UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Wide Angle - Highly Commended
'Lion's mane jellyfish'
Lars von Ritter Zahony

As a geologist, the views into the cave with its breathtaking basalt structures are unique. As an ocean lover, I am also fascinated by the beauties of the underwater world of the Inner Hebrides. Nothing connects these two different worlds more beautifully than the recording technique of half and half photography. It is precisely at this border that both unite, because they need each other.
High waves and poor visibility due to the bad weather conditions, made photography extremely difficult. In addition, I really wanted to take photos out of the cave and to do that I had to swim all the way in. Inside it was very dark. In order to best represent both worlds, I had to use one flash for underwater and aim the other at the cave ceiling. This was the only way I could get this exposure.

Judge's comment: Fingal’s cave is very dark, and this image demonstrates a real mastery of light. I love the glow of the lion’s mane jellyfish and also how the light picks out the hexagonal columns of basalt in the ceiling of the cave.
Alex Mustard