The prestigious Close-up Photographer of the Year competition has revealed its winners for the seventh edition, with an awe-inspiring image by Ross Gudgeon from Western Australia clinching the top award. His photograph showcases the intricate inner structure of a cauliflower soft coral, reminiscent of a mystical forest. This stunning pink marine species, typically found in the reefs off New South Wales, has unfortunately experienced a significant decline in population, dropping by an alarming 90% from 2011 to 2021.
In addition to Gudgeon's remarkable capture, the contest also highlighted various other winners across different categories, featuring captivating close-ups of both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Among the notable works is that of Barry Webb, who skillfully portrays the intricate details of tiny slime molds. To explore the full gallery of winners, visit the official CUPOTY website and discover more extraordinary images from previous editions.
