UPY 2025

UPY  British Waters Macro - Highly Commended
'Fluo Shark Eyes'
James Lynott

Small-spotted catsharks have long been a favourite fluorescent subject of mine, so it is always a pleasure to find one on a night dive and be able to view (and capture) their otherworldly fluorescence under blue lights. On this particular evening diving in Loch Long, I had spotted this juvenile shark on my first dive. It didn’t move at all while I got some ‘normal’ shots so I hoped it would still be in the same place on my second dive later on when I would have my fluorescence gear. Luckily, I was able to find the shark still in the same spot on the later dive and it was very tolerant of me getting up close to capture this shot of it head on.

Judge's comment: Flourescing images are not everyone’s cup of tea but there was no denying this one. Great unambiguous eye contact and the lighting and colour create the feeling of seeing an alien.

Peter Rowlands