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UPY 2026 Coral Reefs - Runner Up
'Sunset Patrol'
Renee Capozzola
This half and half image of a shark patrolling a vibrant coral reef at sunset was shot in Fakarava, a coral atoll in French Polynesia's Tuamotu Archipelago renowned for its pristine ocean environment. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, sharks thrive here in their natural habitat due to strong protections. Sharks signify a balanced reef ecosystem so it is my hope that this image can help serve as a model for successful conservation and sustainability. This image was captured using a wide angle rectilinear lens, a small aperture, a large dome port, and dual flash guns. This is a single in-camera image.
Judge's comment: Extraordinary split shot of this famous motif! Very well technical execution of an image which need to be timed very well, especially including sharks! It was an strong candidate for the judges to also win the category, but not having the biggest part of the image being a coral reef it still went to runner up which is a great achievement!
Tobias Friedrich
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