A 10-year-old wildlife photographer also becomes first-ever winner of new RSPCA category
A TALENTED young photographer from Wales has scooped multiple prizes at this year’s RSPCA Young Photographer Awards, becoming the first-ever winner of a newly introduced category.
Jamie Smart, aged 10, from Llandrindod Wells, was recognised across several categories at a ceremony held at the Tower of London on Thursday (December 18), marking an outstanding year for the young wildlife enthusiast.
Jamie, who runs her own website Eagle Eyed Girl featuring wildlife photography and David Attenborough-style nature videos, said her passion for photography began through her father’s hobby — although she now admits she is the one giving tips.
“I’ve always loved nature,” she said. “Being able to freeze a moment in time and look at it again later is an amazing feeling. I love getting immersed in nature and seeing animals behaving naturally — whether that’s somewhere exotic or just birds squabbling in the garden.”
Jamie won the Small World category with a striking macro image of a Greater Water Boatman, taken at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire. Despite only starting macro photography last year, the image stood out among hundreds of entries.
She also became the inaugural winner of the new ‘Documenting Animals’ category, with a powerful trio of images showing grey-headed flying foxes — one of the world’s largest bat species — both in rehabilitation and in the wild.
“I started macro photography using a homemade kit — just an A4 card and some tape,” Jamie explained. “It can be tricky because bugs don’t stay still, but it’s worth the wait. Every image has a story.”
Judges praised Jamie’s remarkable ability at such a young age. Wildlife photographer and judge Ellie Rothnie said: “Jamie really is an incredible talent. Many adults can only dream of capturing images like hers. She has a very promising wildlife photography career ahead of her.”
Jamie also received commendations and runner-up places across several other categories, including Pet Portraits, A Better World for Animals, and Under 12s, with multiple images featured by the judges. All entries are judged anonymously, making her success across categories even more impressive.
Reflecting on her achievements, Jamie said the images entered into the Documenting Animals category were especially meaningful. “We got to go to Australia Zoo and meet Robert Irwin — it was the experience of a lifetime. Getting such amazing pictures of bats was the cherry on top.”
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards is open annually to photographers aged 18 and under and aims to inspire young people to connect with animals while raising awareness of wildlife welfare.
RSPCA photographer and judge Andrew Forsyth said this year’s entries were of an exceptionally high standard. “It’s been wonderful to see such creativity and passion. The images show real talent and a deep connection with animals.”
The awards were hosted by broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya, with RSPCA Chief Executive Jo Rowland praising the competition for encouraging young people to appreciate animals and their unique personalities.
Jamie is no stranger to success — in 2023, aged just eight, she became the youngest-ever winner in the awards’ 30-year history.
“I love coming to the ceremony every year — it’s become a tradition,” she said. “We’ve made some great friends in the wildlife photography community, so it’s very special to me.”
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2026 will open for entries on May 5, 2026.
