UPY 2025

UPY  Wrecks - Commended
'Simply Audacious!'
Kieran Hatton

HMS Audacious lays in 60m, the victim of a WW1 mine and the first British Battleship casualty of the war. Audacious is always an a-list target on my annual trips to the wrecks of NW Donegal, the 13.5 inch guns one of the signature sights. It is not uncommon to find divers loitering near you if you are in the vicinity of the guns with the camera. On this occasion though I spotted Susan swimming back to the shotline, I passed her the Kinsman Pro and asked her to swim down the barrels once I was in position. I managed 3 pics, this was the best, it felt ‘balanced’, I was pleased enough to show Susan straight away! The visibility off Donegal is legendary but the depth always adds a challenge with light and the time available to take a picture.

Judge's comment: A very powerful subject well captured with symmetry and effective use of well balanced on and off camera lighting.
Peter Rowlands