This Photographer Risked Death To Snap A Smiling Crocodile

Matthew Smith, courtesy of The EPSON International Pano Awards / Via thepanoawards.com

It takes someone with nerves of steel to be anywhere near apex predators. Australian photographer Matthew Smith did more than that. Armed only with his camera and a wetsuit, he dived into crocodile-infested waters in the Gardens of Queen, off the coast of Cuba.

"It's not very often you remember the exact moment you press the shutter on the shot, but I remember everything about those few seconds of my life," Smith said.

"I remember framing up, pulling focus, the warmth of the water, my heart beating in my chest and the sweat beading in my hair."

Michael Aw / Ocean Geographic Magazine

Smith described it as a sobering moment, with the crocodile being just a few centimetres from his lens.

The close encounter won him 2nd place for the Jeff Mitchum Award at this year's EPSON International Pano Awards.

Eleven other Australians were recognised for their panoramic work.

John Finnan's "Foggy Sunrise at Wallaces Hut"

Amateur Award Winner – Built Environment / Architecture

John Finnan, courtesy of The EPSON International Pano Awards

Judy Conning's "Braving the Blizzard"

Judith Conning, courtesy of The EPSON International Pano Awards

Judith Conning's "Morning Light"

Luke Tscharke, courtesy of The EPSON International Pano Awards

Clair Norton's "Pehoe Fire"

Clair Norton, courtesy of The EPSON International Pano Awards

Pamela Jennins' "Tidal Wonder" and Lewis Fogerty's "Symbiosis"

Ian Myers' "Brighton Lightning"

Lewis Fogerty, courtesy of The EPSON International Pano Awards

Luke Tscharke's "Barossa Bolt"

Ben Messina's "Sculpted Front"

Ian Myers, courtesy of The EPSON International Pano Awards

Jay Daley's "Giant In The Sky"

Ben Messina, courtesy of The EPSON International Pano Awards

And Alan Long's "The Wanaka Tree"

Judith Conning, courtesy of The EPSON International Pano Awards

Jay Daley, courtesy of The EPSON International Pano Awards