A photographer captured the startling moment a great white shark burst out of the water opening its jaws just feet away from a cameraman.

Australian filmmaker Dave Riggs snapped the dramatic image off the coast of Port Lincoln, Australia, while he was filming for Discovery Channel's Shark Week. The shark, almost 15ft in length, appeared for the once-in-a-lifetime shot after Dave had dipped his other camera into the water.

Although the image appears aggressive - the shark, jaws wide open, has scratches and blood across its face - Dave said she was simply checking out the surroundings.
Picture: Caters