10 stunning closeup photographs of 2024

Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) has shortlisted mesmerising photographs that feature close-up, macro, and microphotography that showcase the beauty of nature through micro and macro lenses. From the curious, shy baby manatee posing before the camera to the minuscule mites walking across a dragon lizard's head and the cardinal fish carrying eggs in its mouth as it seeks shelter among the spines of a sea urchin, it all comes alive in the images.

CUPOTY was founded by photographers Tracy and Dan Calder in 2018. Since then, the competition has grown to become the largest competition for close-up, macro, and micro photography. The competition aims mainly to unveil the unheard treasures of the world and to celebrate the skill and creativity of photographers who bring those under the microscope to light.

The competition has 11 categories: Animals, Insects, Butterflies and Dragonflies, Arachnids, Invertebrate Portrait, Underwater, Intimate Landscape, Plants, Fungi, Studio Art, and Young.
Each category highlights the mesmerising detail and beauty of the natural world, captured through the lenses of talented photographers from around the globe.

This photograph by Remuna Beca captures a timid baby manatee posing for the camera. The close-up shot beautifully encapsulates the innocent nature of the manatee, the photo shows its expressive eyes and smooth, textured skin. The image is a reminder of the importance of protecting these gentle marine mammals and their habitats.

Captured by Justin Chan in Hong Kong, this photograph shows a beetle grasped by a stink bug, still struggling to escape. The wealth of this photograph lies in the perfect shot that captures the raw moments of survival in the insect world, the photo is also the depiction of dynamic interactions between predator and prey. The close-up detail clearly shows the intensity of the staunch encounter.

László Földi captures this perfect moment while diving in the waters of Malapascua, László Földi as he noticed this tiny cardinal fish. The photograph is captured in just the right moment as the fish holds a shoal of eggs in it's mouth, the photo also captures the luminescent blue colours and delicate features, along with its beauty in its natural habitat.

Basket stars are marine invertebrates that position themselves on reefs to reach higher into the water column for easier feeding. This photograph captures the detailed and creative structure of the basket star. This photo also shows its attractive morphology and feeding behavior. The image introduces us to the unknown beauty and complexity of marine life.

This photograph by Pietro Cremone is aimed at an artistic representation of a ribbon eel. The rich and vibrant hues and fluid movements of the eel are captured beautifully, creating an image that is both aesthetically pleasing and scientifically interesting. The photograph showcases the eel's exceptional appearance and the elegance of its underwater habitat.

This incredible macro photograph features small mites walking across the head of a Kloss' forest dragon lizard, this photograph illustrates the delicate, detailed and unkown relationships within ecosystems. The close-up detail shows the lizard's textured scales and the tiny mites, emphasizing the interconnectedness of different species.

This image captures the delicate moment of a tadpole swimming alone and navigating through life, this photo represents the vulnerability and beauty of aquatic life. The photograph emphasises the tadpole's fragile existence, highlighting the transition from water to land which is a crucial stage in its development.

This photograph has been taken in the Pusztaszer Landscape Protection Area in Hungary, and features the majestic black stork bird which is famously known for its striking black and white plumage which is rarely seen by the people. The photographer of the image remains unknown but the image captures the bird's elegance and grace and also highlights its importance within its natural habitat.

Louis Guillot Photographed this 'green gem' snake during a night walk in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest and caught the most beautiful emerald tree boa in a perfect shot. Its vibrant green scales and the position of the snake itself highlight it's beauty and poise. This is just the perfect image to capture the mystery and allure behind the nocturnal rainforest, offering glimpses into the life of such elusive creatures.

This famous and stunning blue satin bowerbird is famous for its vibrant plumage and interesting courtship rituals, majorly in Australia. This bird creates a bowers structure, beautifully decorated with various blue objects that attract females. The photograph clearly brings out the plumage details of the bowerbird as well as its brighter blue decorations and regards all this as full creativity and devotion in the pursuit of a partner.