UPY 2024

UPY  Wide Angle - Commended
'Upside down'
Alvaro Herrero

Sharing moments in the water with these giant beings is perhaps the most beautiful experience I have ever had. After spending 4 months in French Polynesia with these animals, I have learned a lot about the behaviour and biology of these beings, but what I have really learned from them is to be more humble. I wanted to convey in an image something that came to mind over and over again. The humanized idea that we have created of our world, being us the protagonists, but I really don't think that is the case. I wanted to turn everything around, take the lead from humanity and give it to nature. Another point of view in which our world is not the most important, but theirs.
I really believe that if we want to conserve nature we must change our selfish point of view, and change our way of thinking.

Judge's comment: I really like this shot very much because I had the time to look and savour it. However, be aware that if it was projected in a slide show for example, the audience may not (at first) understand the orientation of the image. Neither the less, it's innovate and very eye catching indeed.
- Martin Edge