UPY 2025

UPY  Black and White - Commended
'Alien world'
Martin Broen

This photo was taken at Cenote Zapote, a cavern shaped like an hourglass in which after passing by the small restriction you find yourself in a chamber filled with unique Bell-Shaped formations illuminated only by the light you bring with you. The shape of those “Hell-bells” is unique and are surrounded with crystal clear water and a hydrogen sulfide cloud beneath. All this makes you feel like you are floating in space exploring an alien world. The shot was taken using the illumination from the main diver and second diver behind him, which creates the glow on the main model and helps show the unique shapes and textures of those formations.

Judge's comment: A striking and other-worldly composition expertly shot and composed. The shapes and shadows are so powerful in black and white. I might have preferred the frame without the diver’s bubbles to extend the extra-terrestrial metaphor.
- Alex Mustard