Thomas Peschak's Image

Thomas climbed to the top of the ladder, determined to get the right perspective for his shot. Day after day, he returned to this spot and his ladder-balancing act. Finally, the sharks lounging in the ankle deep water lined up perfectly as dramatic clouds peppered the horizon. Thomas had his photograph.

Blacktip reef sharks are powerful swimmers and spend their days hunting in shallow waters over coral reefs. Their white bellies and dark backs act as a camouflage against the dim seafloor and bright ocean surface. With their bellies touching the sand, they point their snouts into the current to keep water flowing over their gills.