UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Living Together - Highly Commended
'Floating in a storm'
Jay Kural

It is a humbling experience swimming alongside these giant jellyfish, I’m always amazed by the speed and force of their movement, especially when they swim straight into your head! I’d been snorkelling for a couple of hours when the weather began to change just after sunset with stormy weather incoming. Photography was tricky as I was starting to feel the cold and the sea was a little choppy, but I liked the contrast between the cloudy skies and the illumination on the jellyfish. After countless failed attempts I eventually managed to capture a split-shot composition that I was happy with.

Judge's comment: Barrel jellyfish are impressive creatures and not that commonly encountered. We really liked how the photographer expertly brought the jetty into the shot with a split, despite challenging conditions.
Alex Mustard