How it Started
I spent 10 days in the Maldives working with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), living on a research boat and going out each day with a team of marine biologists. I originally went to learn more about whale sharks and marine conservation, but I didn’t plan to make a film.
After a few days in the water, I realized how unique the experience was—not just seeing whale sharks up close, but understanding the work that goes into identifying and tracking them. I wanted to find a way to capture that experience and share it with other people.
The team consisting of MWSRP researchers and volunteers
The MV Felicity where the team spent 11 nights
It was easy to sleep after long days on and in the water
Working in the Field
Each day, we searched for whale sharks along the reef, often spending hours in the water. When we found one, the team worked quickly to photograph its unique spot pattern, which is used like a fingerprint to identify individual animals.
I helped with data collection and documentation, while also filming as much as I could. Conditions weren’t always easy—strong currents, limited visibility, and the unpredictability of working with wild animals—but that was part of what made the experience feel real.
All breakfasts and dinners were shared on the main deck
Megafauna Up Close
Each day, we searched for whale sharks along the reef, often spending hours in the water. When we found one, the team worked quickly to photograph its unique spot pattern, which is used like a fingerprint to identify individual animals.
I helped with data collection and documentation, while also filming as much as I could. Conditions weren’t always easy—strong currents, limited visibility, and the unpredictability of working with wild animals—but that was part of what made the experience feel real.
