Allen Walker had the amazing experience of diving and photographing a great white shark outside of a cage while it was feeding naturally. Over two days, Allen shot images of sharks feeding on a whale carcass off Aliwal Shoal, South Africa, including this image. He describes his experience:

It is all about being aware and in touch with your surroundings at all times, working in a buddy pair and keeping and eye on him and the animals around you.

The catch is that we have entered their domain and here, they rule. When a great white (Carcharodon carcharias) comes straight at you it causes a significantly higher “heart rate” value and there is absolutely nothing you can do but watch, respect and keep shooting as the shark will decide what happens.

This image was shot after getting into the water with numerous sharks that were predating on a whale carcass off Aliwal Shoal, Umkomaas, KwaZulu Natal. We were “smart/stupid” enough to take the risk and grab a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness this event. Given the conditions and number of feeding sharks, it was a pretty crazy notion, but one we seemed eager to pursue! We did not take much convincing, considering the already brewing conviction to do it anyway. It was a crazy and cool experience that lasted for 2 days. Tauchen magazine will be publishing the full story in its December issue.

Still stoked by the slightest memory of the event!

Equipment: Canon 1DXin a Nauticam Housing, 15mm f2.8 Sigma Fisheye, Ikelite DS161 Strobes and Nauticam Optical Dome Port.
Settings: 1/160@f9, ISO 320. Strobes set on manual.