Animal life through a lens - RSPCA young photographer competition winners revealed
An image of seal on a pebbled beach glistening in the first hints of morning sun has scooped first prize in an RSPCA photography competition that focuses on young talent.
Owen Hearn, 16, from Stewkley, Leighton Buzzard, was named the overall winner of the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2014 (YPA14) for his atmospheric ‘Seal at Sunrise’ (pictured right) photograph taken on the Norfolk coastline on New Year’s Day during a morning out with his grandfather. It wasn’t just a one off for Owen as he also won the 12-15 years category for the same photo and had another two commended photos in the age category - ‘Nesting Gannets’ and ‘Gannet at Sunrise’.
Other South West and West winners at the Young Photographer Awards hailed from Somerset, Dorset, Buckinghamshire, Shropshire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.
TV personality, wildlife expert and RSPCA vice president Chris Packham led a judging panel of industry professionals and hosted the award ceremony at the Tower of London today (Friday December 19). He said: "Owen was a worthy winner - his image was beautiful and striking. Technically it was very strong too.
“It really stood out to the whole panel as soon as we saw it. Through this image he has really shown his talent and as fellow photographers us judges were jealous we hadn’t taken the shot ourselves!”
“It is a stunning shot that stands out. It is just magical and I think I can safely say it took our breath away in the judging room.
“Owen’s shot wasn’t the only photograph to catch my eye though. There were so many images that showed real skill and imagination. It is so exciting to see young people getting out there and trying new things and really learning the art of wildlife photography. It is exciting to see so much talent.
“It is such a pleasure to be a part of this special event that focuses on young people and their love of wildlife and capturing moments from that world. The level of talent this year is truly outstanding. The enthusiasm shown by these young photographers and the love for the animal kingdom around them is inspiring and they should all be proud of the work they have created.”
Owen said: "I am so pleased to be given this award. Especially considering the quality of all the pictures in the competition. It is amazing to be picked as the overall winner. I really am very pleased.
"I took the picture on New Year's Day in Norfolk and it was the first time I had photographed seals. I am so glad I did!
"I have entered this competition a few times and to be named the overall winner is just wonderful."
An endearing close-up of a Siberian Husky x Malamute gazing lovingly at her ball, called ‘Don’t You Move’ (pictured above), won 17-year-old Natalya Rigg, from Hereford, the Pet Personalities category; and ‘Our Little Survivor’ - a playful embrace between a girl and her pet Border Collie Dolly - was the image which won the Making Life Better category for 15-year-old Abbie Phipps from Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Other winning images in the South West included Max Thompson’s photo ‘Young One’ of a young bird taken on the island Inner Farne which was commended in the 16-18 year age category.
As the overall winner Owen will go on an amazing weekend photography break courtesy of Natures Images. Camera vouchers from WEX Photographic worth up to £750 and an exclusive photo shoot at an RSPCA animal centre were also handed to each of the the winners from each age category.
For full details and information please see www.rspca.org.uk/ypa.
