The triangle of skills
It's not easy for a reef shark to get this close to a GoPro: it needs to feel safe and, at the same time, curious. To get underwater footage like this, it's not enough just to rely on the camera; it's essential to master the "skills triangle" I've identified, which combines three closely interconnected skills that every videographer should cultivate.
Fish Head, Ari, Maldives 2019 with GoPro7, 16:9, 2.7K, 60 fps
At its foundation is excellent buoyancy control, which allows for discreet approaches to subjects. The diver must be able to remain motionless in the water, maintaining a harmony in their movements that doesn't alarm, but rather piques the fish's curiosity. It is essential that limbs do not move impulsively, but are in sync with the rest of the body.
Mindful finning then allows for graceful and efficient movement, utilizing specific techniques like the Frog Kick to minimize environmental disturbance and to position oneself precisely for the shot, avoiding stirring up sediment.
Finally, controlled breathing is essential, enabling one to adapt their breathing rhythm to the situation, both to fine-tune buoyancy with continuous micro-adjustments and to reduce the noise and volume of bubbles that can startle animals.
Mastering these three interdependent elements is the true key for any videographer aspiring to transform their dives into impactful visual narratives.