When was the first giant squid photographed alive?

The first photographs of a live giant squid in its natural habitat were taken in 2004 by Japanese researchers. Before that, the species was mostly known from dead specimens, beaks found in sperm whale stomachs, and rare surface encounters. Capturing the animal alive in deep water was a major scientific milestone because giant squid are extremely elusive and inhabit the deep ocean. The images helped confirm details about its appearance and behavior. Later video footage provided even more information, but the 2004 photographs were the historic first.