UPY 2025

UPY  Portrait - Highly Commended
'Snapping Turtle Stare'
Isaac Szabo

On a brisk March morning, I slid into the warm, clear waters of a Florida spring and spotted a familiar shape: the resident snapping turtle. Though often feared, they are actually rather timid or indifferent underwater, making them excellent subjects. I excitedly snapped shots as it meandered along the spring’s edges when, suddenly, it led me to an alligator resting in a fallen tree, presenting me with a dilemma: stick with the turtle or the alligator? I reluctantly chose the alligator as the turtle scuttled away but soon realized the alligator shot wasn’t ideal. Disappointed, I hurried back in the direction of the turtle and managed to find it again just before it began to extend its long neck to the surface to breathe. Anticipating a good photo opportunity, I quickly positioned my camera low and captured a perfect reflection of its face just as it reached the water’s surface.

Judge's comment: A beautiful scene frames a revealing portrait. The snapping turtle is only breathing, but the photo has a tremendous feeling of the moment from its fully extended posture. We loved how the eye is watching us (the photographer) in the surface reflection.

Alex Mustard