UPY 2025

UPY  Compact - Highly Commended
'Social isolation'
Joe FitzGibbon

This image was captured during the Covid 19 pandemic, just after the easing of ‘level 5 lockdown restrictions’. Divers came out of hibernation, as it were, blinked in the sunlight and met on the pier. We were delighted to see each other again - but no hugs or kisses. Not even handshakes, and a good 2 meters between us! Once underwater, I came across this spotted sea hare, a reciprocal hermaphrodite frequently found in cosy mating chains. But not this one. It looked like the mantra of ‘social isolation’ had reached even here. Peering over the edge into the abyss, in bleak solitude, with a look of foreboding in the eyes, it felt so familiar.

Judge's comment: Excellent and on point composition of this sea hare in the kelp forest. The light is just right as well and very nicely done by the photographer. For me the image could also have placed higher. Well done!
Tobias Friedrich