The Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) competition holds a unique challenge each year for photographers. The theme for this year's competition was 'Water', and photographers from around the world submitted a collection of inspiring photographs for it
Hungarian photographer Tibor Litauszki was the overall winner with his mesmerizing photograph of an alpine newt devouring frog eggs. The CUPOTY has also unveiled an exceptional lineup of finalists, including a snapshot of a snake emerging from a murky pond, a delightful depiction of bonnet mushrooms in the rain, and a springtail adorned with dew droplets. These award-winning close-ups provide a rare insight into the beauty of the aquatic environment. Check them out below!
Related: In Pictures: Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2023










The Unexpected Beauty of Mushrooms in 15 Macro Shots
Here are 16 incredible close-up images that reveal mushrooms like never before.
Macro Photography: Pretty Ladybugs in Extreme Close-Ups
Let’s take a close-up look at the fascinating world of ladybugs through the lens of Makis Bitos.
20 Lovely Pics from the 2020 Macro Art Photography Contest
Check out the 20 winners from the 2020 Macro Art photography contest that reveals the hidden world of gardens.
Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022: 15 Winning Images
Check out some of the most stunning entries from the Close-Up Photographer of the Year Challenge.
When You Look Closely, You May See Something Beautiful...
We rarely take the time to look closely at small animals and objects. But if we did, we'd find there's so much beauty there..
Up Close and Personal With Nature: 17 Award-Winning Photos
Here are some of the amazing winners of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2023 awards.
19:18
5 Of the Most Remarkable Adaptations in the Natural World
This video looks at five animals who have some remarkable adaptation abilities for survival in the natural world.
14 Gorgeous Flowers and the Beautiful Meanings Behind Them
We all enjoy the look and smell of flowers, but did you know that each flower has its own meaning? Learn the interesting symbolism behind 14 popular flowers.
These Beautiful Bird Photos Are Beyond Incredible
The Bird Photographer of the Year Awards receives some of the most stunning examples of bird photography. Here are some of those.
13 of the Most Unusual Plants & Veggies Found in Gardens
Here's a collection of some of the most unusual plants and vegetables that people found in their gardens.
The Power of Natural Disasters Captured in Poignant Photos
These photographs give you an in-depth and chilling look at the true power and toll of the worst natural disasters from storms to floods.
Not Only Are These Flowers Rare, But They're Also Stunning
Flowers are always beautiful, but some are incredibly rare. These flowers in these stunning photos are some of the rarest in the world.
A Rainbow Can Be Made From Mushrooms If You Look Right...
Mushrooms and other fungi aren't usually the most interesting, but if you find the right ones, they can fill your day with color!
5:24
Watch These Colorful Moths Fly in Exquisite Slow Motion
In this video, a talented photographer used slow motion to show us the most beautiful moments with colorful, fuzzy moths.
All Dogs Are Loyal, But Which Breeds are the MOST Loyal?
Dogs have been man's best friend for millennia now, but there are some breeds that exhibit traits of undying loyalty. Here are the top 10 most loyal dog breeds.
World's Best Animal Photos: 20 Winning Images by Agora
Check out some of the finest photographs from Agora's #Animals2020 contest that shows the beauty of wildlife from the world over.
10:01
The 10 Most Beautiful Owl Species in the World
Showcasing some of the most gorgeous owls in the world and how they live their lives.
Hilarious! Nobody Tells Mother Nature What to Do!
Here are 18 ironic photos that prove that nature doesn't care about what people want!
3:27
Nature in Fast-Forward: 1000 Days of Mushrooms
Showcasing 13 different types of fungi, the video is a mesmerizing journey through the growth and transformation of these incredible organisms.
10:01
Are These Extremely Rare Natural Phenomena Even Real?
Have you ever seen the physical edge of a rainstorm? What about a fire tornado? There is a reason why these natural phenomena are so rare...
The Most Stunning Bird Photography of Recent Years...
These gorgeous and exotic birds are the object of some of the most stunning photography of recent years.
