A YOUNG Notts photographer has been getting up close and personal with wildlife for a new BBC series.
Jack Perk's underwater snaps of fish are set to put Nottingham on the map for its natural habitats.
The majority of his pictures have been shot in the area, with his favourite spots being Colwick Park and Fairham Brook, near Clifton.
"I have enjoyed natural history since I was a child and always loved going to playing fields and looking at all the bugs," said the 21-year-old, of Brookthorpe Way, Silverdale.
"When you leave school, most people don't know what to do – I enjoyed taking photographs on holiday and just thought 'why not?'"
The new BBC series, Seasons, covers a variety of natural environments in the country during the different seasons of the year and will be aired next year.
Jack uses a special underwater camera to capture images of a variety of fish, including chub and gudgeon as well as photographing deer, swans and rare birds.
Jack studied photography at South Nottingham College, in West Bridgford, before pursuing a photography degree at University College, Falmouth.
He was 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 said: "South Notts was a really good course. It gets you on your way. 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."
Speaking about getting his work on TV, Jack said: "I was very proud of it. It felt great.
"I was over the moon. It's highlighting wildlife in Nottingham and its great for me to get in with the BBC."
Jack added: "Fish are an underrated 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 in rivers like I do; I get unusual photos that people really like."
Jack said he was absolutely meticulous about his work.
"You go out and try to have a plan. For example, I might want to get a kingfisher on a branch with a sunset background.
"When it all comes together, its a great achievement.
"I like recording their behaviour and then we can understand it – its very important."
Jack's latest project will also highlight wildlife in Nottinghamshire.
The young photographer will be looking at the disappearance of the United Kingdom's tiniest fish, minnows and bullheads, taking pictures in the River Trent and other areas in the East Midlands.
The project is funded by National Geographic, which hands out grants to young nature-lovers to produce new research in uncovered areas.
Jack said the issue had barely been covered because the fish were too small to eat or fish for and therefore few people paid attention to them.
Erin McDaid, spokesman for Notts Wildlife Trust, said the quality of Jack's work and perseverance was great.
He added: "It's really important to highlight the area. Many of us are guilty of popping to Derbyshire, but we've got plentiful wildlife on our doorstep and Jack's work can promote it.
"There is a huge variety of wildlife in the county – everything from orchids to rare birds.
"We've got woodland and ancient meadows and some of the most important lowland heath sites in Europe.
"We still have a healthy population of water voles in Nottinghamshire, whereas Devon and Cornwall don't have any."
For more information, go to www.jackperksphotography.co.uk
