130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Michael Muller

Sharks
4.73 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 48 ratings, 8 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Michael Muller presents a remarkable collection of underwater shark photography captured by famed portrait photographer Michael Muller. Known for his work with elite actors and musicians, Muller turns his lens to the ocean's apex predators, using a patented seven-bulb, 1200-watt plexi-encased strobe lighting rig, developed with NASA engineers, to photograph sharks at unprecedented proximity and precision – and without a cage. This stunning volume features the first-known photograph of a great white breaching at night, showcasing sharks from across the globe, with thrilling accounts of his underwater adventures. Essays by Philippe Cousteau, Jr. and marine biologist Alison Kock contextualise the images within marine conservation, while culture writer Arty Nelson and a technical section explore the artistry and technology behind the work.
Read More
Format: Hardback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of Michael Muller. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in arts and culture, wildlife photography, marine biology, and ocean conservation, as well as those fascinated by sharks and underwater exploration. Suitable for enthusiasts of striking visual artistry and environmental advocacy.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

With a patented seven-bulb 1200-watt strobe lighting rig, Michael Muller dives to ocean depths around the world to photograph sharks with the same precision and proximity he achieved in Hollywood studios. This book brings together his most spectacular shots, including the first-known photograph of a great white breaching at night.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Michael Muller has carved a career out of impressive encounters. Famed for his portraits of the world's most elite actors, musicians, and sports stars, he has in the last decade built up one of the most spectacular portfolios of underwater shark photography.

Muller's quest is to document sharks with an unprecedented proximity and precision, bringing the Hollywood portrait session to the ocean predator. In ocean depths around the world, he approaches the sharks with a patented seven-bulb, 1200-watt plexi-encased strobe lighting rig, developed with NASA engineering, and no cage.

This collection of Muller's images, including the first-known photograph of a great white breaching at night, is a catalogue of adrenalin and awe. Arranged geographically, it follows Muller's ocean adventures from black tip and sand tiger sharks in South Africa to great hammerheads in the Bahamas, with thrilling narratives from each trip documenting the challenges and near-misses along the way.

To complement Muller's work for advocacy organisations such as WildAid and EarthEcho, the images are contextualised with essays from Philippe Cousteau, Jr. and marine biologist Alison Kock, who discuss exploration and conservation of our oceanic kingdom. Culture writer Arty Nelson adds an overview of Muller's work, while a technical section explains the precise equipment behind these spectacular shots. Together, these insightful texts and awesome images offer a record of breathtaking photographic feats, a tribute to the beauty and might of the shark, and a rallying cry for its fragile future.

This book is also available in a signed Collector's Edition and two Art Editions, each including a signed and numbered print.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise Muller's intimate and mesmerizing shark portraits, noting their ability to convey energy and wonder that challenges common fears about these creatures. Reviews highlight the book's aesthetic brilliance and inspiring perspective, showcasing sharks as nature's supermodels rather than monsters. The photographic style, free from cages and enhanced by Hollywood-style lighting, effectively captures the animals' evolutionary perfection and graceful power. This visually stunning and advocacy-driven work has been acclaimed for changing public perception and supporting shark conservation efforts.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9783836553599

Publisher: Taschen GmbH

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 02 February 2016

Country: Germany

Imprint: Taschen GmbH

Illustration: 250 Illustrations

Contributors:

  • Photographs by Michael Muller

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 38.0mm

Width: 256.0mm

Height: 340.0mm

Weight: 3290g

Pages: 334

About the Author

Arty Nelson has written essays for monographs and artist catalogs on Wes Lang, Chris Johanson, Ed Templeton, and the critically acclaimed Beautiful Losers show. Dr. Alison Kock is a marine biologist and the research manager for the City of Cape Town’s acclaimed Shark Spotters Program. She is a member of the South African Acoustic Tracking Array Platform, is a project leader for the Save Our Seas Foundation, and scientific advisor for the South African Shark Conservancy. Philippe Cousteau Jr. is a prominent leader in the environmental movement. An award-winning television host, producer, author, speaker, philanthropist, and social entrepreneur, Philippe is the son of Philippe Cousteau Sr. and grandson of Jacques Cousteau. Los Angeles–based photographer Michael Muller has circled the globe shooting celebrities, rock stars, outlaw bikers, super heroes, and elite athletes for such publications as Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, The New York Times Magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar. In 2007 he turned his lens underwater and began photographing sharks as they’ve never been seen before.

