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UPY 2026 Portrait - Third
'White spirits'
Merche Llobera
Floating on a board with my head and arms submerged, I experienced something truly unforgettable. The belugas came and went freely, approaching me on their own terms, meeting my gaze, vocalizing, and observing with unmistakable curiosity. Laughing with emotion, I responded with a high-pitched voice, which made them even more curious. At times, they gently touched the dome of my camera, as if investigating me in return.
I traveled to Churchill specifically to photograph belugas, but I never anticipated such close, voluntary interactions. My intention was simply to be present, to enjoy the moment, and to create the best image possible while always allowing the animals to set the pace. Photographing from the surface, half submerged on the board, made the encounter feel genuine and unforced. There is nothing more powerful than a real connection with wild animals, one built purely on mutual curiosity. In those moments, I couldn’t help but wonder who was truly observing whom.
Judge's comment: Wonderful composition of these beautiful animals! Portrait image are not necessarily just one animal in the frame which this image is a perfect example of. The one Beluga making eye contact with the photographer would have probably already be enough, but the surrounding animals frame it so nicely that it's a well deserved third place!
Tobias Friedrich
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