UPY 2025

UPY  Up & Coming - Third
'Lion's Lair'
Bryan H. Blauvelt

Raja Ampat, Indonesia is a destination that finds its way to the top of many divers' bucket lists, and for good reason. The incredible diversity and density of marine life in this region can often verge on sensory overload as you swim and scan the reefscape trying to compose an image in the camera's viewfinder. My goal on my first visit to this magical destination was to create a photograph that captured the explosion of life, colour and texture that comes to mind when thinking about the "Classic Raja Ampat" marine environment. This lionfish nestled up to a black crinoid feather star and framed by hundreds of tiny glass fish caught my attention and became a favourite image from the year of shooting. A fisheye lens and mini dome allowed me to approach within inches of the subject, filling the frame with the scene.

Judge's comment: The lionfish provides a captivating focal point in this dynamic reef scene, filled with colourful corals and a rain of tiny glassfish. A picture of what divers’ dreams are made of.
Alex Mustard