Pure Macro Photography Awards
International Macro & Close-Up Photography Competition
The Pure Macro Photography Awards is an international macro and close-up photography competition celebrating the extraordinary world that reveals itself when we look closer.
You don’t need to be a professional photographer to enter. You don’t even need to call yourself a photographer.
You could be a nature lover, a curious observer, a photographer, or simply someone who noticed something remarkable that others might have walked past.
Insects, plants, flowers, textures, patterns, water, everyday objects and the smallest details of the world around us are all welcome.
It could be an intricate portrait of an insect, the delicate structure of a flower, an unexpected texture, a tiny moment in nature, or something so familiar transformed by seeing it up close.
Photographed with professional macro equipment, a standard camera, a smartphone, or simply whatever helped you get closer.
What matters is not your experience, your equipment or your following.
What matters is the photograph.
There is an entire world hiding in plain sight.
Look closer, my friend.
Awards, Exhibition & Global Recognition
Pure Macro Photographer Of The Year
Official Pure Macro Photography Awards Trophy
$500 Cash Prize
Exhibition at the Pure Photography Awards Exhibition in India
Exclusive Featured Interview on the Official PPA Website
International Press Exposure
Featured Across PPA’s Global Community
1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Winners
Exhibition at the Pure Photography Awards Exhibition in India
Exclusive Featured Interview on the Official PPA Website
International Press Exposure
Featured Across PPA’s Global Community
Finalists
Exhibition at the Pure Photography Awards Exhibition in India
Featured Across PPA’s Global Community
Featured on the Official PPA Website
Entrant retain full copyright and ownership of their photographs.Pure Photography Awards respects and protects the rights of every entrant.
Entry Fee
1 Photograph for US$17
3 Photographs for US$35 (Only US$11.67 per photo)
6 Photographs for US$60 (Only US$10 per photo)
10 Photographs • US$80 (Only US$8 per photograph)
Best Value • Most Popular
Entries Close: 31 March 2027
Meet the International Jury
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Dimpy Bhalotia
Dimpy Bhalotia is an internationally acclaimed photographer, curator and Creative Director. Widely celebrated for her distinctive perspective and originality, her photographs have been exhibited and published internationally, earning recognition from some of the world’s leading photography publications.
Her work has received more than 24 international photography awards. She also served as Jury President for the Photography discipline at the ADC 103rd Annual Awards (The One Club for Creativity). Beyond her own photographic practice, she has served as a juror for numerous international photography awards and has curated exhibitions celebrating contemporary photography.
As Judge of the Pure Macro Photography Awards, Dimpy Bhalotia brings a thoughtful curatorial eye and a deep understanding of visual storytelling, recognising photographs with emotional depth and enduring visual strength.
Website: dimpybhalotia.com
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Kamal Kumaar Rao
Kamal Kumaar Rao is an award-winning photographer, art director and curator based across London, Mumbai and Delhi. He is celebrated for his refined visual sensibility and thoughtful approach to storytelling through light, form and composition. His practice spans photography, design and art direction, combining creativity with clarity, discipline and emotional intelligence. Kamal serves on the judging panels of several international photography awards, including as a Photography Juror for the prestigious ADC 105th Annual Awards at The Art Directors Club, The One Club for Creativity.
Kamal is also Art Director at Light Wanderers, a creative agency and production house, where he collaborates with Creative Director Dimpy Bhalotia. He has led creative projects for internationally recognised brands including Apple, Penguin Random House UK, Xiaomi, OnePlus and Oppo. His work has also been featured in publications such as PetaPixel, Colossal, AP Magazine, Bored Panda and Mid-Day.
Website - kamalkumaarrao.com
Rules
Theme: Macro and close-up photography revealing details, subjects and perspectives that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Nature, insects, plants, textures, patterns, objects and other close-up subjects are welcome.
Eligibility: The Awards are open to everyone worldwide. You do not need to be a photographer to enter. Pet owners, animal lovers, photography enthusiasts, amateur and professional photographers are all welcome.
No AI: AI-generated and AI-enhanced photographs are strictly not accepted.
Accepted Formats: Colour and Black & White photographs
Equipment: Photographs may be shot with any camera or mobile device. A dedicated macro lens is not required.
Submission Integrity: All photographs must be original work by the entrant.
Transparency & Copyright
Copyright always remains entirely with the entrant. Pure Photography Awards does not claim ownership or exclusive rights over any submitted photographs.
Selected works may be used ONLY for Pure Photography Awards promotion, exhibitions, and press features, always with full credit to the entrant. Photographs will never be used for any unrelated or third-party purpose.
Photographs will not be published or printed in any book, zine, or catalogue without the entrant’s prior written consent. If Pure Photography Awards ever plans to do so, the entrant will be contacted first and will retain full freedom to accept or decline.
No commercial use (sales, prints, licensing, or merchandising) will take place without the entrant’s explicit written consent. The entrant’s decision will always be final. The entrant will always have full freedom to accept or decline.
Pure Photography Awards does not request any additional fees after submission or selection. Once selected, all stages from exhibition to press are fully covered.
Independence & Integrity
Pure Photography Awards is a completely independent platform. It has no sponsors, partners, or external funding influence. PPA is self-funded and community-driven. Every judging decision is made purely on artistic integrity, authenticity, and merit.
This independence allows the Awards to remain unbiased, transparent, and free from commercial or institutional pressure. There are no brand promotions, paid partnerships, or hidden agendas - only photography judged for its truth, timing, and storytelling.
Each photograph is evaluated with equal respect, regardless of the entrant’s background, equipment, or popularity. Our commitment is simple: great work deserves recognition for its honesty, not its network.
Every edition is made possible by the entrant who believe in truth and craft and not by corporate sponsors or advertising. This independence keeps the platform honest, fair, and focused entirely on the art of seeing.
Awards Exhibition
