UPY 2025

UPY  Wide Angle - Third
'Bottoms Up'
Morten Bjørn Larsen

I was the official underwater photographer at the 2009 Freediving World Championships in Denmark. On the final day, after the last competition, I invited all the 175 athletes outside in the deep pool to try to create some photos. My idea was to get all 175 freedivers to dive down directly towards me, but after a few attempts I looked up and saw this funny and unusual gathering at the surface.

Judge's comment: In every photography competition there is usually one unique image which completely stands out from the crowd and this is it. There were no others like this! In truth though the initially positive effect of such an eye catching image can often fade when viewed a second and third time and see it slide down to third place.