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17 Creative Photos of Sharks for Shark Week 2025!
For those brave enough to photograph sharks in their natural environment, the visual rewards can often be quite stunning. Some photographers even make their entire reputation about underwater photography and their creative approaches. As part of the Shark Week 2025 movement we thought we’d show some of our favourite photographs of sharks for a little bit of inspiration. We certainly are not saying you should go out and shoot these yourselves without a lot of experience, but sharks are a huge part of our natural diversity and deserve this spot in the photography pantheon.

Michael Worden

Ishan @seefromthesky

Kinø

Amanda Bear

Elizabeth Villalta

The common thread that units all of these wonderful photographs of sharks is that these particular ones all have exceptional composition. With very clearly defined centres of interest and lots of negative space to draw your eye to that centre of interest it’s a skill that makes for a very compelling photograph. If you would like to get some tips on your own compel compositions then don’t forget to check out our composition drills here.

Gerald Schömbs

Michael Worden

Gabriel Dizzi

Jonathan Lackey

Owen Harding

Chase Baker

Ali Maah

Kris-Mikael Krister

Gerald Schömbs

Oleksandr Sushko

Jared Rice

Jonas Allert

It’s wonderful that the Discovery Channel has started this annual tradition of celebrating sharks and given us an opportunity to take a look at some of the inspirational images photographers can take with this wonderful subject. Hopefully this collection has given you a few things to think about.
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21/07/2025
Behind the Scenes on a Fashion Shoot with the Sigma BF

Photographer Jillian Lenser with models and crew, capturing BTS on a fashion shoot (crew credits at end of article)

The Sigma BF camera has become my unexpected companion on set. When I normally juggle multiple cameras for different casual use cases, this chic aluminum unibody camera now efficiently handles all of my behind-the-scenes needs.

The Sigma BF is not just easy to use, it’s visually striking, perfect for use in a studio or on set.

At its core is a 24.6 megapixel full-frame sensor delivering files crisp enough to blend seamlessly with my main camera’s output when needed. Its video capabilities are surprisingly high-quality for such a compact body: 6K at 30fps for primary footage and 120fps in Full HD when you need that slow-motion moment. It won’t replace dedicated cinema gear, but it exceeds expectations for quick clips and social content.

The 230GB internal storage might be my favorite practical feature. Say goodbye to that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve left your cards at home. When the day wraps, one USB-C cable handles both file transfers and recharging — a small but meaningful workflow improvement. No more juggling multiple memory cards and card readers.

Simple and intuitive, with a fast workflow (and no accessories and attachments to lose).

Sigma embraces minimalism with the streamlined menu, shutter button, a single dial, and just a handful of essential buttons. The uncluttered screen allows for thoughtful and accurate composition. For lower lift shoots, I typically offer a second camera to an assistant to snap some BTS. The simple interface of the BF means they catch on fast, letting me focus on the main project.

With no viewfinder or tilt/swivel screen, the fixed LCD screen initially threw me off. But what seemed like a limitation actually became liberating as it forced me to break my usual patterns and discover new perspectives. This disruption to my workflow pushed me to engage with subjects more intentionally, something that’s easy to lose when you’re operating on photographer autopilot. It’s definitely not for everyone, but this constraint ultimately refreshed my own creative approach.

The Sigma BF — beautiful from all angles and easy for anyone to pick up and use.

As an L-Mount camera, the BF plays nicely with lenses from Sigma, Leica, and Panasonic. I’ve been pairing it with a classic 50mm prime for straightforward BTS work, but Sigma’s variety of zoom lenses provide versatility when capturing wider sets or working in a smaller studio.

Battery life typically handles a full day of stills, though heavy video recording will drain it faster. The ability to charge via fast USB-C keeps things moving when I’m recording extensively.

A few standouts from the 13 color modes available are Standard, Rich, Teal & Orange, and Monochrome. The color modes offer creative options you can quickly cycle through to customize each photo without post-processing. I generally stick with the Rich color mode which warms up the image without drastically distorting colors, but having all of the alternatives helps match any specific mood or lighting situation.

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F2, 1/200s, ISO 400

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F2, 1/200s, ISO 500

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F2, 1/200s, ISO 640

The simplicity and design are the obvious standouts of the BF, but arguably more importantly is how this camera facilitates human connection. Its distinctive design sparks conversations, and its approachable interface encourages others on set to pick it up and capture moments themselves. This collaborative aspect creates more authentic behind-the-scenes content than I could manage alone.

