UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Wide Angle - Highly Commended
'Catshark in the morning sunshine'
Martin Stevens

Small-spotted catsharks are a regular sight around Falmouth, Cornwall, commonly seen resting on the sandy patches between the kelp and rocky areas. I often see them swimming over the kelp forest too, but it can be hard to get photos of them with their unpredictable changes of direction. On this clear sunny morning in spring, I woke early and headed out to see what wildlife I could photograph, and was met with several of these sharks swimming around. Freediving is often the best way to get photos of them in motion, something I’d wanted to achieve for a while, so I anticipated where they would swim and waited down between the kelp. I was rewarded with this shark that swam right up and past me, with the sunshine in the background even casting a rainbow on the back of the animal.

Judge's comment: One of the most beautiful British pictures we have seen. Amazing subject, fabulous setting. clear water and sumptuous sunbeams. Totally stunning. Definitely would have won this category in others years.
Alex Mustard