FAQ
If you can't find an answer to your question here, the RULES and HOW TO ENTER pages may help. If not, drop us a line at hello@cupoty.com.
How do you define a close-up photograph?
Any image that shows the subject closer and in greater detail than would be seen with the naked eye is definitely a close-up photograph and can be entered in the competition.
But ‘close-up’ is the spirit of the competition, not its definition.
Images should give the viewer a feeling of being in close proximity to the subject.
We aim to show small flora and fauna in the wider environment and slightly wider details of the landscape around us as well as scaling in to macro, extreme macro and then to the microscopic.
If you look at the past winners galleries you will get a good idea of where the limits lie.
If in doubt, please email a low-res image to hello@cupoty.com before entering.
How do you define a micro photograph?
Any image that has been taken with a light microscope, or microscope objective on a lens is defined as a micro photograph. These images can now be entered into any of the categories, except Underwater and Intimate Landscape.
Does it matter when I took the photograph?
No, there is no date restriction on when the picture was taken.
Can I enter a photograph that has been entered into another competition?
Yes, you can. It will be at the judges discretion whether to award an image that has already won a category at another major competition or been widely published or exhibited elsewhere.
When is the closing date of Close-up Photographer of the Year?
The official closing date of the competition is July 14th 2024 at 23:59 (BST). You may purchase your competition entry from ENTER CUPOTY 6 at anytime before then. There is an additional seven-day window after the closing date to allow you to send your pictures if you haven’t already done so.
How do I enter Close-up Photographer of the Year?
You need to pay for your entry first at ENTER CUPOTY 6. Then you need to send us your image files by visiting SEND IMAGES TO CUPOTY.
How many categories can I enter?
If you enter more than one picture you can spread your entries across as many categories as you want. For example, you could purchase six entries and enter 2 in Animals, 3 in Plants and 1 in Intimate Landscape, or you could enter all six pictures into Insects. If you are 17 or under, you can only enter the Young CUPOTY category.
What category should I enter my picture in?
Any subject should be able to find a home in one of the categories. Sometimes it may not be obvious, or the image could go into two or three categories. If in doubt, select the category according to the main subject or focus point of the photo. If you are still unsure, please email a low-res image to hello@cupoty.com before entering. We will ensure no image will be disqualified for being entered into the wrong category.
Can I enter one image into more than one category?
Yes, you may enter a picture into more than one category but each category entered is counted as one entry.
For instance, you may have a detailed image of a beetle that you want to enter into Insects and Invertebrate Portrait. Although it is one picture, it counts as two entries.
You will need to send the same image twice with the appropriate category in each filename, eg.
Insects-Roberto-Gonzalez-beetle
and
Portrait-Roberto-Gonzalez-beetle
Can I enter more than 6 images but less than 15?
Yes you can. If you purchase entry for 15 images but only want to enter 12, that's completely fine. Likewise, if you want to enter 3 pictures, you'll need to pay for the entry of 6 images.
Do I have to send my pictures as soon as I pay for entry?
No, you can send your pictures at any time from the moment you pay to enter until exactly seven days after the closing date. You may send them all at once, or over a period of time but please bear in mind you cannot substitute or withdraw a picture once it has been sent.
What size should the images be for entry?
Each image should be no larger than 1920px on the longest edge at 300ppi (pixels/inch). See PREPARING YOUR IMAGES for details on how to do this with image editing software.
How should I label my image file for upload?
You need to label your files in this order, separated by hyphens:
Category
(Choose from Animals, Insects, Butterflies, Portrait, Arachnids, Underwater, Plants, Fungi, Landscape, Studio or Young.)First name
Last name
A short picture title
For example:
plants-James-Green-fern-frond.jpg
Why should I fill in the description or caption box during image editing?
The Judges will be grateful for any extra information that helps to explain what the photograph is of, as well as where, when and how the photograph was taken. Any post-processing or manipulation should be mentioned here. Please do not include your name in the caption or description.
How do I fill in the description or caption box during image editing?
Lightroom: Library module > Metadata tab > Caption.
Photoshop: File > File info > Description.
Affinity Photo 2: In Photo Persona > View > Studio > Metadata > Select File from the drop-down menu
Affinity Photo 1.8.1: In Photo Persona > View > Studio > Info > Under the Metadata tab select File from the drop-down menu
Affinity Photo: In Photo or Develop Personas > View > Studio > EXIF
Phase One Capture One: Metadata tab in Toolbar > IPTC-Content > Description.
How do I pay to enter Close-up Photographer of the Year?
Go to ENTER CUPOTY. Select the number of pictures you want to enter and click Purchase. Fill in your details. Payments are taken through PayPal or Stripe, so you can either pay with your PayPal account or with a bank or credit card.
How do I send my images to Close-up Photographer of the Year?
Images should be sent through the form at SEND IMAGES TO CUPOTY.
If this is not possible, please email us at enter@cupoty.com and we will provide another way.
I can't use the form, what should I do?
Please send an email to enter@cupoty.com so we can arrange a different way for you to send your images.
What happens to the copyright of my picture?
You retain the copyright and intellectual property rights of the picture. By entering the competition, you allow CUPOTY to use the picture to help publicise and promote the competition. Please read the rules for more information.
Can any nationality enter CUPOTY?
Absolutely. It doesn't matter where you come from or are currently living, you may enter Close-up Photographer of the Year. You do need to have access to the internet though.
I live outside the UK, can I get my prize money in a currency that is not GBP?
Sorry, the prize money is awarded as Pounds Sterling (GBP). We will make it as efficient as possible for you to receive the prize money, with as little lost in transaction fees as possible.