In an industry where content deliverables now often include BTS video or social-friendly extras, having a camera like the BF feels less like a luxury and more like a smart adaptation. It seamlessly transitioned from being just a tool on set to becoming the camera I reach for in my personal life too. It’s so effortless to use that I find myself grabbing it for weekend walks, dinners with friends, or travel moments I used to leave undocumented.

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F2, 1/200s, ISO 1250

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F2, 1/200s, ISO 500

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F2, 1/200s, ISO 500

It’s rare for a camera to feel equally at home in both work and life, but the Sigma BF has genuinely brought back the simple joy of photography for me. No overthinking settings, no menu diving… just seeing, composing, and shooting. It reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F16, 1/125s, ISO 5000

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F2, 1/200s, ISO 250

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F9, 1/125s, ISO 4000

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F2, 1/200s, ISO 800

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F2, 1/200s, ISO 400

Sigma BF + 50mm F2 DG | Contemporary
F2, 1/200s, ISO 1600

This camera won’t replace your professional level gear, or those needing dual card slots or built-in viewfinders, because it’s not supposed to.

What it offers instead is something increasingly rare: photography stripped back to its essence of seeing and capturing, consistently delivering beautiful results.

Photo Shoot Credits

Photographer: Jillian Lenser
Wardrobe/AD: Sionán Murtagh
Hair: Kayra Theodore
MUA: Mai Ospedales
Model: Raegan Camille
Lighting Tech: Richard Saralertsophon
Photo Assist: Atiwat Mondee
BTS Photo/Video: Nic Bui
Studio: TAWAN Studio
Designers: Emily Eanae, Michael Chamberlin, Nan Yu

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20/07/2025
Underwater Awards Australasia 2025: Deadline Extended!

The deadline of the Underwater Awards Australasia 2025 has been extended by popular demand! You now have an extra week to submit your entries—submissions must close on July 27th!

This really is your last chance to claim your share of $70,000 worth of prizes: awesome dive trips with Ocean Souls Explorer, Walindi Dive Resort, Master Liveaboards, Atlantis Philippines, Lissenung Island Resort, and Aquatica Dive Resort; as well as fabulous equipment from Doris, Fotocore, QYSEA, SUBLUE, OM System, Backscatter, Inon, Kraken Sports, SeaLife, OrcaTorch, Isotta, Insta360, Fourth Element, CineBags, and Saga Dive; not to mention a 2-day PADI Freediving course with Abyss Scuba Diving, a double dive at Nguthungulli Julian Rocks with Sundive Byron Bay, a one-year membership to The Underwater Club, and an hourlong online meeting with a shark scientist from the Oceania Chondrichthyan Society.

For six of the nine categories—Sharks, Conservation, Portfolio, Smartphone/Action Cam, Tough TG and Reels Showcase—entries must have been shot in the Australasian region, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and the countries of Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, and Southeast Asia (see map). The remainder are special categories: Sydney (images captured in the waters of Metropolitan Sydney), Australian (images from Australia and its internal territories), and International Waters (images from anywhere!).

Submissions will be judged by a prestigious panel—photo judges Tobias Friedrich, Jayne Jenkins, Matty Smith, Tanya Houppermans, Scott Portelli and William Tan; and video judges Philip Hamilton and Ross Long—and the winners will be announced, and exhibited, at the Go Diving Show ANZ in September.

Procrastinate no longer, shooters! Head over to UnderwaterCompetition.com to enter your masterpieces today! (And please don’t forget to read the rules and guidelines carefully first.) The competition is an industry-first three-way collaboration between DPG, Underwater Australasia, and UW Images. Entry fees are US$10 per image or video entered.

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19/07/2025
Follow These Tutorials To Capture Night Sky Objects With The Camera You Have
Night sky is an addictive subject to photograph and if you look closer, there are many night sky objects that you can photograph, other than the moon and the Milky Way. On very clear nights, you will be able to see a lot of nebulae, star clusters, cloud complexes and even a galaxy without the aid of a telescope.

Right now it is the Milky Way season in the Northern Hemisphere, but for those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, there are many objects in the Winter sky that are worth photographing. If you are new to astrophotography, start by photographing the moon and then move on to photograph the Milky Way, before working towards photographing deep space objects.

