Man Captures 'Whale Bones' Underwater, Wins Underwater Photographer Of The Year
Swedish photographer Alex Dawson has won the prestigious title of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 for his magnificent shot of Whale Bones. The intriguing photograph shows a breath-hold diver exploring a minke whale bone beneath the Greenland ice sheet.?
Why did this image stood out among 6500 entries?
According to Amateur Photographer.com, Dawson's winning image stood out amid 6500 entries from underwater photographers around the world.?
His shot not only captures the beauty of the underwater world, but it also highlights the condition of marine life. Despite representing a byproduct of small-scale whaling, the photograph emphasizes the global collapse of marine and wildlife populations.
What did the judge of the competition say about this image?
Alex Mustard, a former marine scientist and competition judge, lauded Dawson's work, writing in the photograph's judge's comments section that the superb composition asks viewers to ponder our impact on the planet's greatest creatures.?
Mustard underlined the need for a shift in our approach to wildlife protection, as wild creatures had dropped by 85% since the rise of humans.?
In a statement to the BBC, Mustard described the difficult conditions under which Whale Bones was photographed, with the breath-hold diver going beneath the Greenland ice sheet to see the carcasses.?
He observed that the diver's outfit and torch give the image a visiting alien atmosphere, bringing spectators into the setting.
Following his achievement, Dawson expressed his thanks on Instagram, writing, "I am honoured to have been given the award of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 in London this weekend with my winning image 'Whale Bones'."?
This photograph was entered in the Wide Angle category, using freediving mode."The competition consists of 13 categories, including Macro, Wide-Angle, Behavior, and Wreck, as well as four dedicated to images shot in British waters.?
How is underwater photography a challenging task?
Underwater photographers face difficult conditions to explore the lesser-known areas of our blue world and share the wonders of the sea.?
The UPY competition features underwater photographs from photographers all around the world, with winners chosen in twelve categories such as macro, behaviour, wrecks, and compact, as well as three categories dedicated especially to British waters.
The competition also gives the Save Our Seas Foundation Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year title.The Crown Estate sponsored an awards ceremony in Mayfair, London, that unveiled the winning photographs.?
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