UPY 2025

UPY 2018 Black & White - Winner
'Crocodile reflections'
Borut Furlan

When diving was finished for the day, I asked the divemaster to take me back again to a place, where seawater crocodiles are usually seen. I wanted to shoot them in low evening sunlight, when the sky turns into warm colours. When we arrived, the sun was already on the horizon and it was very dark in the water. I pushed ISO settings high to get some warm ambient light into the picture and set the power of my strobes low. Fortunately the crocodile was very cooperative and since we were both very calm, beautiful reflections appeared on the surface. I shot many images with his reflections and this one was my favourite. Since there is a strong graphic element in this picture, conversion into black and white made it even more powerful.

Judge's comment: Crocodiles are popular subjects, their jaws are both eye catching and graphic. Borut's image perfectly suits black and white, with the sinuous reflections on the surface of the inky water.
Alex Mustard