Grab your Milky Way Photography Blueprint for free right here.

In this article here, we have put together a collection of tutorials that are highly detailed and provide you with every information you need to photograph the sky at night. Don’t forget to check out the “Further Reading” section.

Let us start with the Moon which is the natural satellite to our planet Earth and it is one of the closest and brightest subjects in the night sky, that you can easily photograph. If you observe the moon over a few weeks, you will get an understanding of the phases of the moon, its rising and setting time, etc. You just need to do a little bit of planning to get the best shot.

Graphic by Light Stalking

If you are wondering what if you do not have a camera yet, but only a smartphone that you use to capture photos right now? Smartphone technology has advanced quite a lot in the recent years and they can be used to capture beautiful images of the moon and some brighter objects in the night sky. Especially if you are a a beginner in astrophotography, with some practice and knowledge, you can capture interesting photos of the moon with your smartphone.

Photo by Dahlia Ambrose using Samsung Galaxy S22 – 20x digital zoom. ISO 25, 69mm, -0.2 ev, f/2.4, 1/583s. Cropped to fill the frame.

And, did you know that the moon is not just white, but has some colours due to the mineral deposits on its surface? If you zoom in on live view with a long lens, on a very clear night, you will be able to observe these colours faintly. You can photograph the moon and bring in those beautiful colours and this article will help you achieve that. It is interesting and can be done during any phase of the moon, but remember that you will have to take a series of shots to get the best results in terms of colours and details.

Photo by Dahlia Ambrose

We have heard of rules for correctly setting exposure for certain subjects in photography, rules that do not need to be followed as such, but rules that can help you get started initially and then can be refined further according to the situation. One such rule to capture the moon is the Looney 11 rule which can be a start to estimate exposure times. We will summarise the rule here:
- Set aperture to f/11 and shutter speed to the reciprocal value of ISO.
Check out the article to learn more about this rule.

Graphic by Light Stalking

We live in the Milky Way galaxy and it is one of the easiest subjects to photograph, after the moon. Depending on the time of the year, you will be able to photograph only specific areas of the Milky Way galaxy. The core is the most stunning region and it is above the horizon at night, a few months every year. So keep an eye on the weather forecast and find the darkest location possible and photograph the Milky Way with the camera you have in hand.

Photo by John Lemieux

If you want to go a bit further after some experience and photograph a nebula, the Orion Nebula is one of the easiest to capture and one that is most commonly photographed too. You can use the camera that you have in hand and a moderate focal length lens to capture the frames and then with some detailed post processing, you will have a beautiful image. You will need to capture a series of shots including calibration frames and everything is explained in detail in this article.

Photo by Dahlia Ambrose

Now, similar to the rule we mentioned above to set exposure for moon photography, if you are a beginner and not sure where to start in terms of settings for your night sky photography like stars, nebulae, etc., start with the 500 rule. It is not very accurate, but is a great start to get an image of the stars, galaxies and the Milky Way. Here is the rule summarised below:
- Set your camera to ISO 3200 or 6400, your Aperture to f/2.8 (or as wide as possible) and your shutter speed to 500 divided by the focal length of your camera, taking into account the crop factor of your camera.
There is also a 600 rule where you replace the 500 above with 600 and see if it works better than the above setting.

Snapwire at Pexels

With more advanced cameras and sensors, sometimes the 500 or 600 rule may not get you the best results, especially if you want to have a large print. Sometimes there may be some trailing in the stars instead of point sharp stars. To avoid this situation, the photographer needs to calculate exposure based on the type of camera and lens combination.

A formula was devised by Frédéric Michaud for the Société Astronòmique du Havre called the NPF rule which is quite complex, where
- N stands for aperture, the letter N is used to represent aperture in optics.
- P for photosites or pixel density or pixel pitch (distance between two pixels)
- F for focal length
If you have an app called PhotoPills, you can easily calculate exposure times using the NPF rule on that app.

Screenshot from PhotoPills App showing different exposure times for two different full frame cameras

Star photography is easy, but in order to get the best results like sharp and noise free images, there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind. It also requires you to choose the right location, weather conditions, keep an eye on the moon phases and use the right tools and accessories to get the best shot. Last but not the least, patience and practice is key to perfect star images.

