UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Macro - Highly Commended
'Firework Explodes'
Simon Temple

Anyone familiar with diving the sea lochs of Scotland will have encountered the Firework Anemone. Over the last few years I've tried numerous techniques to capture their image often in dark silty environments. This individual was one of only two in an area we dived repeatedly for three days. After exhausting all the wider angle options in days one and two I had started to work with other subjects and formats in the area. On the final day I was returning from shooting macro futher down the loch when I paused by this anemone and wondered if it was possible to take an interesting shot of this relatively large subject with a macro lens. I doubted it was worth it but took a single top down shot anyway. I'm really glad I did.

Judge's comment: Such a pretty picture and one I feel is going to make Simon’s unconventional lens choice one many photographers will emulate when diving for this subject.
- Alex Mustard