UPY 2025

UPY  Portrait - Commended
'Scar face'
Yinan Liu

Shortly after heading out to sea on this day, I spotted the dorsal fin of this mako shark breaking the surface. It was swimming very slowly and relaxed. Our boat slowly approached the shark and we tried to go into the water to take pictures. It was not afraid, but swam towards us curiously. It had a deep wound on its face, which was certainly caused by a fish hook. After I took a few photos, it slowly disappeared into the sea. After our encounter, I wish it well and hope that it is not hurt by humans again.

Judge's comment: An excellent full on, powerful portrait. Perfectly timed and lit both above and below with the sad wound being the last to get noticed but hopefully it healed. See you next year fit and well, hopefully.

Peter Rowlands