Close-Up Photography Contest Highlights Stunning Macro Masterpieces

The third round of the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025 competition has concluded, revealing exceptional talents in the close-up and details category. Leading the pack is Erika Howard from the UK, whose captivating image of a Costa Rican glass frog showcases the enchanting world of macro photography. Alongside her, Ben Hancock-Smith shines in the Young APOY (Amateur Photographer of the Year) competition, earning top honors with his images. Here, we delve into the top ten entries of this round, each one demonstrating unique skills and perspectives in revealing the hidden details of nature.

Highlights from the Close-Up & Details Category

The magic of macro photography lies in its ability to uncover intricate details that remain invisible to the naked eye. It requires not just technical skill but patience, insight into the subject, and sometimes a touch of artistry. While macro images often depict insects and plants, they can also encompass composed still-life or abstract creations. Each small subject tells a compelling story, and our admiration for the participants grows with each entry. Let’s explore the top images of this round:

1. Costa Rican Glass Frog by Erika Howard (UK) – 100pts

Camera:** Canon EOS R5, **Lens:** 100mm macro, **Settings:** 1/160sec at f/13, ISO 400

Erika's depiction of a tiny Costa Rican glass frog captures the essence of macro photography. The composition excellently juxtaposes the creature against a lush green leaf, using a black backdrop to emphasize the subject. The frog's placement adheres to the rule of thirds, and the subtle connection of eye contact strengthens the emotional impact of the image. Erika's skillful technique earns her 100 points for the Hampstead Photographic Society, marking her impressive rise in the competition.

2. Stemonitis sp by Michele Marini (Italy) – 90pts

Camera:** Olympus E-M1 Mark II, **Lens:** 90mm, **Settings:** 1/10sec at f/6.3, ISO 200

Michele’s photograph of a Stemonitis sp slime mould showcases only a few millimeters in size yet presents a vivid image filled with personality. The warm golden background enhances the striking red cluster, while the clever use of focus stacking ensures sharpness in both the mould and log it rests upon. The droplets of water add another layer of depth, inviting viewers to linger on the details.

3. Slime Moulds and Reflections by Kamilla Szava-Oberndorfer (Austria) – 80pts

Camera:** Olympus OM-1, **Lens:** 90mm macro, **Settings:** 1/50sec at f/7.1, ISO 250

Kamilla's intriguing image captures the elegance of a single slime mould, magnificently enhanced by a discrete water droplet. This detail provides scale while the reflection in the droplet creates a whimsical ambiance reminiscent of a storybook.

4. Icy World by Henrik Spranz (Austria) – 70pts

Camera:** Canon EOS R5, **Lens:** 135mm, **Settings:** 1/125sec at f/1.8, ISO 100

Henrik's atmospheric shot of snowdrops presents a fine balance of highlight management, focus, and composition. Guest judge Tracy Calder lauds the expert control over white balance, which imparts a cool blue tone to match the mood. The off-centre positioning and landscape format offer breathing space, creating a captivating visual narrative.

5. Fly by Fabio Sartori (Italy) – 60pts

Camera:** Olympus E-M1 Mark II, **Lens:** 45mm, **Settings:** 1/160sec at f/2.8, ISO 1250

This enchanting composition by Fabio features a ladybug appearing to take flight. With careful placement in the top third and layered grasses in and out of focus, the gentle color palette creates a fairy-tale atmosphere within the macro context.

6. Leafing Through by Lynn Fraser (UK) – 50pts

Camera:** Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, **Lens:** 50mm, **Settings:** 1/2000sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

In her unique approach to macro photography, Lynn showcases book pages in stark contrast. The high-contrast black and white treatment combined with a square crop draws attention to texture and form, challenging the conventional notions of macro photography that typically focus on living subjects.

7. Rainforest Mantis on Dwarf Iris by Angi Wallace (UK) – 45pts

Camera:** Sony A7 Mark III, **Lens:** 90mm macro, **Settings:** 1sec at f/16, ISO 50

Angi’s innovative utilization of intentional camera movement (ICM) introduces a dreamlike quality to her mantis on a purple iris. The deep hues contrasted with a blurred background create an evocative atmosphere, highlighting her creative prowess in macro photography.

