A POWYS photographer who only picked up a camera for the first time nine months ago has claimed several awards at the prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2022.
Jamie Smart – who is just 7-years-old – won one of the categories at the famous event and received praise for three more of her snaps. The winning images, in 10 categories, were announced during an awards ceremony hosted by Chris Packham on Thursday, December 15, at the Tower of London.
Although Jamie, who lives near Llandrindod Wells, was overlooked for the overall winning prize, she dominated the competition, an amazing feat considering her age and the fact the renowned competition is for people aged 18 and under.
Four of her entries were shortlisted and she won first place for the category ‘Pet Portraits’ with ‘Fighter’ the Barnevelder cockerel.
She was then a runner-up in the under 12’s category with her ‘Egret Twins’ while her ‘Flying High’ image was also commended.
Finally, she was also awarded another commended in the ‘Pet Personality’ category for 18 years and under for her image of ‘Acer the Border Collie'.
Jamie said: “It feels amazing to win. I’m over the moon to have done so well and to have met Chris Packham and all the judges.
“I took up photography back in March this year. I was struggling to get on with using binoculars and so dad offered for me to try a camera instead, and ever since then I’ve flourished with my photography.
“Dad’s been teaching me how to use the camera and I love taking photos of birds and nature.”
This year's awards were judged online by a panel of experts in wildlife photography, including wildlife photographer, TV presenter and RSPCA vice president Chris; wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby (a new judge for this year); former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Emma Jacobs.
Photography runs in the family, with Jamie picking up her new hobby from dad James, who has been teaching her the ropes. But she is clearly a natural, taking to it like a duck to water. James says her natural hand to eye co-ordination and love for birds in particular has produced some amazing images.
“I love going out and exploring nature reserves and common land all over the country trying to see magnificent scenery and nature at its best – out in the wild,” says Jamie, who has her very own website – Eagle Eyed Girl Photography.
“I started with a Nikon D500, which is dad’s camera, and have since moved on as I grew bigger and stronger. Dad now says I’m better than him at capturing birds.”
Jamie hopes her images will help others see the beauty in nature and the planet around us, along with helping to promote awareness of what we as the apex predator need to do to help conserve what is here today so that it can still be here tomorrow.
Parents James and Eleri added: “She picked up a camera in March this year after struggling with binoculars, and since then has flourished.
“Knowing her love and passion for wildlife and birds, we started looking for some competitions for her to enter. The RSPCA Young Photographer of the Year competition has been running for 32 years and is a very highly regarded competition with critically acclaimed judges judging the entries, and Chris Packham judging and presenting the awards.”
To see more of Jamie’s stunning images, visit her website at https://eagleeyedgirl.co.uk. To view the full gallery of winning images for this year’s RSPCA awards, go to https://rspca.pagetiger.com/ypa2022.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here