The world around us is teeming with hidden beauty, intricate details often missed by the naked eye. The Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) competition is dedicated to showcasing this unseen world through the art of close-up, macro, and micro photography. This annual event celebrates the skill, creativity, and dedication of photographers who bring these miniature marvels to light.
Before diving into the specifics of CUPOTY, let's define what constitutes close-up photography. It's more than just taking a picture of something small. It's about revealing textures, patterns, and details that are otherwise invisible. Macro photography, a subset of close-up photography, involves capturing images where the subject appears life-size or larger on the camera sensor. Micro photography takes this even further, utilizing microscopes to capture images of incredibly tiny subjects.
CUPOTY is an annual competition open to photographers of all levels, from amateur enthusiasts to seasoned professionals. The competition aims to:
The winners of the CUPOTY 6 competition have been announced, showcasing a stunning collection of images across various categories. These winning images offer a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating world of close-up photography, from the intricate patterns of insect wings to the delicate structure of fungi.
CUPOTY features a range of categories designed to showcase the breadth and depth of close-up photography. These categories often include:
In addition to the main categories, CUPOTY also features themed challenges, such as the CHALLENGE '23 Winners – Water, which encourages photographers to explore specific subjects or techniques.
Winning the CUPOTY competition can provide significant recognition and exposure for photographers. Prizes often include cash awards, equipment, and opportunities for publication and exhibition. The competition also offers global exposure through its website, social media channels, and partnerships with leading photography publications.
CUPOTY 7 will open for entries in May and close in July. Interested photographers can stay updated by signing up for the newsletter. The CUPOTY website provides detailed information on the competition rules, categories, and entry process.
The CUPOTY eBook brings together all the winning, Top 100, and shortlisted pictures from each edition of the competition. These eBooks offer a wealth of inspiration and insight for aspiring close-up photographers, featuring stunning images, captions, shooting information, and tips from the awarded photographers.
CUPOTY is supported by a number of leading organizations in the photography industry, including Affinity Photo, Nikon, and Sigma. These partnerships help to provide resources and opportunities for photographers participating in the competition.
Whether you are an experienced close-up photographer or just starting out, CUPOTY offers a vibrant community to connect with and learn from fellow enthusiasts. Follow CUPOTY on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest news, announcements, and featured photographers.
By celebrating the beauty and complexity of the miniature world, the Close-up Photographer of the Year competition inspires us to look closer, appreciate the details, and see the world anew.
