His photographer Bill Fisher said: 'Sharks are not the vicious man-eaters they are commonly portrayed as'

, from Rhode Island, believes people should have a better understanding of sharks

Joe Romeiro is seen getting up close and personal with the half-a-ton predator in series of


They may be one of the ocean's most fearsome predators - but shark whisperer Joe Romeiro treats great hammerheads no different to puppies.

The US filmmaker is pictured patting, hugging and hand-feeding one of the huge animals - and even holds its nose just inches from its razor-sharp teeth.

In a series of astonishing photos, the 20ft shark appears to be putty in Mr Romeiro's hands as he feeds it fresh fish while diving a mile off the coast of the Bahamas.

Dinner time: US filmmaker and dive-master Joe Romeiro hand-feeds a 20ft great hammerhead shark one mile off the coast of The Bahamas

Stroking: Mr Romeiro saw his first shark when he was five years old and has been obsessed with the animals ever since

His partner and photographer Bill Fisher explained how the pair were able to get so close to the sharks, which can weigh up to half-a-ton.

He said: 'Joe's job is to control the bait, and the sharks. The sharks may appear like they are trying to get the diver, but they are in fact after the bait.

'A person has a much greater chance of getting bit, or mauled by a dog, than a shark.

'Hopefully when people see photos of divers interacting with sharks, they'll see that sharks are not the vicious man-eaters they are commonly portrayed as.'

Hammerhead sharks are one of the most easily identified of their species because of the distinctive eyes that sit on the end of their hammer-shaped heads.

Scientists believe this characteristic gives them wide-angle vision which helps them spot fish to prey upon, making them better hunters.

Cuddles: The filmmaker gets extraordinarily close to the shark after feeding it fresh fish while swimming off the coast of The Bahamas

Despite the decline in their numbers, Hammerheads are still found across the warm ocean waters of the world.

Mr Fisher added: 'Great Hammerheads are a rare and endangered species. There are very few places in the world where a person can get in such close proximity to them.

'Sharks are powerful predators, yet they allow us into their world to interact with them without harm. They are one of nature's most unique creations and their agility up-close is amazing to witness.

'My greatest interest has always been with sharks, and being able to create images of such awesome animals is a dream come true.'

Razor-sharp teeth: With Mr Romeiro just inches away, the great hammerhead opens its huge mouth to reveal rows of deadly-looking teeth

Obedience class: The shark whisperer holds the predator's nose, as others would treat a dog, as it hovers in front of him

Putty in his hands: Photographer Bill Fisher, who captured the astonishing pictures, believes sharks are misunderstood creatures

Say cheese: Mr Romeiro poses for a picture just feet away from the deadly jaws of the 20ft great hammerhead

Brave: The filmmaker believes sharks need as much media coverage as possible so people will take steps to preserve species under threat

Well-fed: The bizarre-looking animal crunches down on a mouthful of fish in a unique close-up picture taken off the coast of The Bahamas

Fearsome: Hammerhead sharks are easily identified because of the distinctive eyes that sit on the end of their hammer-shaped heads

Wolfed down: Mr Romeiro has produced a number of short films promoting the beauty and complexity of sharks

Lunchbox: To attract the hammerhead, he brought a box full of fresh fish with him on the dive off the coast of The Bahamas