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UPY 2026 Wide Angle - Highly Commended
'Concise Chaos'
James Ferrara
I set off to Magdalena Bay to photograph striped marlins hunting bait balls, marking my second year witnessing this extraordinary spectacle. The speed and precision of these predators are mesmerizing as the sardines scatter in frantic bursts, fighting for survival. With this image, I wanted to convey the contrast between chaos and control, the swirling disorder of the bait ball set against the calculated movements of the marlin. I noticed one marlin lingering along the outer edge of the bait ball, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike. To capture this dynamic, I used a slow shutter speed and panned at the same pace as the marlin, allowing its motion to remain sharp while the sardines blurred into streaks of energy. The result reflects the tension, timing, and raw intensity of this underwater hunt.
Judge's comment: A magic ocean moment captured with the upmost skill and cool thinking among fleeting action. The photographer selecting the perfect combination of panning and shutter speed to blur the school yet freeze the marlin. A real favourite of mine.
Alex Mustard
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