Wildlife photographer Jack Preston was excited when he encountered a blue shark while fishing out at Motiti Island.

Jack, who is also studying marine biology, says the shark came up and took a kahawai while he was out fishing at the weekend.

Jack's close encounter with a blue shark. Photos: Jack Preston.

He says he was very excited by the encounter for a 'few reasons”.

'I saw it was a Blue Shark and they're renowned for being very friendly sharks.

'I'm a wildlife photographer/studying marine biologist and don't often see sharks when I go out, but I always take my camera just in case and it paid off this time,” says Jack.

'It was pretty majestic and awesome to see it in its natural environment as all wild animals should be.”

More wildlife photos from Jack can be seen on his Facebook Page.