UPY 2025

UPY  Compact - Third
'Bottlenose dolphin swimming in the lagoon'
Ilaria Mariagiulia Rizzuto

I have always dreamed of seeing dolphins in the wild and being able to photograph them. During a diving trip in the Red Sea my dream came true. At the end of the day we headed to a shallow lagoon where dolphins can be found. Once we arrived on site we waited to see some fins. Finally, on the horizon, the first fin appeared and then moments later everyone was in the water surrounded by about thirty bottlenose dolphins who interacted curiously without fear.
The subject portrayed in the photo was particularly collaborative and sociable. As it moved in a circle it got closer and closer. I was a bit afraid because it was always a wild animal of almost three meters. I really loved the great and intense visual contact I had with this specific specimen.

Judge's comment: A beautifully composed and pin sharp where it matters image which would have stood up well even in the ‘bigger’ categories. A great example of shooting to a camera’s strengths.
Peter Rowlands