The winners of the 2023 Water Challenge by Close-Up Photographer of the Year have once again mesmerized audiences with their captivating images, showcasing the ethereal beauty and complexity of water in its myriad forms.

From delicate droplets suspended in mid-air to the powerful rush of cascading waterfalls, each photograph tells a story of wonder and enchantment. Through masterful composition and keen attention to detail, these winning images transport viewers to a realm where the fluidity of water becomes a mesmerizing work of art.

With each photograph, the photographers have skillfully captured moments of serenity, dynamism, and sheer beauty, reaffirming the timeless allure of water in the world of photography.

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#1. 1st Place: Between the Stars by Tibor Litauszki

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

“In Germany, where I live, there are many clear and slow-flowing streams that provide excellent habitat for alpine newts. I have been following their lives for years, and last year was no exception. A few days after the frogs lay their eggs, at dusk, the newts appear and feast on the spawn all through the night. I wanted to capture this moment underwater. To do this, I placed my camera in an underwater housing, attached it with weights, and placed it under the frogs’ eggs. I was a bit nervous at first because I wasn’t sure if the underwater housing was completely waterproof. But I figured that if no bubbles appeared, my camera would stay dry. I manually set the focus on the lens beforehand and hoped to get lucky. Waiting nearby until it got dark, I illuminated the first newt that appeared with an LED light and triggered the camera with a homemade wired remote release.”

#2. 2nd Place: Poppies Tiarella in Ice by Ian Gilmour

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

#3. 3rd Place: The Ice Skater by Sebastien Blomme

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

#4. Finalist: Milking Bonnets by Tony North

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

#5. Finalist: Last Flight by Harald Cederlund

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

#6. Finalist: Moss Springtail by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

#7. Finalist: Plastic Sailors by Sandra Stalker

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

#8. Finalist: Long Over Dew by Pete Burford

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

#9. Finalist: Pond Geometry by Abby Raeder

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

#10. Finalist: Slime Moulds and Raindrops by Barry Webb

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

#11. Finalist: Sparkling Crown by Claudia Gaupp

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners

#12. Finalist: You See Better With Four Eyes by Gabi Swart

Close-Up Photographer Water Winners


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