A Essex teen has been recognised for her outstanding image in this year’s prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.
Winners were announced at a ceremony at the Tower of London held yesterday (Thursday 18 December) – with Ben Lucas, 17, from South Ockendon, commended in the 16-18 category.
Ben’s space-like image of a cormorant on a lake in central London impressed judges.
He said: “I noticed a cormorant regularly hunting under a bridge, so I crawled closer and lay on my stomach to get just the right angle. People were almost tripping over me as I lay there on the busy path!
“When it emerged, the soft winter sunlight backlit the scene perfectly. In that instant, as the bird flipped its fish, the light and movement came together to reveal the incredible elegance of nature.
“Most people just rush past and hardly give wildlife a second glance, however I simply cannot take my eyes off all the incredible creatures, and love capturing photos so that people get a second chance to see what they missed.
“It’s my first time entering, so to even get this far and be recognised is really special – it’s inspired me to take even more photos.”
Every year, the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards invites young people aged 18 years and under to capture the animal kingdom on a camera or a mobile device. This supports the RSPCA’s mission of inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal.
This year’s awards were judged anonymously by a panel of photography experts, including professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie; former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; wildlife photographer, tour leader and owner of Natures Images, Danny Green; and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Brett Harkness.
RSPCA photographer and judge Andrew Forsyth said: “This year’s entries have been of an incredibly high standard that made it very difficult for us as judges.
“It’s been lovely to see so many creative photos of both pets and wildlife and see how the youngsters have interpreted each category in what has been an incredibly strong competition.
“This competition is a great way to encourage young people to go out and connect with animals, and the fantastic images we’ve seen this year have been very inspiring. There are some beautiful pictures in this year’s winners gallery, with real talent shining through.”
Presenter and broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya, a former Blue Peter presenter, hosted this year’s awards.
He said: “Young people are the future and that’s why I know the future is in safe hands – because I’m constantly blown away at the talent and the ability and the creativity of many young people around the country. This is epitomised by the entries in these incredible awards.
“Thousands of people have entered, so to even make the shortlist is testament to their skill, dedication and patience. It’s been a special day with special people.”
Jo Rowland, RSPCA CEO, added: “Taking pictures of animals helps us sit up and take notice of how they live and their unique personalities – as well as being able to spot things we might not have seen with the naked eye. It can make us appreciate the challenges that wildlife face or see our pets in a whole new light – and sharing those beautiful images can help others to appreciate animals more, too.
“The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is a fantastic event celebrating exceptional young talent and the amazing and wonderfully diverse animal kingdom each year. It really embodies what we are about as a charity – encouraging people to connect with animals and inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal.”
Sponsors of the competition are Natures Images (wildlife photography holidays), Camtraptions (camera traps for wildlife photography) and multichannel communications provider MBA Group. Winners in each category were awarded trophies and a selection of prizes at the Tower of London ceremony and as the overall winner, Thomas Durrant received a weekend photography break with Natures Images. This fabulous prize – the Deer Rut Special – includes two nights’ accommodation for the winner and a parent/guardian.
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2026 opens for entries on Tuesday 5 May 2026. For more information visit the RSPCA website for all the latest news, galleries and photo tips.
