Euan Rannachan, a seasoned photographer with a lifelong fascination for sharks, has captured an extraordinary image while diving with one of nature’s most powerful predators: the great white shark. On a recent trip to Guadalupe Island, Mexico, Rannachan was able to photograph a great white shark in a pose strikingly similar to the iconic movie poster from the 1975 film Jaws.
While many may find sharks terrifying, Rannachan, with his camera skills and deep respect for these creatures, has spent hours in their presence, capturing their majestic beauty. However, his recent encounter brought his dream to life. Just 35 feet away in the safety of a shark cage, he managed to snap the perfect shot of the shark, recreating the famous cover image created by artist Roger Kastel for Jaws. Kastel’s poster, inspired by a taxidermy shark, has become one of the most recognized movie posters of all time.
“This is a photograph that many of my shark friends, including myself, have been trying to capture for years,” Rannachan shared with My Modern Met. “I had a feeling I had it, but things move so quickly down there that all I could do was prepare for the next pass, if there was going to be one. It wasn’t until much later that night, while backing up footage, that I realized I had it—and, more importantly, that it was in focus.”
The photo quickly went viral, with many people recognizing the striking resemblance to the classic Jaws poster. Rannachan’s ability to capture such an image has brought attention not only to his incredible photography but also to his mission of changing the perception of sharks. For decades, these apex predators have been portrayed as dangerous villains, largely thanks to the success of Jaws. But Rannachan hopes his work will help people see sharks in a new light—one that showcases their power, precision, and beauty rather than fear.
“What always excites me is how powerful and precise they can be while remaining completely under control,” Rannachan says. “It’s incredible to see a 3,000-pound animal approach its target, flick its tail, accelerate, and spin on a dime as if nothing had happened.”
Through his stunning photography and dedication to these magnificent creatures, Rannachan is using his platform to advocate for greater understanding and conservation of sharks. This unforgettable shot has not only captured the imagination of Jaws fans but has also sparked a larger conversation about the real nature of sharks, far beyond the fictionalized version seen in Hollywood.
