UPY 2025

UPY  Portrait - Commended
'Strike a Pose'
Fabrice Dudenhofer

During a dive trip in Safaga, Egypt, I encountered a hawksbill turtle that was unusually curious. I quickly realized she was fascinated by her own reflection in my dome port. For a few moments, she literally seemed to strike a pose, motionless in front of my lens. I hadn’t planned this encounter, but I immediately knew it was a unique opportunity to capture a perfectly symmetrical portrait. My goal was to create a balanced and graphic image, giving the impression of an underwater photo shoot. It was a fleeting yet mesmerising moment, where this turtle seemed as intrigued by me as I was by her.

Judge's comment: Very good portrait shot of a common subject. The perfect symmetry of the turtle combined with the two fins straight up create an unforgettable image, well done! The shot is a little be bright and a bit less light from the strobes would have seen it place higher, in this strong category.