UPY 2025

UPY  Up and Coming - Third
'Resplendence - Black browed Albatross'
Danny Lee

Whenever I see an Albatross I get excited! Their sheer size and beautiful features make them a joy to photograph. I have been working on a series of split shots of the various species of Albatross that visit Tasmanian waters for a few years now. Getting good eye contact as well as good feet symmetry is a challenge as they are generally quite shy Birds. I use a very simple inexpensive compact camera and do not use a wide angle dome or wet lens when taking these photos. The small 6cm flat Port on my housing may be small but works a treat in calm conditions. Getting the exposure settings right is the important part because the Albatross' feathers are so brilliantly white, and yet it can be reasonably dark underwater.

Judge's comment: I really liked this image from the outset. A split image of an Albatross is one thing but this author has gone on to include great light, superb eye contact and a glint of both feet. Superb imagery.
- Martin Edge