Hannes Klostermann Underwater Photography

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  • Even though the lovely ladies at Tiger Beach usually move quite slowly, they do expect divers to move out of their way. After all, they're the biggest fish in that particular part of the sea. This can cause some confusion, especially when divers don't keep an eye on the sharks that surround them. Notice the diver that got knocked over by the tigress in this picture? Notice the lemon shark just next to him? No reaction. Despite what the media would like you to believe, even a diver losing control and falling over right next to a shark doesn't just end up as shark food, let alone someone that remains in charge of the situation. Sharks are used to other animals trying to get away from them, so people standing their ground (or swimming towards them even!) actually confuse and intimidate them quite a bit. Every species is different though. Tiger sharks for example are too curious and confident to care much about what other animals or people do or don't do, whereas hammerheads get spooked very easily. Remaining passive while keeping an eye on the shark is usually the best way to get a good, safe interaction.
    hk_bahamas_2018_055.jpg
  • Last Monday I had my very first encounter with what for me is the most beautiful of all sharks: the blue shark. These extremely elegant, pelagic animals are unfortunately a rare sighting in many parts of the world these days, due to the high demand for shark fins and other products. Their large pectoral fins make them a prime target for shark fishing worldwide and their lifestyle makes it fairly easy to catch them. Did you know that Spain is one of the top exporters of shark products? We Europeans tend to regard China as the source of all evil when it comes to shark-related issues, yet we're still very much part of the problem!  The IUCN currently lists the blue shark as near threatened. The last assessment, however, was made in 2005, so numbers are likely lower today, as commercial fishing continues largely unhindered.
    hk_blue_sharks_13-02-2019_002.jpg
  • During the summer, there are a lot of Whale Sharks in the waters just north of Isla Mujeres in Mexico. However, this does not go unnoticed so there is an armada of boats heading out each day to give people a chance to snorkel with these beautiful giants. Sadly, not all operators use the appropriate amount of care when navigating these waters which can lead to sharks being injured. This guy here for example has a large portion of both his tail and dorsal fins missing. The good news is that despite the very obvious injuries the shark has grown to a large size so thankfully, he still seems to be able to feed efficiently. Nevertheless people should make the safety of these magnificent animals their number one priority.  Like, share or comment if you agree :)
    hk_isla_mujeres_2017_029.jpg
  • A large female tiger shark called Emma swimming through a group of divers at Tiger Beach in the Bahamas. These are very confident animals that know they don't have to fear anyone that's down there with them. This however doesn't mean that they are aggressive in any way. They will expect you to make way for them and will run you over if you don't, but there are hardly any serious incidents involving divers and it is surprisingly easy to steer them away should they get a bit too close for comfort!
    hk_bahamas_2018_049.jpg
  • This is Tequila, a female tiger shark and long time resident at Tiger Beach in the Bahamas. These sharks are truly magnificent and despite their enormous size, they hardly ever harm people. Incidents with tiger sharks are usually the result of their curiosity and divers not paying close enough attention to their movements. Swimming away from an approaching shark or showing erratic movements, for example, will always peak their interest, as that is what their prey would normally do. Simply standing one's ground and gently pushing them away is all it takes to show them that you're in charge. Despite having 5 to 6 tigers around for the majority of my diving at Tiger Beach, not once was there any hint of danger or aggression. Despite chum and bait in the water, the animals move at a very relaxed pace. In fact, I would say that diving at Tiger Beach is the perfect thing to do if you're afraid of sharks. It is impossible not to see their beauty, and how they are not the mindless killers the media like to make us believe, after spending some quality time with them in this beautiful environment.
    hk_bahamas_2018_043.jpg
  • A playful juvenile California sea lion blows bubbles at me. These are amazingly curious animals and a dive with them is guaranteed to be a great time!
    hk_baja_california_24-09-2018_006.jpg
  • Last week, I finally got to tick off one of my favourite sharks from my "animals I want to see" list, the shortfin mako! These are believed to be the fastest sharks (although now, some claim it might be the salmon shark) and their big, black eyes and crazy-looking jaws certainly add to their appeal. Here, one can be seen sharing the water, and the afternoon sun, with photographer extraordinaire Fabrice Guerin!<br />
That day, we saw three different individuals in the water (including a tiny baby, maybe 70cm long, but just as confident as the larger ones), and many more breaching!<br />
<br />
Image taken with a Nikon D500 and Tokina 10-17mm fisheye in a Nauticam housing. Natural light only.<br />
<br />
Check out my other images on www.hk-underwater.com
    hk_baja_california_29-11-2018_041.jpg
  • A Grey Seal gently nibbles on my fin. Fun Fact: In German, Seals or Sea Lions are sometimes referred to as "Sea Dogs". Anyone wo has ever spent any time in the water with these curious and playful animals would surely agree this a fitting name!
