Close encounters
One of the joys of close-up photography is the way that it enables you to see the world anew. When viewed up close, dandelion seeds can take on the appearance of ballerinas and walls can be transformed into expressionist paintings. ‘The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes,’ to summarise a Marcel Proust quote. As co-founder of Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY), I am inclined to agree.
Many wonderful pictures were taken in back gardens, the result of keen observation and a willingness to explore familiar surroundings with what Zen Buddhists call a Beginner’s Mind.
Choosing a shortlist was harder than I anticipated (I have included a selection of my favourite pictures here), but with the help of the expert judges – Sue Bishop, Ross Hoddinott, David Maitland, Robert Thompson, and Keith Wilson – we’ve succeeded!
There were five categories: Animals, Plants & fungi, Intimate landscape, Manmade and Micro, as well as Young CUPOTY. The competition was open to all, and photographers were welcome to submit work created on any device. Aside from being a celebration of close-up, macro and micro photography, I hope this annual competition will encourage photographers to slow down, enjoy their craft and make connections with the world around them.
Winter Sun
Nora Kirkbak
Highly commended Intimate Landscape Occupation Retired graphic designer Instagram nora.kirkbak
‘When it comes to photography I have two main interests: sand patterns and macro (especially flies). To indulge the first I visit beaches on the
