UPY 2025

UPY 2016 British Waters Wide Angle - Third
'Elan valley trout in winter'
Trevor Rees

This is a half and half scene taken on a snowy January morning in the Elan Valley. I have used my fisheye lens behind a large dome port for ease of creating the split image. The depth of the water is no more than 30cm and the brown trout (Salmo trutta) has been subsequently added to the scene in Photoshop so this is very much a composite image. The trout is actually shot at a completely different time and location. The inspiration for the image may be from images I have seen of migrating salmon struggling up a river to then be found lying exhausted in the shallows - a poor substitute I know, but I like the effect.

Judge's comment: Martin Edge: The layers of interest and depth perspective in this image image grab the eye of the viewer instantly. Firstly, the angle of the trout and pattern of ice above. The reeds continue the pattern of viewing all the way to the hills in the distance, blue sky and fluffy white clouds. It's got it all.