UPY 2025

UPY  Portrait - Commended
'Eye to eye'
João Rodrigues

While documenting the iconic fauna of the Côa River in Sabugal, Portugal, as part of the artistic residency for the Naturcôa Nature Image Festival, I came across an Iberian frog floating in the cold waters of this mountain river, far from the banks. Indifferent to my presence and curious about its reflection in my dome port, it allowed me to approach so closely that the photograph was taken with the animal touching the dome, thus allowing for an intimate portrait, "eye to eye."

Judge's comment: What an endearing image captured with great comic timing. You can’t help yourself smiling.
Alex Mustard