ZACH RANSOM
Inspired at a young age by the adventures
of renowned underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, Zach Ransom obtained his
first SCUBA certification immediately upon turning age 12. His love of
photography soon followed him into the water, and he has continued to study and
practice the art of underwater photography for the last decade. Born and raised
in the land-locked state of Indiana, Zach has always maintained a determination
to stay connected to the ocean. Before graduating with degrees in Biology and
Psychology from Purdue University, Zach travelled to Australia where he studied
tropical marine ecology in the field, and made his first visit aboard Rodney
Fox Shark Expeditions. Thereafter, his primary focus has been on capturing the
grace and power of the world’s sharks with his photos, in an attempt to draw
attention to the many dangers that threaten these magnificent predators. After
obtaining his Dive Master certification at age 20, Zach returned to Australia
to volunteer with Rodney Fox Expeditions in 2009, where
he assisted Andrew Fox with tagging of Great White Sharks and solidified his
passion for shark conservation. During his college years, Zach volunteered
regularly as an aquarist and diver at the Indianapolis Zoo. Upon his graduation
in 2010, he moved to Florida and obtained an aquarist position at SeaWorld
Orlando, where he continues to work today, educating the public about the
plight of the oceans and what everyone can do to make a difference. At age 25, Zach has logged over 1,000 dives
around the world, and is persistent in his search to share the waters with
sharks and other large marine predators. His photographs have been used in
public displays and exhibitions, and are expected to be highlighted in the new
Miami Science Museum. Prints of his work reside in hundreds of private homes
across the country. Zach continues to explore the potential of his photography,
and attempts to capture the beauty of marine organisms in their natural state.
