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A close-up photograph of a hairy moth.
Daniel Meier, “Bat Defence.” All images © the photographers and CUPOTY, shared with permission

Bats, Spiders, and Slime Molds Make the Close-Up Photographer of the Year Shortlist

Kate Mothes

More than 15,300 submissions made their way to the judges for this year’s Close-Up Photographer of the Year, setting a record for the highest number of entries in the competition’s history. From uncanny insects to slime molds to unexpected animal interactions, photographs captured by amateur and professional photographers alike highlight the diverse and sometimes surreal flora and fauna all around us.

The contest winners will be announced in January. In the meantime, a photography challenge on the theme of “Close to Home” is open for submissions through the end of the month. Explore some of our favorites from the shortlist below, and learn more on the contest’s website.

A close-up photograph of a frog suspended between reeds on a sunny shoreline.
Joao Pontes, “Suspended”
A close-up photograph of slime molds with crystalline-like formations on their tops.
Barry Webb, “Frosted Lamproderma”
A close-up photograph of ants crawling in the mouth of a snake.
Parks Marilla, “Ants Eating Racer”
A close-up photograph of a distinctive larva of the fleabane tortoise beetle with black, branch-like extensions off its back.
Wayne Sayers, “Fleabane Tortoise Beetle larva”
A close-up photograph of a large bat skimming the surface of water.
Hira Punjabi, “Bat Bath”
A close-up photograph of a sea urchin.
David Hunter, “Sea Eye”
A close-up photograph of an auk's face half-tucked in its wing.
James Rogerson, “Cloaked Auk”
A close-up photograph of a baby sea lion basking in the water.
Lisa Skelton, “Rockpool Sanctuary”
A microscopic close-up of a cross-section of beachgrass.
Adalbert Mojrzisch, “Beachgrass”
A close-up photograph of a spider.
Oliver Lacey, “A Little Punky”
A close-up photograph of dewy slime molds.
David Myles, “Dewy Physarum album”
A close-up photograph of a spider with babies on its back.
Craig Loechel, “This didn’t happen overnight”

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