By Joshua Robinson –
Talented young photographers from the North of England will again be aiming to land the top spots in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.
As the 2023 re-entry deadline looms, the RSPCA is calling on young northern photographers to submit their photos and showcase their skills.
As this year’s awards judges prepare themselves for another judging session, the RSPCA is showcasing some of the best northern entries from the last few years.
Young photographers still have until Tuesday 15th August to enter the competition, which is celebrating its 33rd year.
Emma Jacobs, award-winning wildlife photographer and Young Photographer Awards judge, said: “There is so much young talent in the North of England.”
“Year after year we see such strong photographs coming from our northern counties, so the question is – can northern youngsters claim top billing once again in our 2023 awards? We can’t wait to see this year’s entries, so if you are aged 18 and under, get your submission in quick before the deadline passes!”
“As the deadline looms, we’re proud to showcase some of the top photos we’ve had from northern youngsters over the years. They are all fantastic and highlight what the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is all about!”
1. Radiant Ralph
A pet portrait taken by Demmi Havenhand, aged 18 from Bedlington in Northumberland, for the 2022 Young Photographer Awards. Demmi scored the Runner Up position in the Pet Portraits category for capturing this happy moment.
2. Hopeful for a white Christmas
Clara Drycz, aged 15 from Rochdale, Greater Manchester caught the longing in her puppy’s eyes – as if he was wishing for just one white Christmas! Clara submitted her emotional entry to the mobile phone and devices category in 2022.
3. Snuggled Squirrel
Hugo Napier, aged 10 from York, photographed this orphaned squirrel being fed and in a warm blanket. Hugo was runner up in the under 12 mobile phone and devices category for 2022.
4. The Stare
Joshua Myers aged 15 from Sheffield, shot this incredible but terrifying photo in 2018 and claimed the runner up position in the aged 12-15 category.
5. Mountain Hare
This striking photo came out top in the 2022 awards. 17-year-old Ben Harrott from Oldham, Greater Manchester was named The Young Photographer of the Year awards ‘overall winner’.
6. In Position
This artistic shot, taken by 14-year-old Oliver Butcher from Sheffield, claimed runner up in the 12-15 photo category for the 2022 Young Photographer of the Year awards.
7. Horned Cleg Fly
18-year-old Joshua Garbut from Leeds, was named runner up in the ‘Small Word’ category in 2022 awards for this incredible close up of a horsefly.
8. Magnificent Moon Jellyfish
10-year-old Isabella Stevens from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was commended in the 2022 awards for her stunning underwater photo.
9. Shield Bug
13-year-old Hope Skidmore, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire won the 12-15 Mobile Phone & Devices category in 2022 for her beautiful close up of a shield bug.
10. Solitario George
This picture of the Pinta Island Galapagos tortoise, whose death marked the final extinction of his species, was taken by 17-year-old Lucy Hutton from Hexham, Northumberland. Lucy claimed the prestigious accolade of ‘overall winner’ in the 2018 awards.
There’s still time for young photographers to enter this year’s awards, and with 10 different categories to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whatever their interest – and some amazing prizes to be won. All animals are welcome, from pets to wildlife, insects, farm animals and more.
The categories are:
- Under 12 (taken with a camera)
- 12–15 years (taken with a camera)
- 16–18 years (taken with a camera)
- Under 12 (taken on a mobile/device)
- 12–15 years (taken on a mobile/device)
- 16–18 years (taken on a mobile/device)
- Pet Personalities
- Pet Portraits
- Small World
- Portfolio
Chris Packham, TV presenter, wildlife advocate and president of the RSPCA, said: “I am really excited about this year’s RSPCA Young Photographer Awards and I hope many young people will get outside and photograph their favourite animals or bugs for this fantastic competition.”
Judges include:
- Wildlife photographer and TV presenter Chris Packham
- Wildlife photographer and presenter Rachel Bigsby
- Former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt
- Professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie
- RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Emma Jacobs
The judges will award trophies to winners in each category, as well as crowning an Overall Winner.
The Overall Winner will receive a weekend photography break with award-winning wildlife photographer Danny Green’s team at Natures Images. Worth £675, this prize includes two nights’ accommodation for the winner and a parent/guardian.
The winners will be announced in December 2023, at an awards ceremony hosted by Chris Packham at the Tower of London.
Young photographers can upload their images, view past galleries and find out everything they need to know at: www.rspca.org.uk/ypa.
Sponsors of the competition are Natures Images (wildlife photography holidays) and Camtraptions (camera traps for wildlife photography).
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit their website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.
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