Photo by Skeeze

Cameras come with noise reduction features called high iso noise reduction and long exposure noise reduction. Many photographers seem to be confused if they need to leave these settings on for astrophotography, in order to get the best results. Depending on what you are shooting, these features can cause some delay in sequences, can cause heat, and also remove faint star details. Read to find if you should leave these settings on or off for astrophotography and why.

Image by Benjamin Voros

When capturing night sky or dep space object, you are working with very little light and longer exposure times. Factors like heat due to long exposure and high iso can induce thermal and/or digital noise in these photographs that can leave unwanted effects/artifacts in the images that also greatly reduce the sharpness and quality of the image. Here are some ways in which noise can be reduced in your night sky images.

This is how noise looks in photographs – this is for illustration purposes only. Image by MartinThoma

Further Reading
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19/07/2025
June 2025 Photo Contest Winners: Minimalism and Simplicity

We’re happy to announce the winner of June’s competition “June 2025 Photo Contest Winners: Minimalism and Simplicity.”

For those who don’t know, the Light Stalking Monthly Photography Competition carries a $100 People’s Choice Award and a $100 Overall Winner Award. The People’s Choice Winner is selected by a vote of the community, whereas our guest judge selects the overall winner.

The “Minimalism and Simplicity” Photo Contest

Minimalism in photography is about reducing the number of elements, minimising or even eliminating patterns and textures to capture a simple image with a strong composition that is visually appealing and can keep the viewer engaged. As you gain experience in photography composition, looking at a scene will give you ideas on whether it will work for minimal photographs, but sometimes you can also just focus on a part of a grand scene and capture minimal photographs.

Less is more in minimalist photography and the concept for this type of composition is simplicity. Just eliminate unnecessary elements and focus on a single element or subject in the frame and it will be a great start to minimalism and simplicity in photography. Using negative space can be a powerful compositional tool in this case and converting images to black and white can emphasise minimalism further and add a timeless and classic touch to the photos.

The contest theme for June was, “Minimalism and Simplicity” and participants submitted their interpretations of this theme through interesting and visually striking photographs. Landscapes, wildlife, portraits, nature, still life, macros of flowers, bugs, objects, and many other subjects were captured and submitted for June’s contest.

When choosing the winning photos, we wanted to make sure that the decision process was based on a good interpretation of the theme, followed by other factors like light, composition, story, details, creative vision and thought, etc. The results are entirely subjective and there are no losers in any competition as we all know.

Here are June’s winners:

First Place: “Family” by Elin Laxdal

Common loon – Copyright Elin Laxdal

Elin submitted a beautiful photo of a common loon with her babies, titled “Family.” The composition in this photo is minimal with the focus on just the bird and the chicks. The photo also portrays a sweet story – the bond between the parent and the babies.

Elin also used the reflection of the loon in water to her advantage, as a leading line which is a powerful compositional tool. Also, her choice to convert the image to black and white has eliminated anything distracting in terms of colours, that may have taken away some attention from the subject. The image is perfectly exposed with details in both the dark and bright areas and the eye of the bird is also perfectly in focus.

Congratulations on the win Elin, this is a brilliant shot that portraits minimalism and simplicity in photography.

Second Place: “Mantid” by Tersha

Mantid – Copyright Tersha

Tersha’s take on the photo of a mantid is very clever and the way the photo is composed is unique. Not many photographers would think about cropping off an insect’s head in the image, but Tersha’s choice to keep the abdomen and just a pair of legs in the frame arouses curiosity, while also being visually interesting.

The image is even more simplified with a monochrome theme which is green. The textures in the background are soft and minimal and hence not distracting. The legs of the mantid serve as leading line and also as a frame to bring focus on the mantid’s abdomen. The abdomen itself is interesting, with patterns that are of visual interest. The soft side lighting technique has added depth to make the image even more interesting.

Congratulations on this creatively framed and captured image Tersha.

Third Place: “Serenity Floats” by Pat Garrett

Serenity Floats – Copyright Pat Garrett

Pat shared this very minimal photo of a leaf floating on water, titled “Serenity Floats.” The scene indeed looks very serene with the waters looking calm and the leaf floating still on the surface. The golden hour has beautifully backlit the leaf, revealing some of its textures and emphasizing the warm colours. Also the reflection of the golden sky in the water adds visual interest and a perfectly warm atmosphere for this serene shot.

