Up & coming underwater photographer of the year, also winner, up & coming worldwide category—Three Pillars - Practice, Patience & Luck! by Pier Mane (South Africa)—Location: Tiger Beach, Bahamas

‘Weary of shooting sharks head-on ... I decided to turn away from the peak action ... I wanted sun rays, dramatic foreground, background perspective, and - the cherry on top - to capture the ‘master of the house’ in all of its mystique. The three sponges were well-positioned to set the scene and it took countless shots to balance the elements; but perseverance, patience and practice all paid off.’



Photograph: Pier Mane/Underwater Photographer of the Year 2016