Young Prodigy Dominates RSPCA Photography Contest with Four Victories!

A nine-year-old from Llandrindod Wells has triumphed in four categories at the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2024, as the charity celebrates its notable 200th anniversary.

Jamie Smart achieved victory in the Pet Portraits category with her photograph ‘Not Impressed’, featuring her 13-year-old feline, Humbug.

Additionally, she claimed the top position in the newly introduced Better World category with her image ‘Ready for bed’, showcasing an owl, while her ‘City fisher’ depiction of a kingfisher in an urban setting earned her the City Life category, and ‘Rise of the Gannet’ was awarded in the Under 12s.

Jamie also placed as runner-up or received commendations in the Small World, Better World and Under 12 categories.

The esteemed RSPCA Young Photographer Awards invites youths aged 18 years and younger to capture the animal kingdom through photography or mobile devices, supporting the RSPCA’s mission to encourage everyone to foster a better world for all animals.

The winners were revealed during an event at the Tower of London on Thursday, December 19.

Jamie was the youngest winner of the RSPCA photography contest last year and has had an impressive eight images shortlisted this year.

Jamie, who operates her own website Eagle Eyed Girl, mentioned: “Being shortlisted for the YPAs three times consecutively is unbelievable, and winning last year has significantly influenced me. I aimed to secure the overall victory and succeeded, consequently putting substantial effort into it. Winning was phenomenal! It inspired me to participate again, capture more photos, and experiment with new ideas.

“I aspire to become a wildlife photographer and presenter someday; that’s my ideal job. I enjoy showcasing the various aspects of wildlife, the adorable side as well as the challenges they face. My goal is to motivate individuals to cherish animals and advocate for their protection.

“The more individuals who are inspired by wildlife, the more they will feel compelled to safeguard them, which is the essence of my photography.”

All submissions are evaluated entirely anonymously, making Jamie’s multiple achievements this year even more remarkable.

Sponsors for the competition include Natures Images (wildlife photography vacations) and Camtraptions (camera traps for wildlife photography).

To commemorate the charity’s 200th anniversary, the RSPCA introduced two new categories – ‘Better World’ which illustrates what a preferable world for animals resembles, and ‘City Life’ – which emphasizes how animals coexist with us, even in the most unexpected places, and promotes harmony between us.

This year’s awards were judged by a panel of photography experts, including wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby; former competition winner turned professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie; and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Emma Jacobs. For the first time this year – Fabian Rivers, recognized as Dready Vet, an exotic animal and wildlife vet, RSPCA ambassador, and a personality on CBBC’s The Pets Factor.

Anwen Whitehead, 15, also hailing from Mid Wales, was this year’s overall champion with her photo of a Puffin titled ‘Daydreaming in the chamomiles’.

Winners in each category received trophies and a variety of prizes during the ceremony at the Tower of London, and as the Overall Winner, Anwen Whitehead was awarded a weekend photography retreat with Natures Images.

The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2025 will open for entries on May 6.

For additional details, visit: rspca.org.uk/ypa for all the latest news, galleries, and photography tips.