Sunday Tribune

In pursuit of iconic wildlife pictures

PHOTOGRAPHY NATHAN CRAIG nathan.craig@inl.co.za

World-renowned wildlife photographer Chris Fallows had three of his latest pieces exhibited in the START Art Fair The 11th Hour exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London this week.

The exhibition ended today but Fallows, from the Cape, has a history of having his pieces on show or heralded for their beauty. He debuted his first non-fungible token artwork at the show, which was based on his infamous picture of the breaching Great White Shark, Air Jaws, which would now have the clouds and the water in motion.

“It’s a great honour to have once again been invited to showcase my fine art wildlife photography at the START Art Fair at the iconic Saatchi Gallery in London, and to fly not only the flag for South Africa but, most importantly,

for the wildlife species that I’ve been so privileged to spend time with, in South Africa, Africa, and around the world,” said Fallows.

He is not just a wildlife photographer but also an authority on Great White Sharks, and said if he had to envision

the ultimate picture of a Great White Shark, it would be Air Jaws.

“A large animal in full hunting mode, beautiful white belly exposed and mouth wide open. A magnificent super predator doing what it does best. I took the shot on June 17 in 2001 in

Seal Island’s prime predation zone, and very quickly the shot climbed the tiers to become the world’s most famous shark photograph,” he said.

Fallows said he remembered the day as if it was yesterday. “We had a small film crew joining us on the morning. We

were coming down the western side of the island through the known hotspot of Sector 4. By this stage, we were all tired. Carrying a large camera for hours on end, day after day, week after week, takes its toll, but nothing can prepare you for a fully committed, high-speed breach. One second you are staring at water, and the next thing is a magnificent super predator flying through the air,” said Fallows.

Then it was time to go to the lab. “It was late on Friday, which meant an agonising wait until Monday. I spent the weekend contemplating possible mistakes.

“I remember entering the Creative Colour Lab in Cape Town on Monday morning, pushing the lab door open, and then hearing applause as the technicians laid my fears to rest.”

But when not braving the waves, he is in the African bush or other remote locations around the world immersing himself in wildlife.

“I have known and loved wildlife from my very first breath, and dare I say, till my last. My passion is expressed through my lens.”

METRO

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2021-10-17T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-17T07:00:00.0000000Z

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