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UPY 2026 Smartphone - Runner Up
'The curious gaze of grey shark'
Clotxa
This image was taken in the South Pass of Fakarava, inside the legendary “Wall of Sharks.” Carried effortlessly by the strong current, I had no time to plan or compose, only to feel, observe, and react. Suddenly, a gray reef shark filled my frame, its gaze calm, curious, and powerful. Behind it, other sharks fade into soft blur, hinting at the hundreds surrounding us. This photograph is not about control, but about surrender: letting the ocean lead, trusting the moment, and becoming part of a living, breathing ecosystem that remains almost pristine. Drifting among these majestic predators was both humbling and exhilarating. For a brief instant, time slowed, fear dissolved, and I felt deeply connected to the wild rhythm of the sea.
Judge's comment: If ever proof was needed that Smartphone cameras can produce top quality results, this it it. Pin sharp where it matters, delicate depth of field and vibrant colours combine to great effect. A game changer if ever there was one.
Peter Rowlands
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