Female Fifty Fathoms Award 2024, Ipah Uid Lynn

1st place Female Fifty Fathoms Award

Ipah Uid Lynn The Maldives

3°12'10.1"N 73°13'14.5"E

A whale shark surrounded by a swirling school of fish. "I shot this image during sunrise in shallow water and I used an underwater video light, as well as a coloured light to highlight the whale shark and the fish against the dark background," explains Uid Lynn. "The composition emphasises the scale and grace of the whale shark and the image beautifully showcases the mesmerising interplay between light, motion, and marine life."

All of Ipah's Female Fifty Fathoms Award images

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Romblon Island, Philippines
Midday
Taken while scuba diving
Site accessed by boat

This mesmerising image captures a tiny goby perched on a delicate sea whip, blending seamlessly into its vibrant surroundings. “The image employs a shallow depth of field, focusing sharply on the fish’s eye while the surrounding colours swirl into a dreamy, abstract background,” says the photographer. “The combination of the goby’s translucent body and the soft, pastel hues creates an almost surreal, illusionary effect. This creative approach highlights the goby’s natural camouflage and transforms a simple marine subject into a stunning piece of underwater art, merging nature with visual artistry.”

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Selakan Island, Malaysia
Evening
Taken during a research expedition

A member of the Bajau, in his traditional wooden boat at sunset. “The Bajau are a nomadic people of Southeast Asia, known for their deep connection to the ocean,” explains Uid Lynn. “The man, wearing a simple pair of goggles and holding a spear, is framed against a dramatic sky, reflecting the end of another day spent in the water. The low angle of the shot emphasises the vastness of the sea and sky, while the man’s gaze is focused and intent, embodying the resilience and deep-seated relationship these people have with the marine environment.”

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Selakan Island, Malaysia
10am in the morning
Taken while scuba diving

“I captured this image in the heart of a mangrove forest in Selakan Island, showcasing the intricate underwater world beneath the surface,” explains the photographer. “Sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, creating ethereal beams of light that penetrate the water and illuminate the scene. The twisted roots of the mangroves form a complex network, providing shelter for various marine life. Capturing the interplay of light and shadow, I wanted to highlight the rich biodiversity and the mysterious environment of the mangroves. This image encapsulates the beauty and ecological importance of these unique coastal ecosystems.”

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Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
Taken while scuba diving
Calm ocean
Site accessed by boat

This striking macro image captures a skeletal shrimp, in the midst of consuming its prey. The shrimp’s spindly, almost transparent body is perfectly framed against a dark background, highlighting its delicate and alien-like structure. “The prey is held firmly by the shrimp’s slender limbs, showcasing the predatory behaviour of this tiny, often overlooked marine creature,” explains Uid Lynn. “This image emphasises the intricate details of the shrimp’s anatomy, including its tiny claws and segmented body, while the stark contrast between the subject and the black background adds a dramatic effect, turning this small moment of marine life into a powerful visual statement.”

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Bau Bau, Indonesia
Rainy day
Early morning
Taken during a technical sidemount dive

A diver explores a cave system filled with intricate rock formations. “The shot was taken with a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the cave and the surrounding environment,” explains the photographer. “Powerful underwater lights illuminate the scene, highlighting the texture and details of the rock structures while creating a dramatic contrast with the dark, shadowy areas of the cave. The calm water’s surface above reflects the light, adding depth and a mirror-like effect to the image. This composition required careful control of lighting and positioning to showcase the cave’s surreal beauty effectively.”

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Tenggol Island, Malaysia
Very hot day
Taken while scuba diving
Calm ocean

This close-up image of a goby fish presents a captivating view of its face. “The background is softly blurred, featuring gentle shades of blue, green, and pink that make the goby stand out,” says Uid Lynn. “The fish is centred in the frame, giving the portrait a balanced and symmetrical feel. The shallow depth of field creates a dreamy effect, making the goby appear almost larger than life. The image highlights the delicate details of the goby, turning a small marine creature into a striking subject.”

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Tenggol Island, Malaysia
Cold water temperature
Taken on a drysuit dive
Site accessed by boat

A diver swims through a small cavern. The scene is bathed in soft, natural light filtering through the water which highlights the rugged textures of the surrounding rock formations. “The diver is equipped with lights that create a stunning visual effect,” says Uid Lynn. “The photograph captures the serene yet adventurous atmosphere of our last dive that evening. The combination of light and shadows adds to the sense of exploration and discovery.”

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Selakan Island, Malaysia
Taken at night
Taken while scuba diving

A moray eel peeks out from its hiding spot within a coral. “The eel’s face is highlighted by a snoot beam of light, making its eyes and sharp teeth stand out against the dark background,” explains the photographer. “The eel’s textured skin blends with the surrounding coral, giving it an almost camouflaged appearance. I captured the eel in a moment of stillness, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue as it watches its surroundings. The close-up view shows the eel’s features, making it a striking and slightly eerie portrait of this underwater predator.”

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Koh Tao, Thailand
Early afternoon
Taken while scuba diving
Calm ocean

A large school of batfish swim in unison, moving gracefully through the deep blue water. “The diver positioned below the school is captured mid-movement, adding a sense of scale and adventure to the scene,” says Uid Lynn. “The batfish are arranged in a flowing pattern, their silver bodies and yellow-tipped fins creating a beautiful contrast against the darker, expansive ocean backdrop. The image embodies the tranquillity and grandeur of the underwater world, showcasing the harmony between the diver and the marine life around them.”