UPY 2025

UPY  Wide Angle - Highly Commended
'Underwater Fashion'
Wayne Lai

To be honest, I was not a fan of underwater model photography before taking this photo. During our trip to the Garden of Queen, our group leader Michael AW fancifully dressed up Jessea who is a professional freediver. When I was just about finishing my dive, I suddenly spotted a visually attractive picture of her flicking her sleeves on a crystal clear blue background with a beam of sun rays. Several reef sharks swim outwards as if she is in full command of them. For the first time, I realized that humans and nature can be harmonized in fashion. I couldn't resist the temptation of getting closer to capture this beautiful moment.

Judge's comment: Producing a model shot down on the reef is a tough challenge for the entire team involved. To capture such a perfect pose of model and flowing dress requires real skill from the photographer. And then fill the composition with perfectly aligned reef shark, well then you have a winner.
- Alex Mustard