An image shot by underwater photographer David Doubilet is featured on the National Geographic Creative Blog this week. The shot was taken off the coast of Cuba and features Jennifer Hayes and a crocodile coming in for a closer look. The “behind the shot” features perspectives from either side of the lens and is part of a larger series of images taken by the duo in Cuba.

This is what Hayes had to say about the encounter: “greet[ed] my reptile visitor just inches away from my face. I was both surprised and pleased. I think I mumbled, ‘well, look at you beautiful’ and began taking his portrait.”

Read the full story behind the shot here.