The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards winning images were revealed in the Tower of London today. The overall winner of the competition is seventeen year old Thomas Durrant from London with his ethereal image of a backlit stag. But his success doesn’t stop here, Thomas was also awarded first place in the 16-18 and Portfolio categories, a truly remarkable feat given the judgeing process is completely anonymous and separate.
A new category Documenting animals was added this year with the the brief to create a story with only three images, 10-year-old Jamie Smart from Wales nailed the brief with his images of a grey-headed flying fox – the largest bat in Australia – being rehabilitated at a zoo and in the wild.
The next RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2026 opens for entries on Tuesday 5 May 2026. For more information visit the RSPCA website.
Overall Winner and 16-18 winner – Thomas Durrant, age 17, from London – ‘Golden stag’
From RSPCA Young Photographer Awards:
Thomas said of his winning entry: “This image is one I have been searching for, for some time. Everything came together – the stag, the light, the positioning. The golden outline shrouds the individual in mystery, while maintaining their iconic outline.
“I live near Richmond Park so I’m often there taking photographs of the red deer – they’re definitely my favourite animal to take photos of. I’ve spent hours there perfecting my shots of them and over time you get to know them – they’ve all got individual personalities and attitudes which can be quite amusing and their own way of doing things.
“I love being out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle – it’s very calming and a much-needed break for me. Mostly I just let myself enjoy being present in the moment, so getting a great shot of the deer is a bonus.”
The judges praised the use of light in Thomas’ winning snap, describing the teen as a “master of light”.
Portolio – Thomas Durrant, age 17, from London – ‘The Power of light’
All entries are judged entirely anonymously, and separately from one another, which makes Thomas’ multiple successes this year even more staggering.
Thomas, who has been taking photos since he was just 10, entered the photo competition for the first time last year, where his entry was shortlisted – but this is his first win.
Thomas added: “I have spent countless hours observing and photographing the deer over many years, and have always enjoyed the challenge of creating unique and different images of them. Over the time that I have been a photographer, I have developed an ‘artistic’ style of wildlife photography. This approach allows me to highlight the interplay of light, weather and the environment, transferring the emotions of the moment across to the viewer. I believe this style evokes a deeper connection to wildlife imagery – provoking more realistic emotions to those felt when viewing a scene through the lens.”
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 around them, 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.”
Pet Portraits – Maisie Hayman, age 16, from Fleet – ‘Hold your head high’
Pet Personalities – Satsuki Whittle, age 13, from Newcastle – ‘Garden goof”
Small World – Jamie Smart, age 10, from Llandrindod Wells – ‘Space bug’
Mobile Phone & Devices – Vanaiya Gill, age 12, from Walsall – ‘Confusion in the herd’
Urban Animals – Sam O’ Donnell, age 17, from London – Looking out into a concrete jungle
A Better World for Animals – Jack Brackley, age 13, from Cambridge – ‘Red-backed shrike in Cambridgeshire’
Documenting Animals – Jamie Smart, age 10, from Llandrindod Wells – ‘Caped crusaders’
Under 12 – Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb, age 10, from Southampton – ‘My world’
12-15 – Shelby Grant, age 15, from Hatfield – ‘Leaping into the golden wild’
Related reading:
- The rare and wonderful – Wildlife Photographer of the Year does it again!
- From a smoking duck to a lion choir – who knew wildlife could be this funny?
- Top wildlife photographer using smartphone to help endangered species
- The best cameras for photography: perfect cameras for wildlife, landscapes, street and more
Follow AP on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
