UPY 2025

UPY  Up & Coming - Highly Commended
'Tiger Splitting Jacks'
Richard Condlyffe

Upon entry to the water I was greeted with the adrenaline rush of a female Tiger Shark circling me! On the previous dive I had observed schooling Jacks beneath the boat and a composition idea had formed in my mind. So as I descended for this dive I turned to the fish... and my plan came together!
The Tiger continued to circle and then cut through the fish, repelling them with hypnotic rhythm, creating a wonderful shape around the shark. This image was taken at “Tiger Beach” in the Bahamas; a special place for seeing these majestic apex predators up close.
Through underwater photography we can help drive awareness to the importance of protecting these beautiful creatures, all sharks and their ecosystems.

Judge's comment: A graphically simple shot putting the subject in context. Normally images try and impress by filling the frame with this majestic creature but sometimes it’s better to observe from further back and take it all in. Photographically it’s ‘overblown’ bottom right but it’s spot on where it matters and that’s what matters.
- Peter Rowlands