Pat has chosen to eliminate any other distraction in the scene in terms of colours, objects and other elements. The serene atmosphere itself is a minimal concept in the frame, and the colours, light are soft allowing the viewer to focus on the subject. Pat has also exposed the image perfectly to capture details on all parts of the leaf including the underside.

Congratulations on this beautifully captured image Pat.

People’s Choice Award Winner

Our monthly photo contests also come with a People’s Choice Award. The winner of this part of the contest receives $100 worth of store credit on Lightstalking which they can spend as they please on our blueprints, drills, courses or Presets.

Mechanized Symmetry – Copyright Frogdaily

The most popular photo for June, voted by the contestants was “Mechanized Symmetry” by Frogdaily, which has won the people’s choice award. Frogdaily has made use of simple subjects and composition to capture this beautiful photo.

The light illuminating the subject, the beautiful reflection and the soft bokeh, make this image visually appealing. This image is also an example of how still life can also be captured with minimal elements and a simple composition. Congratulations Frogdaily on the win.

We are about two weeks into this month’s photo contest and still have a few days left to submit photos to our July’s monthly contest. It has already seen some interesting submissions. This month, our theme is “Textures and Layers.”

If you would like to join and enter some images into our monthly contest then take a look at your options here.

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18/07/2025
Brian Maranan Pineda – A Photo Editor

The Art of the Personal Project is a crucial element to let potential buyers see how you think creatively on your own. I am drawn to personal projects that have an interesting vision or that show something I have never seen before. In this thread, I’ll include a link to each personal project with the artist statement so you can see more of the project. Please note: This thread is not affiliated with any company; I’m just featuring projects that I find. Please DO NOT send me your work. I do not take submissions.

Today’s featured artist: Brian Maranan Pineda

My “Oaxaca, Mexico” personal series is a vibrant, intimate look at the heart of this incredible region. I wandered through bustling markets, lively streets, and peaceful neighborhoods, drawn to the colors, textures, and the spirit of Oaxaca. What struck me most were the people—their warmth, openness, and deep connection to their tradition. Through candid portraits and vivid scenes, I wanted to capture not just what Oaxaca looks like, but how it feels: full of energy, history, and life.

This project is my personal tribute to a place that left a lasting mark on me. From moments of celebration to quiet daily rituals, I hoped to capture the everyday beauty that makes Oaxaca so unique. Each image is a small story of life there, reflecting the character and rich cultural roots of its people. I hope these photographs invite others to share in the wonder and appreciation I felt while visiting this remarkable part of Mexico.

To see more of this project, click here

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Suzanne Sease is a creative consultant and former ad-agency senior art buyer. She works with both emerging and established photographers and illustrators to create cohesive, persuasive presentations that clients can’t resist.

Suzanne offers something rare: an insider’s perspective on how client’s source creative talent. Her deep understanding of the industry is underscored by her impressive resume: 11 years as senior art buyer at The Martin Agency, seven years as an art producer for Capital One, and stints with the art-buying department at Kaplan-Thaler and the creative department at Best Buy, where she applied her expertise to reviewing bids to see which were most likely to come in on budget. Over the years, Suzanne has worked with a wildly diverse range of clients, including Seiko, Wrangler, Bank One, AFLAC, and Clairol Herbal Essence. Now, as a consultant, she is equipped to problem-solve for her clients from an unusually dynamic point of view.

As a longtime member of the photo community, Suzanne is also dedicated to giving back. Through her Art of the Personal Project column on the popular website aphotoeditor.com, she highlights notable personal projects by well-known and up-and-coming photographers. The column offers these artists excellent exposure while reflecting Suzanne’s passion for powerful imagery.

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17/07/2025
The Many Falls – Stuck in Customs
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July 2025 : Tuesday
Jul 2025 : Tuesday
Daily Photo – The Many Falls

One thing (of many good things) that New Zealand does is create and well maintain walking tracks. They’re all over the place on the South Island and even from the middle of a town or city you’re often only a few minutes from the beginning of a trail that will take you into a beautiful, serene environment where you’ll barely see another human. The paths often cross little streams and regularly pass by lovely waterfalls like this one. Great for popping your shoes off and cooling down some tired feet on the way back.