UPY 2025

UPY 2018 Up & Coming - Highly Commended
'Hummingfish'
Brian Eckstein

Anyone who has spent time on a boat has probably looked down to see a flying fish gliding above the surface. They leap out of the water and fly through the air before dropping back into the ocean and swimming away. This is what one of those flying fish looks like from below. This image was taken during a blackwater dive off the coast of Palm Beach, Florida. Typically, these dives are spent anywhere between 20 and 60 feet below the surface looking for tiny critters in the larval stages. However, when the conditions are right and the wind is calm, a whole new cast of characters near the surface comes into focus. Although I’ve seen flying fish in other colours such as white, orange, and yellow, the blue and silver is certainly my favourite.

Judge's comment: A simple composition capturing the intricate beauty of this flying fish in all its stunning detail.
Alex Mustard