Here Are The Winners Of The Close-Up Photographer Of The Year Awards

We always love sharing the best photographers out there, and this time, we’ve prepared some spectacular shots that bring the reality around us into sharper focus. Thanks to the 2024 Close-Up Photographer of the Year competition, we can explore the world from a different perspective. The photographs that made it to the finals are truly outstanding.

As we learned from the competition’s organizers, “Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) was founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife duo Tracy and Dan Calder. CUPOTY is an annual competition celebrating the often overlooked genre of close-up, macro, and micro photography. It aims to encourage photographers and viewers to slow down and see the world anew.”

Without further ado, scroll down and admire the incredible shots by photographers from around the globe.

More info: cupoty.com | Instagram 

17 PHOTOS

#1 Wallaby Baby By Pedro Jarque

We contacted Daniel Sly, the photographer behind the ‘Potbellied Seahorse’ image, who kindly shared with us the story behind his remarkable shot: “During an early morning dive in Sydney’s Botany Bay, I encountered this potbellied seahorse seeking shelter at the center of a cluster of sea tulips. The seahorse was resting quietly as the sea tulips swayed around it in the surge. 

These seahorses are reasonably common in the waters surrounding Sydney and are a popular subject to photograph, so on this cloudy morning, I wanted to capture something a little different. To capture the subtle movement of the sea tulips while keeping the seahorse in focus, I chose a slightly longer shutter speed. This allowed the gentle motion of the water to blur slightly, giving a sense of movement to the underwater environment. To ensure the seahorse remained the focal point of the image, I used a snooted strobe to direct light specifically onto it, highlighting its details while keeping the surrounding area in a softer focus. The result was an image that depicted both the seahorse and the dynamic setting it inhabited.”

#2 Universe Of Eggs By Imre Potyó

#3 Curious Baby Manatee By Remuna Beca

When asked what initially inspired him to specialize in underwater photography, Daniel responded: “I’ve been passionate about photography for quite some time, initially focusing on terrestrial wildlife and birds. However, it wasn’t until I completed my open-water diving course that I truly discovered the wonders hidden beneath the ocean’s surface. Growing up by the coast, it felt like a natural evolution to start exploring and photographing the often-overlooked underwater world.”

The photographer went on to say: “What truly drew me to underwater photography was the ocean’s incredible biodiversity. Something is captivating about exploring a realm so different from our own, filled with vibrant, almost alien-like creatures. Diving in Sydney, I began by simply enjoying the experience, but it wasn’t long before I felt compelled to capture and share the beauty of this hidden world with others. The challenge of getting that perfect underwater shot adds an exciting layer of complexity to photography, pushing me to constantly refine my skills. Over time, it has become not just a way to document marine life but also a way to advocate for the conservation of these fragile ecosystems.”

#4 Sandy Mushroom By Jamie Spensley

#5 Clash Of The Titans By Ivanenko Svetlana

Capturing underwater images presents unique challenges. With that in mind, we asked Daniel about the biggest obstacles he faces when photographing marine life. Sly shared: “Underwater photography comes with a host of challenges. The biggest one is often lighting. Light behaves very differently underwater, I’ve had to experiment with various lighting techniques, especially when photographing critters like the potbellied seahorse.

Another challenge is the ever-changing conditions—visibility can often be particularly murky with lots of suspended particles, especially around Sydney’s coastline. Marine life is also incredibly dynamic, and you can’t exactly ask a fish or an octopus to stay still for a shot! Patience is key, along with a good understanding of the behaviors of different species so I can anticipate their movements. Staying calm and adjusting my settings on the fly have helped me capture those fleeting moments when everything comes together.”

#6 Potbellied Seahorse By Daniel Sly

#7 Holding On By Ofek Liepaz

The photographer also shared with us his favorite location for underwater photography, which, in his opinion, stands out from others: “Kurnell on the southern side of Sydney’s Botany Bay is hands down my favorite spot for underwater photography. The diversity of marine life there is astounding, making every dive feel like a treasure hunt. It’s one of the few places where I can consistently find a variety of critters like seahorses, anglerfish, and sea dragons, each with their unique colors, patterns, and behaviors. The mix of rocky reefs, sandy areas, and seagrass beds creates a dynamic underwater landscape that attracts a wide range of species. I love how you can photograph a tiny, camouflaged creature one moment and then suddenly be surprised by a larger visitor swimming by. The unpredictability and richness of Kurnell’s ecosystem keep me coming back—it’s a place where I know I’ll always discover something new.”

#8 Damselfly Blue On Blue By Benjamin Salb

#9 Emerald Gem By Louis Guillot

Lastly, we were eager to hear about the most memorable experience Daniel has had while photographing underwater. Here’s what the photographer shared with us: "One of my most unforgettable experiences happened recently while diving in the Maldives. We were all gathered for dinner on the boat when suddenly the crew rang a bell—there was a whale shark right off the back of the vessel. Everyone rushed to see, and there, just beneath the surface, was a magnificent 10-meter whale shark feeding in the glow of the boat’s lights.

I couldn’t resist the opportunity, so I quietly slipped into the water, camera in hand. As I swam closer, I found myself face-to-face with this gentle giant, its massive mouth opening and closing as it fed. It was a surreal and humbling moment, being so close to such a majestic creature in its natural habitat. The encounter was completely unexpected and felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that I was incredibly lucky to capture through my lens.”

#10 The Nautilus By Luis Arpa

#11 Eresus Walckenaeri By Aris Kolokontes

#12 Let There Bee Love By Joris Vegter

#13 Demoiselles At Dawn By Jay Birmingham

#14 Delias Butterfly Scales 20x By Adalbert Mojrzisch

#15 Mycena On Pine Coneby Jay Birmingham

#16 Tiny Host By Aloys Pichard

#17 My Galaxy By Avilash Ghosh