UPY 2026 Compact - Third

UPY 2026 Compact - Third
'Natural barriers'
Rémi Conte

This image was taken in the lagoon of South Fakarava, French Polynesia, close to the southern pass, within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While the pass is world-famous for its spectacular shark dives, it was the lagoon that drew me back again and again. Whenever conditions were calm, I entered the water to explore these shallow reefs, remarkable for their clarity. I returned to this spot several times, spending long hours in the water waiting for the right light and surface conditions to create this split shot. From the surface, I wanted to bring together environments that are often seen separately: sky, land and ocean. Beneath the surface, coral reefs form an essential natural barrier, protecting the islands and their inhabitants. Although this place remains remarkably well preserved, it is also deeply vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Judge's comment: This image would have been a serious contender in the ‘grown up’ Wide angle and Coral reef categories too despite being taken on a comparatively minuscule GoPro. That is a testament to how good this image is. Pretty perfect.

Peter Rowlannds