10 Adorable Sea Animals You Would Love to be Friends With
Take a look at some of friendliest sea creatures that are known to be gentle and amiable with humans.
Fascinating Flowers That Are Both Beautiful and Edible!
Another one of nature's wonders are these beautiful edible flowers that come in a variety of colors as well as flavors, from bitter to sweet
Italy Really is the Land of Magnificent Gardens!
Italy is a stunning country with an array of beautiful gardens that will simply astound you. Here are seven of them!
14 Beautiful Examples of the Cycle of Life
Here is a fascinating look at the life cycle of different living things in the form of beautiful photos.
18 Exquisite Prehistoric Ancestors of Modern Day Animals
Digital artist Roman Uchytel has used technology to show how prehistoric extinct species would look with their current relatives.
12 Beautiful and Very Rare Bonsai Trees
Feast your eyes on these 12 stunning bonsai trees. You may even learn a thing or two about growing them along the way. Enjoy!
You Won’t Believe These Natural Peculiarities Really Exist
Let’s expand our knowledge of nature with these unbelievable photos showcasing some of the strangest, coolest and creepiest things in nature
We Bet You Don't Know How Your Favorite Foods Are Grown!
Ever wondered how peanuts grow? Or what cocoa actually looked like before it was harvested? Well, you've come to the right place!
2:30
Norway's Incredible Fjords as You've Never Seen Them!
Check out this stunning video that shows Norway's fjords from the sky! We can guarantee that it'll take your breath away!
CLICK to Turn These Little Animal Pups to Adults...
Do you know what these adorable animals looked like when they were younger?
The Unchallenged Beauty of 14 Waterfalls Worldwide
Admire the beauty and power of 14 picturesque waterfalls from every corner of the planet
19:10
These Animal Partnerships Are Nature’s Unique Phenomena
Find out why some animals in the wild go out of their way to form a beneficial partnership with others animals.
Snowy Foxes: The Sweetest Creatures You'll See This Winter
If you need a little bit of winter cheer in your days, you won't be disappointed by these sweet foxes frolicking in pure, white snow.
9:32
Ocean Showdown: Orcas Take on Humpback Whales
There's a reason why orcas can never get along with humback whales...
These Mother Bears and Their Cubs Make Beautiful Families
The relationship between mother and child is one of the most important in our lives, and these 18 mother bears can teach you some lessons about child rearing.
10:04
5 HUGE Waves You Wouldn't Believe if it Wasn't On Video
These huge waves are probably not the biggest to ever happen, but they're definitely the 5 biggest waves ever caught on video.
15 Rare and Beautiful Birds I Can't Stop Staring At
This is a collection of 15 of the most beautiful and rare species of colorful birds that, unfortunately, are nearing extinction.
15:12
Meet the Most Amazing Architects of the Animal Kingdom
Take a look at some of the weirdest and most wonderful bird nests from the animal kingdom.
2:59
Watch This Smart Bird Save Its Babies From a Crocodile
Watch as this devoted dad tucks its chicks and keeps them safe when the big croc comes by to try and steal them away for his breakfast.
41 Butterflies You Must See Before They Disappear
Butterflies are some of the most beautiful creatures on earth, but a few species are a cut above the rest. Here are 23 stunning, beautiful and rare butterflies.
11:13
The Wild Origins Story of Carnivorous Plants
Carnivorous plants are the creepiest and most fascinating inventions of mother nature. Get a glimpse at the origins story of the villains of the flower world.
The Most Beautiful Birds in the World Are in Costa Rica
The Jungles of Costa Rica are rich in beautiful animal life, none more beautiful than the many birds that call it home.
15:25
6 Unusual Animals From Ancient Egypt That No Longer Exist
Here are six extinct species the ancient Egyptians actually knew—and why they’re gone for good.
5:16
This Bird is a Legendary Master of Disguise
This bird might be right in front of you, and you'll never know it!
Forever Gone: 10 of the Most Beautiful Extinct Birds
Learn about some of the lesser-known yet unique and beautiful bird species that are now extinct.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.