UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Compact - Third
'Pinky'
Sandra Stalker

I absolutely adore these little Gobies and their grumpy faces. I often watch them when I dive as they have such an inquisitive nature and often challenge me to a staring contest in which they win. They tend to blend in with their background on the sand and I wanted to make the Goby stand out so for this shot I lit it with both a coloured filter behind and a snooted strobe in front to bring out the face and draw attention to an overlooked little fish. I was excited by the contrast of the vibrant pink to the glumness of the face.

Judge's comment: A delicate use, and choice, of light and colour made this image standout for all three judges. It's great to see such images which celebrate UK marine life and the capability of compact cameras.