UPY 2018 British Waters Macro - Third}

UPY 2018 British Waters Macro - Third
'Colourful Corkwing'
Kirsty Andrews

Male corkwing wrasse can be stunning and I had wanted for some time to take an image that would show off the personality and vibrant coloration of this common UK critter. However, these wrasse are busy creatures, working hard to build a nest of seaweed, and then guarding it fiercely. They move surprisingly quickly and are adept at ignoring a camera lens. I found a corkwing nest on the wall of Bovisand Harbour, a favourite shore dive of mine, and didn’t have to wait long for the proud home-maker to appear with a mouthful of weed. He laid it down carefully and bustled away for the next morsel. This happened over and over again, and the most I got was a disinterested glance as he swept past. Eventually after several attempts I captured the characterful portrait I had envisaged.

Judge's comment: The eye contact, the framing, the lighting, all flawless together with a photogenic subject set off against a black background. I'm also drawn to the black,half circular shape of the mouth. The image frame is spot on. I couldn't ask for more. Martin Edge