UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Macro - Highly Commended
'Wolf-fish stare'
Mark Kirkland

The marine reserve of St Abbs and Eyemouth on the Berwickshire catches just enough of the cold arctic stream from the north to host a resident population of Atlantic wolf-fish, so much so that this area has become synonymous with this otherwise elusive cold-water species. Spending most of their time wedged in cracks, they can be a tricky species to photograph. I planned this shot in advance, hoping to find an individual far enough out of its den that I could use a single snooted strobe to emphasise its textured skin and those glorious teeth. I found a willing wolf, but patience was still essential, waiting for both eyes to stare directly down the lens.

Judge's comment: Perfectly framed and wisely lit as well as perfectly timed with both eye contact, this is a well thought out and executed image. With these subjects, like the Hunchback of Notre Dame or the Elephant Man, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Peter Rowlands