The world of macro and close-up photography has revealed its latest triumphs, with winners announced for the Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) competition. The awards, celebrating their seventh edition in , showcase an astonishing level of detail and artistry, capturing the hidden beauty of the natural world.
More than 12,000 submissions from photographers in 63 countries were considered by a panel of 22 experts – photographers, naturalists, and editors – who dedicated over 20 hours to the judging process. The resulting Top 100 photographs, along with the category winners, were announced on , and are available in a digital book released this week.
This year’s competition saw a particularly striking range of subjects, from the intricate patterns within frog spawn, likened to distant galaxies, to the ethereal spectacle of mayfly swarms in Hungary. Other winning images included a frost-covered tree in Nagano, Japan, and abstract landscapes created through the oxidation of copper. The diversity of subjects underscores the competition’s commitment to celebrating the art of close-up photography in all its forms.
The overall winner of CUPOTY 7, and also taking the top prize in the Underwater category, is Ross Gudgeon for his image, “Fractal Forest.” Daniel Sly’s “Ethereal Frogfish” secured second place in the Underwater category, while Luis Arpa’s “Featherhome” earned third. The competition’s categories extend beyond underwater scenes, encompassing Animals, Insects, and Plants, each with its own set of compelling winning images.
In the Animals category, Filippo Carugati’s “Amphibian Galaxy,” depicting a Malagasy frog egg clutch, took first place. Amit Eshel’s “Inside the Pack” and Bence Máté’s “Spider Web” followed in second and third respectively. The Insects category was won by Imre Potyó with “Blue Army,” followed by Valeria Zvereva’s “Love Under the Stars” and Aleksey Molchanov’s “Gotcha!” Minghui Yuan’s “Rebirth from Destruction” claimed the top spot in the Plants category, with Alex Pansier’s “Love Poem” and Tibor Litauszki’s “In the Embrace of Shadows” rounding out the top three.
Notably, the competition also recognized emerging talent. A photographer secured a top prize, demonstrating the growing accessibility and appeal of close-up photography to younger generations. The young photographer’s success was achieved using a DSLR camera kit, highlighting that sophisticated equipment isn’t always a prerequisite for exceptional results.
The digital edition of the CUPOTY 7 book, featuring 373 pages and 647 shortlisted photographs, is currently available for purchase at a launch week special price of £9.99 (a 50% discount), reverting to £19.99 on , at 23:59 GMT. The book includes full captions and 241 tips from the awarded photographers, offering insights into technique, vision, and fieldcraft.
CUPOTY 8 is scheduled to open in , continuing the competition’s mission to reveal the hidden wonders of the world through the lens of close-up photography. The organizers encourage interested photographers to join their newsletter to stay informed about future competitions, projects, and releases.
The competition’s growing popularity reflects a broader trend towards appreciating the intricate details of the natural world. In an era often dominated by sweeping landscapes and grand narratives, CUPOTY provides a platform for celebrating the beauty found in the small and often overlooked. The winning images serve as a powerful reminder of the richness and complexity of life on Earth, inviting viewers to look closer and appreciate the world around them with renewed wonder.
The awards also highlight the technical skill and artistic vision required to capture these images. Close-up photography demands precision, patience, and a deep understanding of light, composition, and subject matter. The winning photographers demonstrate a mastery of these elements, transforming ordinary subjects into extraordinary works of art.
The impact of these images extends beyond the realm of art and photography. By showcasing the beauty and fragility of the natural world, CUPOTY raises awareness about the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. The competition serves as a visual testament to the value of protecting biodiversity and preserving the planet for future generations.
