Work from Sussex photographers shown by RSPCA for competition

As the 2023 deadline for entries looms, the RSPCA is calling on young southern photographers to submit their photos and showcase their skills once more for the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.

Eleanor Ramsay, aged 18 from Oxford, scooped first prize in the 16-18 mobile phone and devices category for this incredible sunset perspective photo in the 2020 awards. (Image: RSPCA)

As this year’s awards judges brace themselves for another intense judging session, the RSPCA is showcasing some of the best southern entries from the last few years.

Ten-year-old Wilfred Maidment from Cranbrook in Kent, shot this photo of his dog Buda (Image: RSPCA)

Photographers still have until the end of today to enter the prestigious awards, which is now celebrating its 33rd year.

Brooke Haycock, 15, from Uckfield, was commended in the ages 12-15 category in the 2022 awards for a stunning picture of an owl.

Brooke's beautiful picture of an owl (Image: RSPCA)

Meanwhile 17-year-old Sophie Ritcherova, from Brighton, captured a breath-taking snap of a reindeer while on holiday in Svalbard, Norway. Sophie won the Instagram award in 2019.

Sophie's stunning picture of a reindeer (Image: RSPCA)

Award-winning wildlife photographer and Young Photographer Awards judge Emma Jacobs said: “There is so much young talent in the South of England.

Kathryn Walton, aged 12 from Northampton, took this photo in 2020 (Image: RSPCA)

“Year after year we see such strong photographs coming from our southern counties, so the question is can southern youngsters claim top billing once again in our 2023 awards?

Daniel Zhang, aged 15 from Hendon in London, won the aged 12-15 category in 2019 for snapping this bird looking for his supper (Image: RSPCA)

"We can’t wait to see this year’s entries, so if you are aged 18 and under, get your submission in quick before the deadline passes.

Ten-year old Thomas Easterbrook, from Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire, was the youngest 2018 winner (Image: RSPCA)

“As the deadline looms, we’re proud to showcase some of the top photos we’ve had from southern youngsters over the years. They are all fantastic and highlight what the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is all about.”

Will Jenkins, a 15-year-old from London, was commended for his photo of a brown bear scratching himself on a beach in 2018 (Image: RSPCA)

The judges will award trophies to winners in each category as well as crowning an overall winner who will receive a weekend photography break with award­-winning wildlife photographer Danny Green's team at Natures Images.

11-year-old Max Pletzer, from Lymington in Hampshire, won top spot in the 2022 under 12 category for his artistic shot of a snake slithering over water (Image: RSPCA)

Worth £675, this prize includes two nights' accommodation for the winner and a parent/guardian.

The winners will be announced in December 2023, at an awards ceremony hosted by TV naturalist Chris Packham at the Tower of London. 

Ben Hancock-Smith, aged 14 from Guildford in Surrey, was awarded first prize in the 2022 ‘Small World’ category for this brilliant close up (Image: RSPCA)

Young photographers can upload their images, view past galleries and find out everything they need to know at www.rspca.org.uk/ypa.