8. Snail by David Lain (UK) – 40pts

Camera:** Nikon D810, **Lens:** 50mm, **Settings:** 1/320sec at f/16, ISO 64

David’s meticulously constructed still life portrays a snail elegantly positioned on a flower bud. The droplet enhancements and careful lighting amplify the minute details of the snail’s shell, inviting admiration for its organic textures and colors.

9. Handstand by Andreas Ioannis Karsisiotis (UK) – 35pts

Camera:** Nikon D7100, **Lens:** 100mm, **Settings:** 1/800sec at f/3, ISO 100

Andreas benefits from a perfect vantage point while capturing a dragonfly performing a handstand. His composition maintains a parallel alignment with the insect, emphasizing detail and vibrancy against a muted green background, enhancing the image’s depth perception.

10. Fire Ant by Annemarie Rulos-van den Berg (Netherlands) – 30pts

Camera:** Canon EOS 5D Mark II, **Lens:** 150mm, **Settings:** 1/125sec at f/11, ISO 250

Capturing the delicate balance of a fire ant transporting a larva, Annemarie’s shot exhibits perfect timing. The ant’s outstretched antennae and legs lead the eye along its path, enhancing the dynamic composition and inviting viewers to notice both fragility and strength within the tiny world.

Young Amateur Photographer of the Year Winner

Preening Puffin by Ben Hancock-Smith (UK) – 100pts

Camera:** Nikon Z8, **Lens:** 200-500mm at 500mm, **Settings:** 1/500sec at f/9, ISO 1400

Ben’s photograph of a puffin presents an alternative perspective to the popular portrayal of the bird. Focusing on details, such as the texture of its feathers and vibrant color contrasts, he allows viewers to appreciate its distinct features. The sharp focus on the eye, paired with a subtle highlight, ensures a dimensional and striking composition.

Celebrating Camera Club Contributions

This round also showcases stunning entries from various camera clubs participating in the APOY. Here are a few noteworthy submissions:

Redhead by Linda Wride, Oxford Photographic Society

Camera:** Nikon D750, **Lens:** 24-120mm, **Settings:** 1/320sec at f/20, ISO 3200

Linda’s close-up of a Highland cattle captures rich textures; integrating the horn into the frame adds depth and interest to the image.

Abstract Rain by Rachel Domleo, Bristol Photographic Society

Camera:** Canon PowerShot G3 X, **Settings:** 1/636sec at f/6.3, ISO 125

Rachel’s abstract photograph blurs the lines between reality and imagination, provoking curiosity through an original take on macro photography.

Face in Abstract by Colleen Jackson, South Manchester Camera Club

Camera:** Canon EOS R5 Mark II, **Lens:** 100mm macro, **Settings:** 1/160sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

Colleen's blend of two shots of a rusty surface creates a mesmerizing effect, resembling a celestial view from space enriched by harmonic colors.

Portrait of a Tulip by Marriam Hughes, Littlehampton Camera Club

Camera:** Canon EOS 750D, **Lens:** 90mm macro, **Settings:** 1/125sec at f/8, ISO 100

The delicate patterns on Marriam's tulip petals are beautifully highlighted, showcasing the intricacies of nature through macro techniques.

A Drop Off Holly by David Muir, Milngavie and Bearsden Camera Club

Camera:** Nikon D750, **Lens:** 105mm macro, **Settings:** 1/60sec at f/5, ISO 100

David’s photograph features a sharp water droplet on a translucent holly leaf, with a rich orange background that elevates the technical mastery of depth and clarity.

Insights from the Competition

After Round Three, Erika Howard has surged in the rankings, now leading the leaderboard following her outstanding frog portrait. Ben Hancock-Smith's victory in the Young APOY category similarly places him as a contender to watch in future rounds. The competition remains tight, with many impressive entries highlighting the diverse skills of amateur photographers, offering plenty of excitement for what lies ahead as the rounds progress.

For a deeper look into all the competition entries and to stay updated, follow Camera Centre UK.