Sharks are commonly regarded as magnificent creatures, but they are certainly the type of beings one would prefer to steer clear of in the depths of the sea.
In reality, if presented with the opportunity to intimately encounter the most fearsome of all aquatic creatures, the majority of individuals would politely decline.
And, as this incredible collection of images shows, he ventures where few others would go even with the protection of a shark cage – including within snap-jawed range of great white sharks.
By photographing the animals in such a way, Andy, 47, aims to show that the sharks are far more interested in eating fish than they are people.
In fact, in his 15 years of diving and interacting with these misunderstood animals, this daring British lensman’s only near-death experience occurred when his breathing equipment malfunctioned. ]
Necessary skills: Andy says that ‘a deep understanding of shark behaviour is also absolutely critical’
By using a mixture of fish and squid to attract the sharks, Andy waits until their mouths are fully extended before taking each shot – and has never once been harmed.
Desperate to show sharks in a whole new light, Andy now runs an adventure travel company that brings people face-to-face with the majestic predators.
‘I’ve swum with countless sharks, and they generally show no aggression towards divers,’ he says.
‘It’s important to respect these creatures. I don’t wear chain mail, but I do wear equipment that isn’t shiny or brightly coloured, because I don’t want a shark to think it sees a fish and bite me in its confusion.
‘The only near-death experience I’ve had was when my breathing equipment malfunctioned 100ft underwater, and I almost didn’t make it back to the surface.
‘Unfortunately, sharks are still portrayed as bloodthirsty monsters by Hollywood.
‘Their numbers have been reduced to a tiny fraction of what they once were.
‘We are in serious danger of losing some species if we continue to fish for them.’
There is, of course, considerable skill to what Andy does. Capturing a shark on camera at just the right moment is, he says, all about the speed of the cameraman.
‘It’s very difficult to get a good mouth-gape shot,’ he says.
‘Good reflexes and an underwater camera that has a fast-focusing, wide angle lens are both important. A deep understanding of shark behaviour is also absolutely critical. Every shark is different.
‘Even among the same species certain sharks have different personalities. Some get far more excited than others, so it’s very important to read the sharks and pay attention to how each one responds to me.’