RSPCA Young Photographer Awards Celebrate Budding Talent, Opens for 2026 Submissions
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards, a prestigious competition recognizing the photographic skills of young animal lovers, will open for entries on May 5, 2026. The annual contest invites photographers under the age of 18 to showcase their talent and passion for the animal kingdom. This year, 11-year-old Evie Watt from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, took home the top prize with her captivating image, “Water Reflections,” depicting her friend’s dog, Monty, a Spaniel cross, paused on a rock at the beach.
A Winning Reflection
Evie’s winning photograph, which secured 31% of the public vote, beautifully captures a moment of balance as Monty contemplates the water, his reflection visible below. Despite his love for the beach, Monty cannot swim, adding a poignant layer to the image. “It’s funny because Monty loves the beach and the water but he actually can’t swim – he’d been paddling and then jumped up onto this rock and got stuck,” Evie explained. “But I had to stop and take this photo quickly before wading in to help him!”
“I just loved the lighting and Monty’s reflection on the water. It’s a little beach in a fishing village near where we live and it’s one of our favourite places in the nice weather,” she added. Evie, who only began photography a year ago, plans to enter the competition again this year.
Competition Details and How to Enter
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards are open to anyone under 18. Entries for the 2026 competition will be judged by a panel of photographic experts. Interested participants can register their interest by emailing YPA26@rspca.org.uk and can find more information on the RSPCA website.
The competition features several categories, including pet portraits, pet personalities, small world, mobile phone and devices, and portfolio submissions. Age categories include Under 12, 12-15, and 16-18.
Celebrating Young Photographic Talent
Andrew Forsyth, RSPCA photographer and awards judge, praised Evie’s winning image, stating, “This photo melted the hearts of the public and I can see why – it captures the moment of balance between Monty’s inquisitive nature and his desire to play in the water. The wide framing shows off the gorgeous beach location, complete with his reflection and the warm sunshine. This is a well-deserved winner!”
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards aim to encourage young people to connect with nature and develop their photographic skills. The competition has been running for over 30 years, fostering a love for animals and the art of photography in the next generation.
Past Winners and Continued Inspiration
In 2025, Thomas Durrant was crowned the Overall Winner for his image, “Golden Stag.” The RSPCA encourages aspiring young photographers to explore the gallery to view past winners and finalists for inspiration.
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