I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and lived there until we moved to Houston, Texas when I was four. I always went surfing, swimming, and played in the water in both Brazil and the US as a child...until I saw the movie "Jaws." I didn't even want to drink water after seeing that movie. Slowly my fear was replaced by curiosity and I started looking for sharks. I never saw one but I'm sure they saw me.
I finally got my open water certification in 2008 and scheduled a trip to Guadalupe Island. I sent my pictures to the Marine Conservation Science Institute and thus began a long collaboration with the MCSI, including the development of the Great White Shark Identification Guide. Shortly thereafter my first footage aired on Discovery Channel's "Shark Week." My first professional accolade was a third place finish in the 2016 Monterey Shootout Photo Competition, using only a GoPro.
Now based in Southern California, I'm in the water at least twice a week. I still collaborate, pro bono, with the MCSI and other organizations such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, in addition to commercial projects.
Instagram: sharkbaitjulian
