JANUARY 8, 2023. KATE MOTHES

Nathan Benstead, “Hemitrichia calyculata,” Young Category Winner. All images © the photographers and Close-Up Photographer of the Year

Now in its fourth year, the competition attracted more than 9,000 entries in nine categories from 54 countries.

Among the winning images of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year contest, frilly slime mold stems from leaves, elegant insects splay colorful wings, and microscopic patterns create vivid abstractions. Now in its fourth year, the competition attracted more than 9,000 entries from 54 countries.

Samantha Stephens, “Nature’s Pitfall,” Overall Winner and Animals Category Winner

The overall winner of this year’s competition was captured by Samantha Stephens and glimpses two tiny amphibians trapped inside a carnivorous plant. She explains, “Typically, these plants feast on invertebrates such as moths and flies, but recently, researchers at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station discovered a surprising new item on the plant’s menu: juvenile Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum).” It was a timely capture; by the following day, the creatures had sunk to the bottom of the pitcher.[…]

Viktor Lyagushkin, “Little Predator,” Underwater First Place

Kate Jonker, “Beauty and the Beast,” Second Place Underwater Category Winner

More: Nature’s Diversity is Captured in Minuscule Detail in the 2022 Close-Up Photographer of the Year Competition — Colossal