Katie captured some incredible footage of a shark chasing a dolphin which she posted on her instagram page @lifestylie last week, and it had a twist at the end no one was expecting! We caught up with Katie to find out more.
Katie, can you talk us through what happened? Did you realise what you’d captured straight away?
I was surfing with my friend from @surfsistersbyronbay at Broken Head, and as we got into the water, I spotted dolphins nearby. I’m a beginner surfer, so this was a bucket-list moment for me! I decided it was time to get out of the water when I sensed there could be sharks nearby too.
I went to get my drone from the car and flew over to where I saw the dolphins. There were heaps of them, I couldn’t believe it! I’d been hoping to catch dolphins on my drone for a few weeks, so this was already magical. Suddenly, they all dashed in one direction, so I quickly followed them and zoomed out.
At first, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was seeing. I spotted what I thought was a dolphin chasing another dolphin and focussed in on the action. I couldn’t believe this amazing moment was happening, it all unfolded so fast. I knew it was a rare moment, but I didn’t realise just how extraordinary it was until I watched the footage back later. After re-watching the video multiple times, I noticed there were also lots of sharks there swimming with the dolphins. Seeing the scale of the interaction from above was incredible.
What was going through your mind as you watched the shark chasing the dolphin?
I was completely captivated, my heart was racing, I had no idea how it was going to end! I was hoping the dolphin would manage to escape, but I also knew I was witnessing nature exactly as it happens. It was one of those moments where you realise how powerful and unpredictable the ocean really is. I couldn’t believe I was surfing so close to them just moments before!
How did you first get into drone photography?
I’ve always loved photography and flying. When I travel on a plane, I always book the window seat to admire the view! I decided to get a drone in April this year to explore Byron Bay with a new perspective. I started flying because I wanted to capture the beautiful coastline and surf around the area, and it became a daily passion. I love that a drone lets you appreciate the landscape and marine life from an angle you would never normally see.
If someone wanted to start getting wildlife footage like you have, what would be your advice starting out?
Spend as much time observing as you do filming. Wildlife photography is mostly about patience. Learn how to fly your drone confidently, always follow local drone regulations, respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance, and don’t expect every flight to produce something amazing. The more time you spend out there, the more likely you are to experience those special moments. Lighting and conditions are very important to think about too. I love flying at sunrise and sunset to capture the colours of the sky and when it’s super sunny this brings out the amazing clear blues of the ocean.
Has filming marine life changed the way you think about sharks and sharing the ocean with them?
Seeing them from above so close to the shore is a reminder that we’re entering their environment when we go into the ocean. They aren’t mindless predators, they’re an important part of a healthy marine ecosystem, and moments like this are simply nature taking its course.
“They aren’t mindless predators, they’re an important part of a healthy marine ecosystem, and moments like this are simply nature taking its course.”
You live in one of the world’s most beautiful surf regions. What drew you to live there?
I’m very grateful to be living in Byron Bay. I’m originally from London and previously lived in Sydney before moving to Byron at the end of last year. It’s such a beautiful place, I feel like I’m in paradise every day. I was drawn here by the incredible beaches, the lifestyle, and how connected you are to nature. There are so many brilliant and talented creatives in Byron too. Living here means there’s always something beautiful to photograph, whether it’s the coastline, marine life, or the changing colours of the ocean and sky.
Where do you mainly surf and what does a typical day look like for you?
I’m still very new to surfing, so I recently decided to join @surfsistersbyronbay to motivate myself to go and to part of the community. It’s been so lovely to meet the girls, and I’ve learnt a lot about surfing so far! I’ve surfed around the Byron Bay area, such as The Wreck, Wategos, and Broken Head, depending on the conditions. I’m excited to keep going and have fun! A typical day for me often starts with a sunrise run on the beach followed by a coffee.
If it’s a sunny day, I’ll take the drone out to explore the coastline. It’s whale season at the moment, so I’m hoping to capture a breach soon! I go to my art studio every day to draw and paint. My work is predominantly portraiture and realism, but I’m so inspired by the lifestyle here that I’m now practicing work exploring surf culture. My artwork can be found on Instagram at @katiemayhoward. A lot of my days revolve around being active outdoors, creating art, and making the most of living by the ocean.
Apart from the shark and dolphin footage, what’s been your favourite moment you’ve ever captured?
It’s hard to choose just one because every day the ocean is different. I’m always inspired here, it’s exciting not knowing what you might encounter next. I remember the first time I captured a turtle and then a stingray, which just so happened to be during the same flight, it was incredible to see! The peaceful moments are just as memorable as the dramatic ones.
Watch the full footage of the shark and dolphin interaction on Katie’s instagram page @lifestylie
