UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Wide Angle - Highly Commended
'Twilight at the wreck'
Mark Kirkland

The wreck of the Kaffir has sat protruding from the Firth of Clyde since 1974 however it's position behind a large working harbour means it's completely hidden from the general public. When I first heard about it a couple of years ago I knew there could be amazing photo opportunities. I thought the jellyfish were gone for the season however out of the blue, reports started coming in of huge numbers of lion's mane jellyfish washing up. This coincided nicely with an incoming evening storm. Despite the weather warnings, I donned my snorkelling gear and spent until after the last of the light trying to get a well composed split. The price to pay was a thoroughly stung face.

Judge's comment: Very nice composition in a dark, moody light, which all of the judges liked very much. The wreck in the background is the perfect, tiny element which completes the diagonal of elements. The sky and the dark water round the image up. Keep on doing photographs like this please. :-)
Tobias Friedrich