Explore the most stunning macro and micro photographs in the world's biggest close-up competition

A close-up of a bee covered in water droplets, perched on a lilac petal against a soft pink background

Category: Invertebrate Portrait – Leafcutter Bee by Andrei Chetronie (Image credit: Andrei Chetronie / Close-up Photographer of the Year)

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Shortlist highlights

A beetle locked in battle. A spider frozen mid-hunt. Tiny guni erupting like alien sculptures on a rotting log. These are just a few of the stunning images from the 2025 Close-Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) shortlist, revealed after 22 judges spent 20 hours scrutinizing 15,5557 entries from around the globe.

About CUPOTY

Close-Up Photographer of the Year was founded in 2018 by Tracy and Dan Calder. It is the largest competition in the world dedicated to close-up, macro, and micro photography.

The contest invited photographers from all levels and corners of the globe to showcase their finest close-up work, captured with any camera, camera phone, or even microscope. Because in the world of macro and micro photography, the tiniest subjects tell the biggest stories.

And this year's shortlist captures these tiny creatures with impressive details and mind-blowing precision. It offers a sneak peek at the extraordinary creativity and technical skill behind the images – while also moving the photographers closer to the £2,500 grand prize.

Shortlist highlights

Close-up of a camouflaged pygmy seahorse blending with red and white coral. The seahorse is textured with bumps matching the coral, creating harmony — (Image credit: Suliman Alatqi / Close-up Photographer of the Year)

Category: Underwater Underwater-
Pygmy Seahorse by Suliman Alatqi

Close-up of a translucent, white crab-like creature with distinct claws and fine hairs, showcasing intricate details of its anatomy — (Image credit: Rafael Steinlesberger / Close-up Photographer of the Year)

Category: Arachnids
Veil Of Renewa by Rafael Steinlesberger

Extreme close-up of a fly with large, textured, orange compound eyes, slender antennae, and detailed facial hairs. The soft green background enhances the insect's vivid features — (Image credit: Benjamin Salb / Close-up Photographer of the Year)

Category: Invertebrate Portrait
Gnat Ogre by Benjamin Salb

A spider hangs on a delicate web amid a dreamy, blurred background of soft green, purple, and blue hues, creating a serene, ethereal atmosphere — (Image credit: Bart Heirweg / Close-up Photographer of the Year)

Category: Arachnids
Wasp Spider Courtship by Bart Heirweg

Close-up of sharp, reddish thorns on a green stem, resembling mountain peaks. Soft focus background in light green, adding a serene tone — (Image credit: Donald Bolak / Close-up Photographer of the Year)

Category: Plants
Rose Thorns by Donald Bolak

A close-up image of a bee in flight, showcasing its detailed facial features and translucent wings against a soft blue background — (Image credit: Uwe Zimmermann / Close-up Photographer of the Year)

Category: Insects
Bee in Flight by Uwe Zimmermann

A vibrant blue beetle is surrounded by numerous small brown and black ants, blending into the textured bark of a tree — (Image credit: Jan Pokluda / Close-up Photographer of the Year)

Category: Insects
The Beauty of Natural Cycles by Jan Pokluda

A swarm of white moths swirls around a glowing street lamp against a dark, textured background, creating an ethereal nighttime scene — (Image credit: Imre Poty / Close-up Photographer of the Year)

Category: Insects
Light Trap by Imre Potyó

Reflective pool in textured rock shows a tree's silhouette, surrounded by layered, colorful stone patterns — (Image credit: Csaba Daroczi / Close-up Photographer of the Year)

Category: Intimate Landscape
After the Rain by Csaba Daroczi

The Top 100 images and the overall CUPOTY 2025 winner will be revealed in January 2026, yet the most captivating images are already in view. Here are some standout highlights from the shortlist.

For the full CUPOTY 2025 shortlist, visit the CUPOTY website, where works span categories including: Animals, Insects, Arachnids, Butterflies & Dragonflies, Invertebrate Portrait, Underwater, Plants, Fungi & Slime Moulds, Intimate Landscape, Studio Art, and Young Photographers.

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If you are into macro photography, check our guide to the best camera for macro photography and best macro lenses. We also have supporting tutorials like how to use natural lighting effects to introduce drama to your macro photography scenes, or 4 macro hacks for your camera, lens and phone.

Kim is a photographer, editor and writer with work published internationally. She holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. Blending technical expertise with visual insight, Kim explores photography's time-honored yet ever-evolving role in culture. Through her features, tutorials, and gear reviews, she aims to encourage readers to explore the medium more deeply and embrace its full creative potential.

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