UPY 2025

UPY  Black & White - Commended
'Diving on the track'
Frank Aron

Diving flooded mines means overhead diving with artifacts from the past. The layered slate walls and the industrial residuals give a unique impression of this mine. My goal was to emphasize these structures. Two strong video lights were placed behind the crossroad and my dive buddy on the opposite side. The result was that the slate walls, the tracks and the floor structures were highlighted by the shadows created. My buddy as a silhouette seems to fly in the air due to the crystal clear water. The structures all appear much stronger in black and white.

Judge's comment: It is hard to imagine a photo with more visual depth. This shot is a feast of leading lines, the tracks, pipes and rocks all create a powerful perspective. The silhouetted diver adds impact, but I feel a little detail showing through around the face would have seen this one finish even higher.
Alex Mustard