These crocs had a lot to smile about – sporting huge toothy grins as they posed with stunning models in incredible underwater snaps.

The brave models held their breath as they came face to face with the magnificent predators during the daring shoot.

Photographer Ken Kiefer took a two hour boat ride to reach the carnivorous crocs at Chinchorro Banks, Mexico, along with his wife and model, Kimber and model, Melodie Trevino.

The team used bate to entice the American crocodiles and ensured safety divers were on hand to intervene, reports the Story Trender.

Ken, 49, said: ‘During the time with the crocodiles, we stay on a fishing shack, with no power or plumbing and only the necessities that we bring with us during the two hour boat ride.

‘There are approximately 500 wild American Crocodiles living in the centre lagoon of Chinchorro Banks but usually only a few at a time come outside the mangroves to the fishing shack.

‘Several of them over the years have learned to swim near the shack to scoop up fish remains that the fishermen throw into the water after cleaning their catch.

‘In order to keep the crocodiles interested and near the shack, we tie fishing line with no hook onto invasive lionfish, that we ourselves spear on the nearby reefs, after removing all of the spines from the lionfish.

‘Safety divers can be seen in a few of the photos, but were always in prime position to keep the models safe from any contact with the crocodiles.

‘Kimber and I were thrilled to be able to finally get in and create images with these magnificent predators.

‘It is one of those places whose sheer beauty and immensity is overwhelming.

‘My favourite capture is the one of my wife with the boat, safety divers and friends all above witnessing the beauty of the crocodile.’