UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Wide Angle - Commended
'The gannet and the mackerel'
Richard Shucksmith

Over the years, the northern gannets have tracked and followed fishing vessels feeding on the discarded fish. I used this information and mackerel to create my boat discarding fish. Using a 45cm dome port especially made for the split level shots by Peter Ladell, my good friend Phil Harris and I went out and simulated a fishing vessel discarding fish. Phil dropped mackerel in front of the dome, once the gannets were diving. I never intended to have a fish in the image, but one of the mackerel purely by luck landed the right way up. We all need a little bit of luck sometimes. It is exciting working with the gannets, they are a fantastic seabird and to see them close up diving into the water is a great experience.

Judge's comment: A favourite of mine. There is so much to observe. Goodness knows how much work went into getting the action with both the mackerel and the gannets. Very well done.
- Martin Edge