Also by Philippe Cousteau

View all
  • Oceans For Dummies
    Dive deep to explore the ocean From how most of our oxygen is created by phytoplankton, to how currents control our climate, to the marine food chain and the importance of coral, this is the holy grail of ocean books that’s easy for everyone to digest. It features fun facts about some of the most incredible, bizarre, and fascinating creatures...
    Paperback
    $5199
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • The Endangereds: Melting Point
    It’s time for animals to take fate into their own paws! The Endangereds: Melting Point is the second book in a thrilling new adventure series by world-renowned environmentalist and Emmy-nominated host of Xploration Awesome Planet, Philippe Cousteau, and award-winning TURBO Racers author Austin Aslan. Around the world, temperatures are rising, ice caps are melting, and innocent animals are in trouble....
    Paperback
    $3700
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • The Endangereds
    2021 Green Earth Book Award Long List It’s time for animals to take fate into their own paws! The Endangereds is the first book in a thrilling new adventure series by world-renowned environmentalist and Emmy-nominated host of Xploration Awesome Planet Philippe Cousteau and award-winning TURBO Racers author Austin Aslan. Innocent animals are in trouble: temperatures are climbing, tides are rising,...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Arts & Culture

View all
  • Dylan's Pick
    Bold Types
    A tribute to 32 truly independent bookshops throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, from north of Auckland down to Dunedin, and coast to coast. Jane Ussher's photographs show every bookstore in its unique nature - including behind the counter, smoko rooms, the mess which tells the hardworking story behind the joy of matching books with customers. Jemma Moreira's careful editing has crafted...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    I’ll Believe in Anything
    From Jacob Tierney, the creator ofΒ Heated Rivalry, in partnership with Brendan Brady and AccentΒ Aigu, comesΒ I’llΒ Believe in Anything, an official and complete collection of annotated scripts for the biggest cultural sensation of the year, with all new exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Based on Rachel Reid’s blockbuster Game Changers book series,Β Heated RivalryΒ premiered on Crave and HBO in late 2025 andΒ immediatelyΒ took the world by storm.Β I’ll...
    Hardback
    $5499
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Home Again
    Join rock-legend, former Shihad frontman and lead singer of The Adults, Jon Toogood in this unflinching and no-holds-barred memoirΒ Home Again.This is more than a rock story.Β Toogood looks back on a 37-year career that helped define New Zealand rock music, and the personal cost that came with it.Β From a music-obsessed childhood in Wellington to the deafening roar of international stages, this...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Odyssey
    Composed at the rosy-fingered dawn of world literature almost three millennia ago, The Odyssey is a poem about violence and the aftermath of war; about wealth, poverty and power; about marriage and family; about travellers, hospitality, and the yearning for home. This fresh, authoritative translation captures the beauty of this ancient poem as well as the drama of its narrative....
    By Homer
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3599
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Iliad
    When Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey appeared in 2017β€”revealing the ancient poem in a contemporary idiom that was "fresh, unpretentious and lean" (Madeline Miller, Washington Post)β€”critics lauded it as "a revelation" (Susan Chira, New York Times) and "a cultural landmark" (Charlotte Higgins, Guardian) that would forever change how Homer is read in English. Now Wilson has returned with an...
    By Homer
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Birdlands Birdlands
    New Release
    Birdlands
    A rare, intimate journey into the wild islands where Aotearoa's birds live beyond the reach of most human lives. In the most remote outposts of Aotearoa, our islands are populated not with people, but with birds. From the storm-lashed Subantarctic Islands in the deep south to the scattered volcanic islands of Tikapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf in the north, Birdlands offers a...
    Hardback
    $4199
    Elsewhere:
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    Embark on a culinary adventure with Moana of Motunui with Pacific recipes inspired by Moana and Moana 2! After a long day of sailing to see how far you’ll go or keeping the demigod Maui out of trouble with Te Fiti, catch a break with the delicious dishes in Moana: The Official Cookbook! Featuring more than 50 recipes spanning the...
    Hardback
    $4499
    Elsewhere:
    $5299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Split Enz
    New Release
    Split Enz
    'My favourite band. Ever! And certainly the best dressed.' Sam Neill Split Enz were never designed to fit. Emerging from art school mischief in early-1970s New Zealand, they turned pop into surreal theatre: costume, character and melody colliding in a rock band that refused to behave like one. At the centre of that vision was Noel Crombieβ€”percussionist, performer and the...
    Hardback
    $5199
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Artist's Way
    The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is a transformative guidebook that has captivated millions, including luminaries such as Elizabeth Gilbert and Tim Ferriss. With its profound ability to inspire and elevate, this book invites readers to embark on an enriching creative journey, fostering a deeper connection to one's artistic process and sense of purpose. The heart of Cameron's groundbreaking programme...
    Paperback
    $3700
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • This Angry Pen of Mine
    This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...
    Hardback
    $7299
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Life in Lyrics
    Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest showmen of the twentieth century. With his unparalleled voice and searing on-stage energy, he was a great pretender, a killer queen and a champion of the world. But behind the glamour lived a musician and lyricist talented beyond measure, and the creative force behind one of the most culturally significant and musically diverse...
    Hardback
    $5000
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Starside
    Enter the enchanting and deadly world of Starside, where swords have magic and power isn’t inherited – it’s claimed, from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Alex Aster.Hundreds of years ago, a brutal war split a land in two. Starside is the realm of magic and immortals – the descendants of the gods, living in a power-rich paradise. Stormside...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3899
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.