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Underwater shot of freediver holding shark by dorsal fin with two other sharks hanging in water tied by their tails, with a boat in background
Underwater shot of freediver holding shark by dorsal fin with two other sharks hanging in water tied by their tails, with a boat in background

Underwater shot of freediver holding shark by dorsal fin with two other sharks hanging in water tied by their tails, with a boat in background

Photographer (born 1935)
Date1953-2000
Object numberANMS1455[061]
NamePhotographic slide
MediumColour transparency film
DimensionsOverall (inc carrier) 50 x 50 mm
Copyright© Valerie Taylor
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor
DescriptionThis photographic collection represents the career of filmmakers and ocean conservationists Valerie Taylor AM (born 1935) and her late husband Ron Taylor AM (1934-2012). The couple pioneered skin-diving, scuba diving and underwater photography and cinematography in Australia. Valerie was national spear fishing champion for three years in the 1960s, Ron for four years, however the couple soon stopped fishing and shifted focus to shark research, photography and film. This photographic archive profiles Ron and Valerie's involvement in spearfishing competitions around Australia during the 1960s. It features black and white and colour images of competitors with their catch following heats, and depictions of crowds at the scene of competitions. Many of the photographs are scenic and convey the lengths to which Ron and Valerie travelled to compete during these early years. This archive also documents shark finning practices and instances of sharks and other animals caught in fishnets.