UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Compact - Commended
'Frog's eye view of Autumn'
Ian Wade

This image is part of a 12-month ongoing underwater project. I am photographing a woodland tree canopy from a split level vertical perspective. This image was taken during November so the canopy is full of beautiful Autumnal colours. As projects go this is the hardest I've undertaken!
So many factors come into play. Each month the camera has to be positioned in the same location. The lighting has to be correct with the sun not too high in the sky and each image is framed with bubbles.
The water level has to be high with water pushing though at a high rate to create the bubble effect. I made a pole out of two broom handles which have been screwed together enabling me to position the camera in the exact spot each time.
It's a different perspective of a tree canopy - The one a toad or frog might see!

Judge's comment: I really like this square crop with the lens being pointed directly upwards towards the sky. Exposure is ideal together with the surface line and the outside influences of the blues, yellows and greens in the sky above.
- Martin Edge