    hk_farne_islands_2017_008.jpg
  • Peacefully is how we should interact with these beautiful animals. Just admire their beauty, strengh and elegance and refrain from consuming products that contain shark and today can be a good day for sharks wordwide.
    hk_bahamas_2018_066.jpg
  • I just cannot get enough of these beautiful animals! Can't wait to see them again next winter!
    hk_blue_sharks_13-02-2019_001.jpg
  • Two striped marlin herd a sardine baitball. Seeing these guys hunt in the dozens has been the highlight of my week in Bahía Magdalena, Mexico. We also saw whales, makos, breaching threshers, dolphins, mahi mahi, countless turtles and lots and lots of sea lions. More pics to follow!
    hk_baja_california_27-11-2018_036.jpg
  • A sabre squirrelfish hides under coral from a pack of grey reef sharks
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  • It's not all about the seals at the Farne Islands! There are also some amazing walls to discover with tons of cold-water coral, crabs and lobsters.
    hk_farne_islands_2017_015.jpg
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  • A school of small barracuda makes way for a passing grey reef shark.
    hk_french_polynesia_2018_036.jpg
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  • Taken on the Wetpixel Whale Shark Trip 2017.
    hk_isla_mujeres_2017_042.jpg
  • A Grey Seal resting in the kelp at the Farne Islands in the UK.
    hk_farne_islands_2017_006.jpg
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  • Some more whales from Magdalena Bay last week. Remember how I said they weren't the prettiest?
    hk_bahia_magdalena_feb_2019_1113.jpg
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  • hk_baja_california_29-09-2018_012.jpg
  • hk_galapagos_2017_025.jpg
  • The Sturgeon at Capernwray really are not shy at all!
    hk_capernwray_2017_003.jpg
  • hk_bahamas_2018_016.jpg
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  • Mosquera, Galapagos
    hk_galapagos_2017_003.jpg
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  • Everyone on the boat gets very excited when someone shouts this word. It's Spanish for 'bottle' and describes a feeding behaviour where Whale Sharks stop swimming, which causes their tail to sink. They then 'stand' in the water and feed by moving their massive mouths and gills. It is still not clear why they do this. However, there seems to be a link to the concentration of food in the water.  One common theory states that they stop when they find a very dense patch of food. An opposing theory is that they might be saving energy by not swimming when there is little food present. Maybe one day we will know for sure :) Taken on the Wetpixel Whale Shark Trip 2017.
    hk_isla_mujeres_2017_051.jpg
  • See the little fish? Whale Sharks are often followed by smaller fish for protection and sometimes food.
    hk_isla_mujeres_2017_028.jpg
  • Conditions were challenging when I went to Bimini in March. The sand there is like powder and countless pesky nurse sharks can stir it up a lot. Without a current to carry away the particles, divers quickly find themselves surrounded by a giant cloud, which makes photographing these beautiful, but shy creatures very tricky.
    hk_bahamas_2018_008.jpg
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  • Vincent Canabal interacting with Rodeo, one of the resident ladies at Tiger Beach.
    hk_bahamas_2018_035.jpg
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  • © Hannes Klostermann, Mississippi-Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, Everglades Outpost, Homestead, Florida, USA
    hk_alligators_2018_005.jpg
  • © Hannes Klostermann, Mississippi-Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, Everglades Outpost, Homestead, Florida, USA
    hk_alligators_2018_004.jpg
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  • A young California sea lion playing with a starfish.
    hk_cortez_club_11-03-2020_0037.jpg
  • A young California sea lion playing with a starfish.
    hk_cortez_club_11-03-2020_0104.jpg
  • Isla Darwin, Galapagos.
    hk_galapagos_2017_021.jpg
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  • Taken on the Wetpixel Whale Shark Trip 2017.
