The life of live action JAWS photographer Ron Taylor

Ron Josiah Taylor, AM (8 March 1934 – 9 September 2012), was a renowned Australian expert on sharks, a legacy that lives on through his widow, Valerie Taylor. Together, they were trailblazers in numerous fields, notably as the first individuals to capture footage of great white sharks without the protection of a cage. Their contributions extended to the cinematic realm, lending their expertise to films like Jaws, Orca, and Sky Pirates.

Ronald Taylor's journey began in 1952 when he delved into diving, spearfishing, and underwater photography. It was within the St George Spearfishing Club in Sydney where he crossed paths with Valerie, sparking a partnership both in life and in their shared passion for marine exploration. Transitioning from spearfishing champions to shark filmmakers, they tied the knot in December 1963. Throughout the 1960s, they sustained themselves by crafting wetsuits, selling underwater cameras, and creating artwork for publications.

Taylor's accolades include four consecutive wins at the Australian Open Spearfishing Championships, culminating in his triumph at the World Spearfishing Championship in Tahiti in 1965. Collaborating with partner Ben Cropp, he produced his initial underwater film endeavor, The Shark Hunters (1962). Subsequent ventures like Slaughter at Saumarez (1964) and Revenge of a Shark Victim (1966) solidified their reputation in the realm of underwater filmmaking.

Their involvement in educational endeavors, such as the Belgian Scientific Expedition to the Great Barrier Reef, furthered their influence as advisers and cinematographers. Notable collaborations include the production of Blue Water, White Death (1969) and contributions to iconic films like Jaws series and Orca.

Beyond filmmaking, the Taylors actively engaged in environmental advocacy, leading efforts to protect Coral Sea Islands and advocating for marine conservation. Their groundbreaking work continued into the 1990s with ventures like Blue Wilderness and Shadow over the Reef, which not only pushed boundaries in underwater cinematography but also contributed to conservation efforts.

Ron Taylor's indelible mark on the world of shark exploration and filmmaking ended with his passing in 2012, leaving behind a legacy encapsulated in works like The Realm of the Shark. Through their pioneering spirit and dedication, the Taylors forever changed our understanding of sharks and the oceanic realm.

Words by Ross Williams

If you would like to write for The Daily Jaws, please visit our ‘work with us’ page

For all the latest Jaws, shark and shark movie news, follow The Daily Jaws on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.