241 - Scott Ransom. Chromogenic color print, Peter Benchley scuba diving with a shark in the Bahamas, 1975. Benchley is captured in profile wearing yellow and black dive gear while extending a protective rod toward a shark in clear blue water. The lot includes two handwritten notes providing context for the photograph, which was taken during the production of the ABC television program The American Sportsman and describes the author's use of a broomstick fragment for defense. The mat is inscribed upper left Benchley and friend! Blue Water / Bahamas and signed lower right Scott Ransom American Sportsman 1975. Sight: 7 7/8 x 10 in. Mat: 12 x 14 in.

Scott Ransom. Chromogenic color print, Peter Benchley scuba diving with a shark in the Bahamas, 1975. Benchley is captured in profile wearing yellow and black dive gear while extending a protective rod toward a shark in clear blue water. The lot includes two handwritten notes providing context for the photograph, which was taken during the production of the ABC television program The American Sportsman and describes the author's use of a broomstick fragment for defense. The mat is inscribed upper left Benchley and friend! Blue Water / Bahamas and signed lower right Scott Ransom American Sportsman 1975. Sight: 7 7/8 x 10 in. Mat: 12 x 14 in. A personal note from Wendy Benchley: “It was important to Peter to have some kind of protection when taking part in documentaries about sharks. After all, camera men and women had their cameras to shove in a shark's face, but he had nothing until he found a short piece of broom handle to wave at the sharks. Of course, it was a feeble gesture and he knew it, but still it gave some feeling of active protection.” From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: Good condition. The print exhibits a minor color shift toward cyan consistent with 1970s chromogenic prints. The mat shows light handling wear and minor surface smudging. The accompanying paper notes have light creasing. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.