Underwater shot at the seafloor of a freediver holding a Grey Reef Shark and spear rod

Images(2)

Underwater shot at the seafloor of a freediver holding a Grey Reef Shark and spear rod

Photographer Valerie Taylor (born 1935)

Date1953-2000

Object numberANMS1455[068]

NamePhotographic slide

MediumColour transparency film

DimensionsOverall (inc carrier) 50 x 50 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor

Collections

Terms

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.