UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Compact - Runner Up
'Autumn above and below'
James Lynott

During autumn of 2022 I wanted to try and take splitshots with fallen leaves in the water that also captured some water movement, as well as the wonderful autumnal colours of the trees above. I had few locations in mind to try this, but one that worked out well was Glamis Den. I used my Canon G7xII/Fantasea FG7XII, along with a Weefine wfl01 lens, and underwater tripod setup. I had to balance a bit precariously on the water’s edge to get the heavy setup into a suitable position in the water and then use a handheld torch to illuminate leaves passing by. Using a custom timer and 2 second exposures to take each shot I was lucky when a beech leaf drifted past at just the right time!

Judge's comment: Excellent example of an artistic image composition in an simple, but at the same time stunning environment - in case you have the vision! The photographer clearly got this right and executed it very well. I'm always happy to see long exposures like this in a competition. Keep it up!
Tobias Friedrich