Here Are The Winners Of The Close-Up Photographer Of The Year Awards (50 Pics)

We always love sharing the best photographers out there, and this time, we’ve prepared some spectacular shots that bring the reality around us into sharper focus. Thanks to the 2024 Close-Up Photographer of the Year competition, we have the opportunity to explore the world from a completely different perspective. The photographs that made it to the finals are truly outstanding.

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We contactedDaniel Sly, the photographer behind the ‘Potbellied Seahorse’ image, who kindly shared with us the story behind his remarkable shot: “During an early morning dive in Sydney’s Botany Bay, I encountered this potbellied seahorse seeking shelter at the centre of a cluster of sea tulips. The seahorse was resting quietly as the sea tulips swayed around it in the surge.These seahorses are reasonably common in the waters surrounding Sydney and are a popular subject to photograph, so on this cloudy morning, I wanted to capture something a little different. To capture the subtle movement of the sea tulips while keeping the seahorse in focus, I chose a slightly longer shutter speed. This allowed the gentle motion of the water to blur slightly, giving a sense of movement to the underwater environment. To ensure the seahorse remained the focal point of the image, I used a snooted strobe to direct light specifically onto it, highlighting its details while keeping the surrounding area in softer focus. The result was an image that clearly depicted both the seahorse and the dynamic setting it inhabited.”

These seahorses are reasonably common in the waters surrounding Sydney and are a popular subject to photograph, so on this cloudy morning, I wanted to capture something a little different. To capture the subtle movement of the sea tulips while keeping the seahorse in focus, I chose a slightly longer shutter speed. This allowed the gentle motion of the water to blur slightly, giving a sense of movement to the underwater environment. To ensure the seahorse remained the focal point of the image, I used a snooted strobe to direct light specifically onto it, highlighting its details while keeping the surrounding area in softer focus. The result was an image that clearly depicted both the seahorse and the dynamic setting it inhabited.”

Capturing underwater images presents unique challenges. With that in mind, we asked Daniel about the biggest obstacles he faces when photographing marine life. Sly shared: “Underwater photography comes with a host of challenges. The biggest one is often lighting. Light behaves very differently underwater, I’ve had to experiment with various lighting techniques, especially when photographing critters like the potbellied seahorse.Another challenge is the ever-changing conditions—visibility can often be particularly murky with lots of suspended particles, especially around Sydney’s coastline. Marine life is also incredibly dynamic, and you can’t exactly ask a fish or an octopus to stay still for a shot! Patience is key, along with a good understanding of the behaviours of different species so I can anticipate their movements. Staying calm and adjusting my settings on the fly have helped me capture those fleeting moments when everything comes together.”

Another challenge is the ever-changing conditions—visibility can often be particularly murky with lots of suspended particles, especially around Sydney’s coastline. Marine life is also incredibly dynamic, and you can’t exactly ask a fish or an octopus to stay still for a shot! Patience is key, along with a good understanding of the behaviours of different species so I can anticipate their movements. Staying calm and adjusting my settings on the fly have helped me capture those fleeting moments when everything comes together.”

Lastly, we were eager to hear about the most memorable experience Daniel has had while photographing underwater. Here’s what the photographer shared with us: “One of my most unforgettable experiences happened recently while diving in the Maldives. We were all gathered for dinner on the boat when suddenly the crew rang a bell—there was a whale shark right off the back of the vessel. Everyone rushed to see, and there, just beneath the surface, was a magnificent 10-meter whale shark feeding in the glow of the boat’s lights.I couldn’t resist the opportunity, so I quietly slipped into the water, camera in hand. As I swam closer, I found myself face-to-face with this gentle giant, its massive mouth opening and closing as it fed. It was a surreal and humbling moment, being so close to such a majestic creature in its natural habitat. The encounter was completely unexpected and felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that I was incredibly lucky to capture through my lens.”

I couldn’t resist the opportunity, so I quietly slipped into the water, camera in hand. As I swam closer, I found myself face-to-face with this gentle giant, its massive mouth opening and closing as it fed. It was a surreal and humbling moment, being so close to such a majestic creature in its natural habitat. The encounter was completely unexpected and felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that I was incredibly lucky to capture through my lens.”