Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2025 Shortlists Reveal a Hidden World in Stunning Detail

The Close Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) shortlisted photos for 2025 have just been announced. And it seems to me that they just keep getting better and better every year! They show the world hidden in small details, up close and even closer. And they all offer a vivid, intimate view of the natural world that most of us never get to see.

Selected from a staggering 12,557 entries across 11 categories, the shortlisted photos showcase the very best in macro, micro, and close-up photography. After 20 hours of intense judging by a panel of 22 experts, these images now move one step closer to the ultimate prize: the coveted CUPOTY title, a £2,500 cash award, and a trophy.

A Closer Look at the Categories

This year’s contest dives deep into nature’s smallest wonders across the following categories:

• Animals – supported by Affinity Photo
• Insects – supported by Cygnustech Diffusers
• Butterflies & Dragonflies
• Arachnids
• Invertebrate Portrait – supported by Zerene Stacker
• Underwater
• Intimate Landscape
• Plants
• Fungi
• Studio Art
• Young (U18s) – supported by SIGMA UK

Each gallery is a portal into a hidden universe, and I’ve had a hard time choosing only some of them to showcase in the article. I can only imagine how challenging it will be for the jury to select the winners.

Close Up Photographer of the Year Prizes

Beyond the grand prize, each category winner receives £250 in cash, as well as tools related to their photography craft. For example, winners receive a Universal License for Affinity apps, and the top insect image snags a Cygnustech macro diffuser. Young photographers also get a big boost: the U18 winner will take home a SIGMA 105mm f/2.8 DG DN MACRO Art lens.

More Than Just a Contest

Founded by Tracy and Dan Calder in 2018, CUPOTY has become the largest competition dedicated solely to close-up, macro, and micro photography. With a vibrant newsletter and an annual themed challenge (this year’s being “Death & Decay“), this is one of the competitions that keep photographers inspired year-round.

We bring you a selection of shortlisted photos below. And if you’d like to see the full shortlist and immerse yourself in over 70 marvelous close-up photos, visit the contest website. And stay tuned – the winners will be revealed in January 2026.

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