Are you a young equestrian with a passion for photography? If so, why not share your love for animals by entering enter the RSPCA’s competition.
The 2022 RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is open for entries and runs until 16 August. There are 10 different categories to choose from, including the introduction of two new categories this year: Pet Personalities and Pet Portraits, so your horse, pony or donkey could have a starring role.
“‘Pet Personalities’ is a chance to capture an animal companion in action, revealing their natural behaviour and character,” said judge and RSPCA photographer Andrew Forsyth. “The ‘Pet Portraits’ category, gives you a chance to show off your photography skills by capturing a more formal portrait of a pet. But of course we want to see that your pet is still comfortable and happy being photographed.”
Judges include: wildlife photographer, TV presenter and RSPCA Vice President Chris Packham; former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie; and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Emma Jacobs.
Sponsors of the competition are Natures Images (wildlife photography holidays), Camtraptions (camera traps for wildlife photography) and Wildlifephoto.com (resources for nature photographers).
Share your talent
The categories are as follows: 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 and Portfolio.
“I think the best thing about the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is, as judges, we’re always seeing something new,” added Andrew Forsyth. “The young photographers are not trying to copy other photographers. They’re always bringing fresh ideas, trying different things, a new approach. It’s always a real joy and a surprise to be looking through the entries every year.”
The judges will award trophies to winners in each category, as well as crowning an Overall Winner. They’ll receive a weekend photography break with award-winning wildlife photographer Danny Green’s team at Natures Images, including two nights’ accommodation for the winner and a parent/guardian.
The winners will be announced in December 2022, at an awards ceremony hosted by Chris Packham at the Tower of London.
To find out more and enter visit www.rspca.org.uk/ypa
The closing date for entries is 16 August.
Lead image: Picture Perfect Pets Winner 2021 – Megan Brown, 15, ‘Delightful donkeys’
