UPY 2025

UPY  Behaviour - Highly Commended
'California newts laying eggs'
Anton Sorokin

Every year in early spring, California newts migrate to nearby water sources to mate and lay eggs. This pond in the rolling hills of California supports an exceptionally strong population but the site is far from pristine. Herds of cattle visit the pond to drink and use it as a latrine. Upon arriving at the site, I was disheartened to find the water clarity to be particularly bad due to heavy recent rains, limiting visibility underwater to a finger's length. However, looking down into the water I was just barely able to discern hubs of newt activity as they attached their eggs to vegetation. Dodging floating cow pats and crouching in the murky water, keeping my head elevated above the surface - I photographed this scene mostly blind. Occasionally checking the results and readjusting my approach until I had the desired composition.

Judge's comment: Oblivious to the clarity and quality of the water, the behaviour and composition is unambiguous and the photographer’s instinct and perseverance, in far from ideal conditions, paid off.

Peter Rowlands