UPY 2024

UPY  Macro - Winner
'An abstract portrait of a Potbelly Seahorse'
Talia Greis

I was drawn to this particular seahorse because it had especially distinguished markings around the eye, and the jaw-dropping colour palette made a striking contrast with the surrounding coral. Whilst seahorses are not rare on Sydney dive sites, photographing one that can really stand out has always been a dream for me. I chose to open the aperture all the way down to f/3.5 which transformed the coral into an out of focus cloud-like effect, but also embraced the ominous green waters of Sydney summer diving. To me the seahorse’s striking red eye, and posture conveys power and strength, arising from the smoky underbelly of the ocean.

Judge's comment: We love how the photographer captured the character of both the secretive seahorse and the murky waters of Sydney in this picture with excellent use of light, a striking colour contrast and an inventive composition.
Alex Mustard