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UPY 2026 Compact - Highly Commended
'The Guardian'
Vadim Belakhov
Deep inside her PVC-pipe den, a Pale Octopus (Octopus pallidus) tends to her clutch, gently aerating and cleaning each egg to ensure the survival of her future generation. It is a quiet display of remarkable maternal sacrifice — she rarely leaves the nest, fasting for weeks while guarding her young until they hatch, her life fading away in silence.
Judge's comment: A great example of how simple equipment can produce excellent results to compete at any level. It starts with the vision of the photographer, shooting to the compact’s strengths with perfect lighting. A tender, yet visually strong, image.
Peter Rowlands
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