UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Living Together - Commended
'Mermaid and the seaweed'
Martin Stevens

I love photographing all the wonderful marine wildlife we have in Cornwall, and alongside this it’s also great to show human connections with the ocean and how important the sea is as a source of inspiration, enjoyment, and bond to nature and general wellbeing. The ocean attracts all manner of human visitors, from paddle boarders, kayakers, and sailors, to sea swimmers, snorkelers, and divers. Sometimes there are mermaids too. With Marianne Thompson, aka Mermaid Marianne, we wanted to make use of the clear, calm waters on a sunny summer morning and capture photos among the golden seaweed, with this image being one that we think illustrates the intrigue and wonder that many of us have towards the marine realm, whether a mermaid or a land person.

Judge's comment: A very unusual image for this category, but so well done ! The light on the mermaid as well for the ambience is well balanced while the foreground just adds up to the overall composition. I would have loved a tiny bit more space on the right side as well as the mermaid having her eyes open.

Tobias Friedrich