    hk_isla_mujeres_2017_002.jpg
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  • 30 degrees delicate cycle, no fabric conditioner :)
    hk_isla_mujeres_2017_034.jpg
  • Last weekend i visited the very playful Grey Seals of the Farne Islands in the North East of England. Sadly, day 1 was blown out but day 2 certainly made up for it big time! The seals were very curious from the first minute, messing about with the divers' fins and cameras. Who doesn't love interacting with such entertaining creatures?
    hk_farne_islands_2017_003.jpg
  • Another older image, taken at Tiger Beach last year. The eye of a Caribbean reef shark. Can anybody tell me what those things are to the left of the eye? Some sort of parasite, I assume?
    hk_bahamas_2018_078.jpg
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  • © Hannes Klostermann, Mississippi-Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, Everglades Outpost, Homestead, Florida, USA
    hk_alligators_2018_008.jpg
  • © Hannes Klostermann, Mississippi-Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, Everglades Outpost, Homestead, Florida, USA
    hk_alligators_2018_021.jpg
  • hk_french_polynesia_2018_001.jpg
  • This is my 1st place winning image in the Wide Angle Unrestricted category of the Digital Shootout 2019.  The groupers in the Cayman Islands are famous for being extra friendly. They regularly approach divers and pose for photographers which makes for good opportunities to get the creative juices flowing!
    hk_dso2019_0379.jpg
  • While I was on Little Cayman for the Digital Shootout, I spent almost an entire dive with this good-looking creature! Sometimes you don't have to venture far (or deep) to find good subjects. He/She was extremely chill, and had absolutely no issues with me being VERY close. At times I moved the camera out of the way and I ended up almost hugging the fish! Encounters like these always make for great dives! In fact, this image won me 2nd place in the wide angle traditional category of this year's competition.
    hk_dso2019_0336.jpg
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  • This turtle clealy didn't mind having her picture taken! Encountered at the Landslide at Wolf Island, Galapagos.
    hk_galapagos_2017_029.jpg
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  • A Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) swimming away after a close pass.
    hk_isla_mujeres_2017_025.jpg
  • Collision Avoidance - Even though they have a huge blind spot right in front of them, Whale Sharks are amazingly aware of their surroundings and always make sure they don't just run you over.
    hk_isla_mujeres_2017_023.jpg
  • Taken on the Wetpixel Whale Shark Trip 2017.
    hk_isla_mujeres_2017_043.jpg
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  • Part 3 of my shark close-up series shows the eye of a Lemon Shark, one of the most common species of shark at Tiger Beach in the Bahamas. It is important to keep in mind though, that although they may seem abundant there, their numbers are in rapid decline around the world and they could be threatened with extinction very soon!
    hk_bahamas_2018_081.jpg
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  • I have only recently discovered my appreciation for blennies, but aren't they just super cute?!
    hk_chileno_macro_05-02-2019_001.jpg
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  • Yesterday I had the pleasure to share the water with a maximum of 6 silky sharks at the same time. Conditions were pretty rough but the sharks more than made up for the bounciness and strong currents.
    hk_cabo_shark_dive_29-05-2019_066.jpg
  • hk_cabo_pulmo_12-12-2019_0007.jpg
  • Image taken with a Nikon D500 and Tokina 10-17mm fisheye in a Nauticam housing. Illuminated using two Inon Z-240 strobes.<br />
<br />
Check out my other images on www.hk-underwater.com
    hk_baja_california_17-11-2018_027.jpg
  • These are the largest bony fish in the world, growing up to 3 metres  from the tip of one tip to the other. They are a fairly common sight at the wall of Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela in the Galapagos Archipelago. The dive on which this picture was taken featured more than ten of these strange, but fascinating creatures!
    hk_galapagos_2017_054.jpg
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  • Schools of Hammerhead Sharks are known to send a spotter ahead of the group, to check the area for potential dangers. The spotter will then return to the school and communicate with them in a way we don't yet understand. If the spotter is scared away, for example by overly keen photographers, the school will never come close to the reef or cleaning station. Large schools of Hammerheads can often be seen at the remote sea mounts of Darwin and Wolf Island in the Galapagos. PS: Notice the huge school of big eye jacks in the edge of the frame?
    hk_galapagos_2017_023.jpg
  • Darwin Island, Galapagos
    hk_galapagos_2017_016.jpg
  • On day 2 of the Wetpixel Whale Shark Trip we did not find many sharks so we decided to go for a snorkel around a nearby coral reef just off Isla Contoy - quite a good backup plan if you ask me! :)
    hk_isla_mujeres_2017_008.jpg
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