UPY 2025

UPY  Wrecks - Runner Up
'Glassfish Synchronicity'
Catherine Holmes

Wrecks around the world are the ideal habitat for new coral growth, and safe haven for many fish .
At last returning to the Red Sea, Egypt in November, I was entranced by the synchronisation of the glassfish circling under the overhanging wreck structures that abound there.
One late afternoon we dived the Dunraven wreck, sunk in 1876 on the Southern edge of Sha’ab Mahmoud. At thirty metres and completely upside down, it has broken into two sections creating swim throughs where large numbers of glassfish congregate. I spent a considerable time watching their movements, inspired by their constant swirling into large circular clouds that then engulfed incoming fish and divers.
To portray the energy and atmosphere inside the wreck in my image, I decided to move the camera in the same circular motion as the fish were travelling, in addition to slowing the shutter speed down to capture the movement.

Judge's comment: The wreck category has always encouraged marine life images taken on wrecks, but few have succeeded. The movement, textures and colour contrast of this glassfish school against the wreck and water create a stunning frame with more visual treasure to discover each time you view it. - Alex Mustard