A striking image of two powerful stag beetles locked in combat atop an oak tree has secured the title of Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) for its creator, Svetlana Ivanenko from Russia. This breathtaking shot captures not only the intensity of nature but also the photographer’s dedication and skill.
Grand Winner
Svetlana Ivanenko emerged as the overall winner of Close-up Photographer of the Year 6, a competition supported by Affinity Photo.
Her photograph, titled Clash of the Titans, vividly portrays the raw energy and survival instincts of stag beetles battling for dominance. In addition to clinching the overall title, this mesmerizing image earned her first place in the Insects category.
Ivanenko described the challenges of capturing this rare moment:
“During a brief window in summer, stag beetles (Lucanus cervus) engage in fierce fights for mating rights. They inhabit oak forests, making them elusive. I traveled 700 kilometers to witness this captivating event and felt compelled to share it.”
Her perseverance was richly rewarded. Ivanenko will receive £2,500 (approximately $3,000), a Universal License for Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher apps, and the coveted Close-up Photographer of the Year trophy. Her work will also gain global recognition through the Top 100 online gallery and this year’s eBook on the CUPOTY website.
Competition Highlights
This year’s contest attracted over 11,000 entries from 61 countries. An esteemed panel of 25 judges—comprising photographers, scientists, and journalists—dedicated countless hours to evaluating submissions and selecting the winners.
The CUPOTY 6 category winners are:
Insects and Overall Winner: Svetlana Ivanenko, Russia
Animals: Santiago J. Monroy García, Colombia
Butterflies & Dragonflies: Yong Miao, China
Arachnids: Pierluigi Rizzo, Italy
Invertebrate Portrait: Aran Gibbs, Ireland
Underwater: Gabriel Jensen, USA
Plants: Piet Haaksma, Netherlands
Fungi & Slime Moulds: Barry Webb, UK
Intimate Landscape: Jean-Philippe Delobelle, France
Studio Art: Rob Blanken, Netherlands
Young (Under 18s): Andrés Luis Dominguez Blanco, Spain, aged 14
A Celebration of Curiosity
Tracy Calder, co-founder of CUPOTY, praised the entrants and their work:
“Each year, I have the privilege of collaborating with scientists, editors, naturalists, journalists, and photographers during the judging process. The quality of submissions never fails to amaze me. Close-up photography celebrates curiosity, and this year’s Top 100 demonstrates both the artistry and the wonder of the natural world.”
About Close-up Photographer of the Year
Founded in 2018 by Tracy and Dan Calder, Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) aims to showcase the intricate beauty of the world through macro, micro, and close-up photography. Based in the UK, the competition welcomes participants from around the globe and encourages photographers of all skill levels to explore this genre.
Beyond the main contest, CUPOTY organizes a themed CUPOTY Challenge every November, inspiring even more photographers to dive into close-up photography. Tracy Calder also shares creative insights through the popular CUPOTY newsletter, fostering a community of photography enthusiasts.
The winners and the Top 100 images are showcased on the CUPOTY website, offering a window into the wonders of close-up photography.