UPY 2025

UPY  Behaviour - Runner Up
'Double whale time'
Wojciech Dopierala

During the Marlin Expedition in Baja California we could spot the Bryde Whales around and even saw them passing close by us few times while we were in the water. But when we have located this huge static bait ball of sardines we knew that it’s the place we want to stay for a while. Deep inside I knew that if we are lucky we could possibly see the whales feeding on sardines. I was all focused and ready. And then while watching blue marlin hunting suddenly two Bryde’s Whales came out of nowhere, racing between each other towards the bait ball. In a matter of seconds the ball was shattered to pieces and the whales were gone. Thanks to the luck and patience I was in the right place and time to capture the best photo I ever could imagine.

Judge's comment: Big animals, big action, big image, without a doubt. It captures the excitement of the action and creates the feeling of “I wish I’d been there too”. Perfect for Behaviour.
Peter Rowlands