The Close-Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) 2024 competition has once again astounded the world by showcasing the tiniest details of our surroundings through the incredible lenses of talented photographers. This year’s edition, the sixth in the series, presents an awe-inspiring collection of images that reveal extraordinary perspectives on everyday objects, plants, wildlife, and abstract phenomena.
Close-Up Photographer Competition Highlights
Diverse Categories:
The competition features 11 categories, including Animals, Insects, Underwater scenes, Plants, Fungi, and Studio Art. Each category offers a glimpse into the intricate details and textures that often go unnoticed in our daily lives.
Impressive Entries:
With over 11,681 entries, the competition received an overwhelming response from photographers around the world. The judges faced the challenging task of selecting the best images from a pool of outstanding talent.
Judging Process:
A panel of 25 judges dedicated over 20 hours to meticulously reviewing the submissions. Their efforts culminated in a showcase that highlights the best of close-up photography.
Prizes:
The overall winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of $3,240 and a trophy. Category winners will each receive $324, while the Young Close-Up Photographer of the Year will be awarded a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art lens and a trophy.
Themes and Challenges:
This year’s theme for the CUPOTY Challenge is “Something Beautiful,” encouraging photographers to capture and highlight the beauty in the smallest details of the world around us.
Notable Shortlisted Images in Close-Up Photographer Competition
Among the standout images from the shortlist are:
Image source: cupoty.com
#1 Wallaby Baby By Pedro Jarque
#2 Universe Of Eggs By Imre Potyó
#3 Curious Baby Manatee By Remuna Beca
#4 Sandy Mushroom By Jamie Spensley
#5 Clash Of The Titans By Ivanenko Svetlana
#6 Potbellied Seahorse By Daniel Sly
#7 Holding On By Ofek Liepaz
#8 The Nautilus By Luis Arpa
#9 Damselfly Blue On Blue By Benjamin Salb
#10 Delias Butterfly Scales 20x By Adalbert Mojrzisch
#11 Emerald Gem By Louis Guillot
#12 Let There Bee Love By Joris Vegter
#13 Demoiselles At Dawn By Jay Birmingham
#14 Eresus Walckenaeri By Aris Kolokontes
#15 Mycena On Pine Coneby Jay Birmingham
#16 Tiny Host By Aloys Pichard
#17 Rest Time By Kyungshin Kim
#18 My Own Galaxy By Avilash Ghosh
#19 Cardinalfish By Laszlo Foldi
#20 Tightrope Walker By Sophie Mijnhout
#21 Stemonitis-And-Snail By Petter Lilleengen
#22 Blue Ribbon By Pietro Cremone
#23 Botyodes Moth By Raghuram Annadana
#24 Watering Hole Quartet By Jose Madrigal
#25 Lamproderma On A Holly Spike By Barry Webb
#26 Proud Parent By Jackie Schletter
#27 Spider Huntsman Camoflage By David Möhnle
#28 Our Hero By Bence Mate
#29 Last Fight By Pavan Kumar T S
#30 Hooded Nudies By Brian Skjerven
#31 Symbiosis In Sea Sponge By Jenny Stock
#32 Shield Bug Nymphs By Evan Van Zeumeren
#33 Amongst The Autumn Foliage By Jay Birmingham
#34 Other Worlds By Jose Luis Trujillo
#35 Bowerbrid By Keith Horton
The CUPOTY 2024 competition not only amazes but also inspires, revealing the hidden wonders of our world through the artistic eyes of photographers. It’s a celebration of creativity, skill, and the beauty found in the smallest details.