2025 Close Up Photographer of the Year Competition Finalists Revealed

In the enchanting realm of macro photography, Andrei Chetronie’s “Leafcutter Bee” secures its position as a finalist in the Invertebrate Portrait section of the prestigious 2025 Close Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) competition. This competition attracted an impressive total of over 12,500 submissions, inviting photographers to explore the depths of the natural world. Evaluated by a jury of 22 specialists during 20 hours of thorough discussion, the selected entries span 11 categories, featuring stunning images from across the globe.

Andrei Chetronie’s depiction of the leafcutter bee provides a close look at the life of this hardworking insect, recognized for its solitary nesting habits and distinctive leaf-cutting for nest construction. Concurrently, other remarkable submissions include Clay Bolt’s detailed portrait of an orchid bee and Rafael Steinlesberger’s exciting shot of an insect hitting a ride on a jumping pit viper, emphasizing their bold yet delicate interactions with nature.

This year’s CUPOTY not only honors the vibrant allure of insects and animals but also highlights the quieter, tranquil beauty found in categories such as Intimate Landscape and Fungi. Finalists compete for a top prize of £2,500 (approximately $3,254), along with advanced camera equipment and software, backed by leading industry names like Sigma UK, Cygnustech Diffusers, and Affinity Photo.

Amid this inspiring collection of photographs, photographers persist in reshaping viewpoints and challenging understandings, inviting audiences to savor the small wonders of our planet. To delve deeper into this collection, visit the official CUPOTY website and immerse yourself in the art of perceiving the unseen.