instructor, 22 April 1998 and went up to IDC Staff Instructor 09 June 1999 and current.
Although spending all my free time diving, I only really started underwater photography after a friend convinced me that it was fun and really rewarding, I had my reservations…. I took my first picture with a loan camera, a small Sony point and shoot, can’t even recall the model number. After the dive I was so excited and could not wait to look at the pictures, yikes was I disappointed, blur, blur and even more blur with no colour! Sheesh, where was this instant gratification he mentioned, I was annoyed, thwarted and more so, now totally committed to get one decent photograph! That was it, game on!
Tiger Shark and diver at Shark Park
The next Monday I went and bought my first underwater camera (“Credit Cards” got to love them) at Ushaka Marine World! A Sony W7 and housing, and I have not regretted it since. My new found passion in underwater photography was 2 fold, one to at least get a decent picture and 2, the continuous need to adapt to an environment that changes every second and then still be able to produce a picture worthy of a frame! This was not only a huge challenge but extremely exciting!
Dusky Shark at Shark Park
Today I most probably would not dive if you took my camera away. (Joking……not!!) So I guess you can say I am a self-taught photographer who has only realised his passion late in life, well that’s what I thought! Here’s the catch I most probably did not see it coming from a mile away, try 40 years! Since changing the “environment” I spent all my free time in, I have been hit hard with the realisation that it was not only photography that I should be passionate about, but also the people dedicated to making a difference in the marine environment, which we so passionately dive and photograph in, through photography and the story it can tell. This has been missing in my photography for the past 3 years.
Black Tip Shark at Shark Park
What was I really taking photographs of, for, or even who? Was I just trying to create a beautiful picture or is there more to photography, like telling a story, creating a feeling, arousing a sense, generating anger or happiness, pity or self belief dismay or encouragement? Hopefully my realisation will not be short lived and meaningless.
I hope this portfolio will be a testament to me actually doing something about my new found passion.
Can I make a difference? Let’s see……"
The shark images below are all Black Tip Sharks photographed at Shark Park
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