UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Macro - Commended
'The jester within'
Dan Bolt

This is more than just a nice photo for me, it’s also a reminder of a wonderful experience. Having spotted this individual starting to make a new burrow under a large boulder, I thought I’d see if, because it was so busy, it would let me get close enough to take this sort of portrait shot.
After a careful approach, and letting it check out my camera with its feelers, it was quite content to carry on moving sand and stones around, happy that I was not threat. Being able to get so close and observe the stunning detail, colour and form of its body was a real treat. And happily, a nice image was available too.

Judge's comment: After reading the 'back story' I can begin to realise the dedication and commitment which went into this image. The two eyes in particular and even the catch light within the eye are also symmetrical. A portrait at it's best.
- Martin Edge