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UPY 2026 Award winners - Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026
'Rockpool Rookies'
Matty Smith
Once several weeks old and weaned from their mothers milk, elephant seal pups are abandoned by their parents on shore, left to navigate life alone. On Sealion Island in the Falklands, I watched dozens of them clamber over one another in shallow rockpools, awkwardly learning to swim, and quite engaging to my presence. I’d come here for this moment, to witness and photograph their first solo lessons in life. On the very first evening of my arrival, the sky ignited with colour. I donned my dry suit and rushed into the water, capturing a handful of frames before the light vanished. It turned out to be the defining moment of the trip, and I’m glad I didn’t hesitate.
Judge's comment: Alex: Cold water contrasts with heartwarming cuteness. Southern elephant seals traverse land and sea, born on wild shores, but thriving in the frigid waters. Elephant seals were hunted remorselessly from the end of the 1700s until the 20th century, pushing them right to the brink of extinction. Their oil rich blubber was used for everything from lighting to margarine. Fortunately, the hunt was stopped just in time, and their recovery over the last 100 years is a great example of the resilience of the ocean. A beautiful and hopeful photograph.
Peter: In hindsight, it’s easy and obvious but when you have nearly 8,000 images vying for your eye’s attention it can be a tough call. Fortunately, this year, the winner almost chose itself by being so good. Cute, puppy eyes and perfectly lit with a sunset background; top it with a perfect split level and you have the judges on their feet. Deserved congratulations.
Tobias: What a cutie! I love the split image approach that the photographer took to capture this beautiful and emotionally very engaging image. The look of the baby elephant seal below the surface is just magic and a very well deserved and undisputed winner of this year's competition! Well done!
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