Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com

Crocodile’s Close Up

By Matthew Kong

STUNNING underwater photographs show a British man getting spine-tinglingly close to potentially deadly American Crocodiles.

These incredible photographs were caught underwater on seagrass “sweet-spot” – shallow enough for crocodiles to stand and take a short breath whilst deep enough to catch unsuspecting prey.

Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com
Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com

Berkshire wildlife photographer Chris Knight, joined these crocodiles underwater and waiting for the first bites.

Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com
 Don Hurzeler / mediadrumworld.com

“We positioned ourselves next to the grassy bank where the crocodile was already waiting and got our cameras ready.” Knight said.

“I have to say I was a bit nervous but thoroughly excited at this unique opportunity.

Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com
Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com

“Realising that they were way more interested in the lion fish than us I started to relax in to it and concentrate a bit more on getting some great shots.”

Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com
Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com

Travelling down to the South of Mexico to the small village of Xcalak on the Mexican Caribbean Coast, Knight spends a few days practicing his diving and preparing for this shoot.

Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com
Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com

An experienced wildlife photographer, Knight knew how to approach this shoot safely as well as getting the best photographs possible.

“I approached photographing crocodiles in the same way that I do when working with sharks.

Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com
Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com

“I ask the people that are running the trip for as much information as they can give me about the particular animal, its behaviour and how I should act when I am in the water with it.

“Once I have a good understanding of the animal I will start to think about my camera settings.

Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com
Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com

Unlike their close cousins, the Saltwater Crocodile and the Nile Crocodile, the American Crocodile does not consider humans to be on the menu.

“The crocs were quite predictable and behaved very well with each of us sticking to our positions in the water and not encroaching on each other’s space.”

Chris Knight / mediadrumworld.com
Don Hurzeler / mediadrumworld.com

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