UPY 2026 Behaviour - Runner Up

UPY 2026 Behaviour - Runner Up
'Together we can!'
Ventura Romero

A rare and unexpected behavioural observation. A group of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were engaged in social behaviour at a depth of approximately 20m. While descending and attempting to align the camera housing viewfinder with my mask to frame the scene, a sudden movement in my right peripheral vision drew my attention. Within seconds, an oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) appeared in front of me, briefly approached and visually assessed me, then abruptly turned and retreated.
Approximately 30 seconds later, the shark returned, swimming directly toward me at a closer distance. At that moment, the group of sperm whales adopted a compact, head-forward formation resembling a battering ram and rapidly ascended from depth, orienting toward both my camera and the shark. The shark immediately fled the area, followed by a pursuit by the sperm whales that lasted several minutes.

Judge's comment: With Cartier Bresson timed perfection, this highly original image of powerful subjects in juxtaposition, capturing unique behaviour, always appeals to the judge’s eye. A stand out image in an always strong category. Genuinely groundbreaking.

Peter Rowlands