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Close-up Photographer of the Year 2024

Close-up Photographer of the YearFinished
Prizes:

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  • Overall winner
    £2,500
    Universal License for all three Affinity apps (Photo, Designer + Publisher)
    Trophy
    Digital certificate and badge
  • Category winners
    £250
    Universal License for all three Affinity apps (Photo, Designer + Publisher)
    FRAMES subscription (for the Intimate Landscape winner)
    Retouch4me Dust, Color Match and Portrait Volumes plug-ins (to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in Studio Art)
    Digital certificate and badge
  • Young CUPOTY winner
    Sigma Lens SIGMA 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art lens worth £700
    Universal License for all three Affinity apps (Photo, Designer + Publisher)
    Trophy
    Digital certificate and badge

Categories:
Animals (supported by Affinity Photo)
Insects (supported by Nikon)
Invertebrate Portrait (supported by Zerene Stacker)
Butterflies & Dragonflies
Arachnids
Underwater
Plants
Fungi & Slime Moulds
Intimate Landscape (supported by FRAMES)
Studio Art (supported by Retouch4me)
Young CUPOTY (supported by SIGMA UK) for entrants aged 17 or under.

So we are looking for clean, uncluttered images composed with few elements in the frame or with harmonious colours. Space around the subject is one way to achieve the minimal look and good balance in the frame is important. Simple lines are effective, while high-key and low-key images will work well for this theme.

Image requirements: no larger than 1920px on the longest edge at 72ppi (pixels/inch) and less than 6MB in file size.

Online submission of digital photographs via the website.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Frequently asked questions — Animal photography contests

Who can enter animal photography contests?

Most animal contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and authentic animal behavior—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with wildlife conservation, pet photography, or artistic animal portrait focuses.

Are animal photography contests free to enter?

Some are free; many charge $10–$45 per image, with early-bird discounts or multi-entry bundles often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.

What prizes do animal photography contests offer?

Prizes range from cash awards ($200–$20,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to animal conservation projects. Recognition from respected wildlife organizations can amplify your impact and credibility in the animal photography community.

How do I choose which animal contest to enter?

Match your strongest animal images to the contest's focus—wildlife behavior, domestic pets, macro details, or conservation storytelling. Review past winners for style cues, verify ethical guidelines (no baiting or staging), and confirm technical specs like resolution and metadata requirements.

Frequently asked questions — Nature photography contests

Who can enter nature photography contests?

Most nature contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and environmental storytelling—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with conservation-focused or artistic missions.

Are nature photography contests free to enter?

Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per image, with early-bird discounts or bundle rates often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.

What prizes do nature photography contests offer?

Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$15,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to conservation projects. Recognition from respected environmental organizations can amplify your impact and visibility.

How do I choose which nature contest to enter?

Align your work with the contest's environmental mission or aesthetic focus. Review past winners for style cues, verify technical specs (resolution, metadata), and confirm ethical guidelines—many nature contests prohibit baiting, staging, or disruptive wildlife practices.

Frequently asked questions — International photography contests

Who can enter international photography contests?

Most international contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or experience level. Always verify eligibility on the official contest page—some restrict by age (18+), amateur/professional status, or thematic focus.

Are international photography contests free to enter?

Some are free; many charge $10–$50 per image, with early-bird discounts often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.

What prizes do international photography contests offer?

Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$25,000) to gallery exhibitions, publication features, professional gear, and artist residencies. Prestigious awards like the Sony World Photography Awards or IPA carry significant industry recognition.

How do I choose which international contest to enter?

Align your strongest work with the contest theme and review past winners to gauge aesthetic preferences. Confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), check rights clauses carefully, and prioritize contests whose mission matches your artistic goals.

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