{
  "id": 19376027,
  "title": "Bats, Spiders, and Slime Molds Make the Close-Up Photographer of the Year Shortlist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/bats-spiders-and-slime-molds-make-the-close-up-photographer-of-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-10T18:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colossal",
    "slug": "colossal",
    "url": "https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2026/11/close-up-photographer-of-the-year-2026-shortlist/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An impressive 15,300 entries entered the competition for the Close-Up Photographer of the Year, shattering the previous record for the highest number of submissions in the contest's history. The competition showcased the fascinating world of small creatures and unique interactions between animals, all captured through the lens of amateur and professional photographers.\n\nWinners will be revealed in January, but in the meantime, a photography challenge themed \"Close to Home\" is open for submissions. Some of the most captivating images from the shortlist include \"Suspended\" by Joao Pontes, \"Frosted Lamproderma\" by Barry Webb, \"Ants Eating Racer\" by Parks Marilla, \"Fleabane Tortoise Beetle larva\" by Wayne Sayers, \"Bat Bath\" by Hira Punjabi, \"Sea Eye\" by David Hunter, \"Cloaked Auk\" by James Rogerson, \"Rockpool Sanctuary\" by Lisa Skelton, \"Beachgrass\" by Adalbert Mojrzisch, \"A Little Punky\" by Oliver Lacey, \"Dewy Physarum album\" by David Myles, and \"This\" by Craig Loechel.",
  "summary": "The competition saw its highest-ever number of entries this year. Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Bats, Spiders, and Slime Molds Make the Close-Up Photographer of the Year Shortlist appeared first on Colossal .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}