Image by Rochdale teenager shortlisted for RSPCA Young Photographer ‘People’s Choice Award’

Hopeful for a white Christmas by Clara Drycz

A stunning photograph taken by a young photographer from Rochdale is one of fourteen images to be shortlisted for a national RSPCA photography award.

A puppy in the snow, an inquisitive sheep and a sunset murmuration are just some of the snaps up for deliberation in the ‘People’s Choice’ category of the prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.

Fourteen animal snaps taken by talented youngsters aged from 10 to 18 have been shortlisted for the RSPCA’s photography competition and the winner will be decided by votes cast online by members of the public.

Clara Drycz, aged 15 from Rochdale, submitted her stunning pet portrait ‘Hopeful for a white Christmas’ to the competition and is now in the running for the RSPCA ‘People’s Choice’ award.

Online voting is now open for the public to choose their favourite animal photo in the category.

In December last year, the overall winners of the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2022 were announced after being judged by a panel of photographic experts including RSPCA vice president Chris Packham and industry professionals.

Part two of the competition, the People’s Choice Award, is now live (March 2023). A special online poll enables people to pick their winning photo from the Mobile Phone and Devices category featuring three age groups of Under 12s, 12-15s and 16-18 year olds; as well as from the Pet Personalities and Pet Portrait categories.

RSPCA photographer and awards judge, Andrew Forsyth, said: “The best thing about the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is that we're always seeing something new. The young photographers are always bringing fresh ideas and trying different things. The creativity and talent is outstanding - and it's a real joy to look through the entries every year.

“The People’s Choice award is a fantastic part of the competition because now the public have a chance to get involved and pick their favourite photo. There are some truly beautiful photos on the shortlist and we’re very excited to share them with everyone.”

The winner of the RSPCA People’s Choice competition will receive £100 worth of vouchers from Amazon.co.uk, an RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2022 trophy and a certificate.

Voting will be open for one week from Tuesday 7 March (12.30pm), closing on Tuesday 14 March at 1pm. The winner will be announced on the RSPCA’s Facebook page on Thursday 16 March.

Entries for the main RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2023 will open on Thursday 4 May 2023.