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?

‘Close-up’ is the spirit of the competition, but not its definition.

The competition celebrates small things. Often these small things are shown in great detail, but they can equally be shown in their wider, surrounding habitat.

Some of our categories celebrate larger animals, trees and the natural landscape. For these categories we want the viewer to have a sense of being close to the subject.

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 an objective attached to a lens is defined as a micro photograph and can be entered into the competition.

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 into the CUPOTY CHALLENGE that has already been entered into Close-up Photographer of the Year?

You can enter any picture that has not been selected for The Top 100 gallery or the previous CHALLENGE winners gallery. Shortlisted pictures can be re-submitted for the challenge.

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 the CUPOTY CHALLENGE?

The official closing date of the CUPOTY CHALLENGE is November 30th 2023 at 23:59 (GMT). You may purchase your competition entry from ENTER CHALLENGE 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 the CUPOTY CHALLENGE?

You need to pay for your entry first at ENTER CHALLENGE. Then you need to send us your image files by visiting SEND IMAGES.

Do I have to send my pictures as soon as I pay for entry?

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 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, with a hyphen separating your name and picture title:

  1. First name

  2. Last name

  3. A short picture title

For example:

Jane Smith-Fern Frond.jpg

Why should I add a caption to my image?

The Judges really appreciate 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 too.

How can I add a caption to my image to help the judges understand it?

There are two ways to add a caption.

  1. Fill in the caption boxes on the SEND IMAGES form.

  2. Add the caption to the metadata of the image file (see below).

How do I add a caption to the metadata of the file?

You will need to fill in the description or caption box of the file during image editing.

  • Lightroom: Library module > Metadata tab > Caption.

  • Photoshop: File > File info > Description.

  • 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.

Please do not include your name in the caption or description.
 

How do I pay to enter the CUPOTY CHALLENGE?

Go to ENTER CHALLENGE. 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 you for the CUPOTY CHALLENGE?

Images should be sent through our dedicated form, which can be found here: SEND IMAGES.
 

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.

 
bill_of_rights_logo.jpg
 


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.

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.