UPY 2024

UPY  Portrait - Highly Commended
'Bargi Hope'
David Alpert

Misool is iconic in the marine conservation movement. Its founders realised a dream to turn this once badly mismanaged and over-fished area into a flourishing reserve.
Pictured here is one of the smaller inhabitants. Less than 2cm in length this Bargibanti Pygmy Sea Horse makes its home within the picturesque Gorgonian sea fan. They are incredibly difficult to spot and tend to shy away from light, making an eye contact shot challenging. One needs time and patience - not abundant in over 20m of water.
The Bargi peering out of the darkest corner is almost a metaphor for the story of Misool. The blue ray of light coming through represents the hope that initiatives like Misool can offer. Largescale replication will go a long way towards helping preserve the future of our oceans.

Judge's comment: A very different take on a pygmy seahorse. Instead of filling the frame the author has had the forethought to render the subject quite small whilst introducing the delicate bokeh of the pink soft
corals. Notice In the far background just the hint of blue water. This creates depth perspective which has the tendency to keep the eye of the viewer in the frame for much longer.
- Martin Edge