UPY 2025

UPY  Up & Coming - Commended
'Light in the dark'
Nuria Costa

This shot was taken off the northern coast of Ibiza Island. I had been wanting to visit this location for a long time and finally did this summer. Together with some good friends, we grabbed the camera and our free diving gear, and headed there to catch the best light and with no other people around. About midday, the sun strikes right through the opening on the upper part allowing in a breathtaking beam of light that lasts for less than an hour. Even though it was a bit challenging trying to get the perfect shot against the clock, it was absolutely worth it! It was also the first time I was shooting without flashes, but really wanted to give the sunbeam and the free diver silhouette the adequate prominence.

Judge's comment: Such a confident image with every part of the frame, from the shadows to the sunlight and the model’s reflections completing the canvas. The standard of this year’s entries was extremely high and to be in the top ten this year is a major achievement.
Peter Rowlands