UPY 2025

UPY  Coral Reefs - Third
'Beautiful Sea Forest'
Hitomi Tsuchiya

On Le Island in Okinawa Prefecture, there is a forest of thriving coral reefs. This photo was a miracle that came together with several conditions. I waited for the wind to die down and the tide to go out so that the sea and the coral could be closer together. I swam for nearly an hour looking for a spot where the coral, semi-mirror sea, and blue sky could all be seen at the same time, and used the distorting properties of a fisheye lens to capture this beautiful coral forest. Also, because the sea and the coral reefs were so close, I was careful not to damage them when taking the photo.
I would be happy if people who see this work would think about marine conservation, global warming, and the vitality of coral reefs.

Judge's comment: A creative twist on the coral garden shot. The details really make this shot a winner, with the photographer including the fluffy cumulous clouds in Snell’s window and choosing to shoot in front of the purple Acropora, which contrasts brilliantly with the beige hues of the other corals.