These underwater photographs might look like they were taken under the waves of exotic seas but they were actually snapped – in a canal under the M1 motorway.
Photographer Jack Perk, 21, captured the stunning images of Britain’s most popular freshwater fish which include bullheads, chubs and gudgeons.
Astonishingly, despite living next to Britain’s busiest road and close to a sewage pipe, the fish enjoy a rich habitat in extraordinary crystal-clear water.
Jack spent five hours standing in the freezing canal near his home in Silverdale, Nottingham, to capture the pictures which will be showcased in a BBC wildlife documentary.
He said: “Fish are an under-rated subject. I used to go fishing with my grandad when I was a little boy and I still go with him now sometimes.
“There are not many people that do underwater filming like I do. I get unusual photos that people really like.
“Some people are really surprised when I tell them they are taken in a canal under a motorway. It just goes to show that beauty can exist in such a mundane setting.
“I have also enjoyed natural history since I was a child.
“When it all comes together, it’s a great achievement.
“I like recording their behaviour and then we can understand it – it’s very important.”
Jack studied photography at South Nottingham College before pursuing a photography degree at University College, Falmouth.
And he was even shortlisted for the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year award while at college – for a photo of an angel shark taken on holiday in Lanzarote.
He added: “The nomination made me think I could actually do something.
“None of my family are really interested in photography, it’s just something that I have found on my own.
“I was very proud of getting the TV deal as well. It felt great.”
