The world around us teems with hidden beauty, often missed by the naked eye. The Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) competition celebrates this unseen wonder, showcasing incredible close-up, macro, and micro photography from across the globe. This article delves into the captivating world of CUPOTY, exploring its categories, prizes, and the passionate community it fosters.
Close-up photography, encompassing macro and micro techniques, allows us to explore subjects at a level of detail that reveals intricate patterns, textures, and colors. Macro photography generally refers to capturing images where the subject is life-size or larger on the camera sensor, while micro photography delves even deeper, often requiring specialized equipment like microscopes. Why is this field of photography important?
CUPOTY provides a platform for photographers of all levels to showcase their talent and passion for capturing the unseen world. The annual competition attracts entries from around the globe, with submissions spanning a diverse range of subjects and artistic styles. The competition helps photographers gain global exposure
The competition is structured with various categories catering to diverse interests within close-up photography. Each category offers a unique lens through which to explore the world:
The competition also includes themed challenges, such as the "Water" challenge in 2023 and the "Minimal" challenge in 2022, providing further opportunities for creative exploration. CHALLENGE '23 Winners – Water
Winning or even being shortlisted in the CUPOTY competition can significantly boost a photographer's career. The prizes include cash awards, equipment from sponsors like Nikon, and global exposure through features in leading photography publications. Beyond the tangible prizes, the recognition and prestige associated with CUPOTY are invaluable.
The annual CUPOTY eBook serves as a treasure trove of inspiration and knowledge. It compiles all the winning, top 100, and shortlisted images from the competition, accompanied by detailed captions, shooting information, and valuable tips from the awarded photographers. You can Buy & Download the ebook now.
For a regular dose of inspiration, the CUPOTY newsletter delivers a fortnightly invitation to appreciate the world's wonders and fuel creative projects. It's a great way to stay updated on competition news, see featured photographers, and learn new techniques. Sign-up to the newsletter to keep updated.
The CUPOTY competition reminds us that breathtaking beauty exists all around us, often hidden in plain sight. By encouraging photographers to explore the world at a closer level, CUPOTY inspires us to see the world anew and appreciate the intricate details that make our planet so extraordinary. As CUPOTY 7 approaches, aspiring and established photographers alike should take note and consider submitting their work to this prestigious competition.
