Filming blue sharks with or without light?

[BLUEWAVEFILMS 12]

I am planning to fly to the Azores in July to film blue sharks. My previous experience with sharks in blue water has been limited to oceanic whitetips, thresher sharks and hammerheads. Oceanic whitetips are known to dislike bright video lights or flashlights, at least that was the case with the ones I encountered in Egypt.

What about blue sharks? They are known to be very curious. Does bright video light bother them or even attract them? Most of the videos of blue sharks in the Azores shown on YouTube were made without light.

Thanks a lot for any thoughts, ideas, tips and tricks...

Andreas

Edited May 11 by BLUEWAVEFILMS

[Kraken de Mabini 202]

It is my understanding that absorption by water halves the light every ten meters, or more, depending on suspended particles.  As bright lights repel the sharks, available sunlight is the light to use. Also, quiet movements and gentle finning are indicated to keep down water vibration.

 

[Floris Bennema 27]

I dived with blue sharks in the Azores last year and photographed them.  They came really close and did not seem to be bothered by flashlights. For photography I would surely recommend using a flash. Not sure how they will behave with constant video lights this but they behave rather pushy because of the smell of fish in the water, so I expect not. You are hanging on a rope in the water and if you are one of the upper divers ambient light will be perfect, hanging deeper I would try lights.

[BLUEWAVEFILMS 12]

8 hours ago, Floris Bennema said:

I dived with blue sharks in the Azores last year and photographed them.  They came really close and did not seem to be bothered by flashlights. For photography I would surely recommend using a flash. Not sure how they will behave with constant video lights this but they behave rather pushy because of the smell of fish in the water, so I expect not. You are hanging on a rope in the water and if you are one of the upper divers ambient light will be perfect, hanging deeper I would try lights.

Thank you!

Your experience helps a lot in my decision to bring my video lights. Amazing photos by the way. Now I am even more looking forward to dive with those guys. :-)

[BLUEWAVEFILMS 12]

Meanwhile we are back from the Azores... and...
We proudly present WIDE WILD OCEAN:

Anyone looking to get information about the current shark diving in the Azores will be well served by our short documentary. Mobulas, dolphins and whales also "forced" us to film them. ;-)

Edited August 30 by BLUEWAVEFILMS

[Davide DB 583]

Beautiful images and edit.

So in the end did you film them with or without lights? 

P.S.

I tried subtitles and while YT says there are US subs available, only automatic generated subs work for me.

[BLUEWAVEFILMS 12]

39 minutes ago, Davide DB said:

Beautiful images and edit.

So in the end did you film them with or without lights? 

P.S.

I tried subtitles and while YT says there are US subs available, only automatic generated subs work for me.

Tnank you! I filmed without lights. Keldan filter on my GH5 an manual WB.