Hyena Portrait Wins Close Up Photographer of the Year

Summary

Photographer Willem Kruger won the Close Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) competition's 'Death & Decay' themed challenge with his image 'Hyena Portrait Zebra'. The photograph features a hyena carrying a zebra's head, looking directly at the camera. Kruger captured the shot in South Africa using a Nikon Z9 camera and a 600mm super-telephoto lens. CUPOTY co-founder Tracy Calder described the image as a powerful reminder of nature's cycles.

Key points

• Willem Kruger's 'Hyena Portrait Zebra' won the CUPOTY 'Death & Decay' challenge.
• The winning image was captured with a Nikon Z9 and a 600mm super-telephoto lens.
• The photograph depicts a hyena carrying a zebra's head.
• The competition celebrates close-up photography from various levels and locations.