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