Blog > Careers

Exploring Careers in the Blue Economy: Interview with Gillian Shark - Underwater & Shark Photographer

24/09/2025
Exploring Careers in the Blue Economy: Interview with Gillian Shark - Underwater & Shark Photographer

The Blue Economy is not only about science and policy—it’s also about storytelling. Through photography, film, and communication, professionals are shaping how the world understands and engages with the ocean. To highlight these creative career paths, we continue our series of interviews with ocean professionals who are making a difference in unique ways.

Our next guest is Gillian Shark, an award-winning Swiss underwater and shark photographer whose striking images capture both the beauty and fragility of the ocean. Her photography has been featured in National Geographic Germany, Sony Alpha Universe, and Oceanographic Magazine. In 2024, she exhibited her work in Venice and was honoured with the Discovery of the Year – Underwater award by the ReFocus Awards. Beyond her photography, Gillian is also an educator, speaker, and founding member of SharkSchool Teaching, a Swiss association dedicated to public education about sharks.

Meet Gillian Shark

  • Current Role: Underwater & Shark Photographer, Educator, Speaker

  • Industry: Marine Conservation, Underwater Photography, Ocean Education

  • Company/Initiatives: SharkSchool Teaching (founding member), independent photographer and communicator

What inspired you to pursue a career in underwater photography?

Surprisingly, Gillian’s journey began not with fascination, but with fear. Growing up in landlocked Switzerland, she was terrified of sharks, but also captivated by them. Everything changed at the age of 13 during a family holiday.

"I went on my first scuba dive and saw my first shark – a lemon shark. As I was watching the sharks swim by, I realised that they were so much different to how the media portrays them. They were calm and even shy! That was a pivotal moment in my life and the moment my fear turned into a fascination."

Later, during a shark–human-interaction course with Swiss shark researcher Dr. Erich Ritter, Gillian began photographing sharks. Sharing those first images with friends and family made her realise just how powerful photography could be in changing perceptions.

"When people saw my pictures, they were surprised by how beautiful and elegant sharks looked. That was when I realised how powerful images are. I decided I wanted to continue taking pictures of sharks in order to show a different side of them and with aesthetically beautiful pictures change people's perceptions of sharks."

A Day in the Life

For Gillian, there is no typical day. Her work is as dynamic as the ocean itself.

"One day I might be in the water with sharks, capturing the beauty of these extraordinary yet often misunderstood animals, while the next I’m at my desk editing photos and videos. Some days are spent writing articles for ocean and diving magazines and others preparing presentations on shark behaviour or the art of underwater photography."

This mix of fieldwork, creativity, and communication makes her career both versatile and rewarding.

The Exciting and Challenging Aspects of the Job

For Gillian, the greatest joy comes from being in the water with sharks:

"When I’m diving and observing sharks, I feel completely present—nothing else exists except me and them. Some of my most unforgettable experiences were during my internships with Dr. Erich Ritter, where I assisted with shark–human-interaction research and learned deeply about shark anatomy and behaviour."

But her work doesn’t stop with photography. The impact her images have on people is just as meaningful:

"But what I treasure just as much are the moments when people tell me that my photography has made them less afraid of sharks and sparked a genuine fascination for these incredible animals."

Of course, the career also comes with challenges. Working independently requires self-motivation and long hours alone. Collaboration with conservation organisations and educational initiatives helps balance that challenges.

She also highlights the importance of outreach: her “Shark Facts Friday” series on Instagram brings short, accessible shark facts to a wide audience, showing how digital platforms can drive ocean education.

Key Skills for Success

Success in underwater and shark photography requires a unique blend of skills:

  • Technical Skills: Strong diving skills, mastery of camera equipment, patience for capturing the right underwater moment, knowledge of shark behaviour, but also editing and writign skills.

  • Soft Skills: Adaptability in changing conditions, creativity in storytelling, communication and empathy to help people connect with sharks in new ways.

"At the end of the day, it’s really a balance between the technical side of photography and the human side of communication and empathy."

Work-Life Balance & Career Satisfaction

Photography and conservation can be demanding, but Gillian finds motivation in the variety of her work and the freedom of creating her own projects. While independent work can be isolating, she sees collaboration with conservation organisations as an exciting way to expand her impact.

Future Outlook: Where is the Industry Heading?

Looking ahead, Gillian sees her role evolving well beyond photography alone:

"While photographing sharks will always be at the heart of what I do, I want to increasingly use my images and stories as tools for education and advocacy. That’s why I’d like to spend more time giving presentations, developing educational programs and collaborating with schools, communities and conservation organisations."

She believes the future of conservation will increasingly rely on creative outreach and digital storytelling:

"With the rise of digital platforms, conservation will depend more and more on creative outreach. I’m excited to be part of shaping that space, helping people connect with sharks and the ocean in ways that inspire real change."

Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals

If she could give her younger self one piece of advice, Gillian would say:

"Trust that following your passion can lead to unexpected and meaningful opportunities. Growing up in Switzerland and being terrified of sharks, I never imagined I’d one day be diving with them, photographing them, and speaking internationally about their importance. Stay curious, keep learning, and share your passion—it’s those things that open doors and create impact."

Follow Gillian's Work

Want to see more of Gillian’s photography and shark education projects? Follow her work here:

Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews with professionals shaping the future of the Blue Economy!

📢 Know someone with an exciting career in marine sciences or the Blue Economy? Let us know—we’d love to feature them!