UPY 2025

UPY 2017 Wide Angle - Highly Commended
'Prince of the waters'
Yannick Gouguenheim

The common toads start going back to the river in February in order to reproduce. The frozen waters of this small river are by then clear enough, and ideal for underwater photography. This image was taken in natural lights and apnea. I chose to work on blacklights to value this iconic species from fresh water. The wide angle lens and close-up shot adds an interesting dynamic to the picture as well. The challenge was to progress under the subject and to get a shot once the subject was aligned with the sun all while ensuring a framing including the trees on the shore.

Judge's comment: Martin Edge: When you have a low sun in the sky and the ability to shoot upwards through snells window then all the topside influences begin to come together. Tree's, beams, blue sky etc. This image goes even further with a precise placement within the frame of the silhouetted toad in the sunbeams. Excellent arrangement of all the elements.