UPY 2025

UPY 2019 Macro - Highly Commended
'Into the Spotlight'
Bruno Van Saen

Romblon, located in the Philippines is the house of some unique sea slugs. The first time I saw a picture of this Cyerce nigra on social media, immediately our next diving destination was known. At Romblon, it was a challenge to get this really, really small sea slug in a special way on the photo. In contrary to most of the nudibranchia, for its size this sea slug moves really fast, having its cerata fluttering like the wings of a butterfly. Together with my snoot I was able to make this photo.

Judge's comment: A seemingly simply photo, until you realise the scale of the challenge. This beautiful rare mollusc is both hard to find and tiny. Impossible to appreciate with the naked eye in life, this photo allows us to enjoy the visual feast of its graphic design.
Alex Mustard