This is what the underwater world looks like through the lens of a photographer with a lifelong love of sharks. Over the last few decades, I have shared dives and swims with hammerheads, tigers, oceanic whitetips and countless species of pelagic and reef sharks. Far from being frightened in their presence, I find solace in the quiet company of an animal who spends much of its life exploring the vast deep and avoiding humans. As a top predator, sharks keep our ocean’s fish populations healthy, help disperse nutrients throughout the water column, and contribute to the health of coastal and even deep sea habitats. Without sharks, our planet’s delicate marine systems unravel, affecting the health of our entire ocean. My hope as a photographer is to recast these misunderstood creatures as beautiful and vital keepers of ocean life— so we may protect them and help our ocean thrive well into the future. @andy_mann #sharklove #shark #wildlifephotography #conservationphotography