Eleven-year-old Evie Watt’s keen eye for composition and a touch of serendipity have earned her the top prize in the prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards. Her winning photograph, titled “Water Reflections,” captures a charming scene of a dog named Monty, a Spaniel cross, momentarily stranded on a rock, his reflection mirroring his inquisitive gaze. The image resonated with judges and the public alike, securing 31% of the public vote and highlighting the beauty found in everyday moments.
Watt, a budding photographer from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, only picked up the hobby a year ago. Her success in the competition, which received entries from young photographers across the United Kingdom, demonstrates a natural talent and a promising future in the art form. The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards aim to encourage young people to connect with nature and wildlife through photography and Watt’s image perfectly embodies that spirit. The competition isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about capturing a story, a feeling, a connection to the natural world – and “Water Reflections” does just that.
The story behind the photograph adds another layer of appeal. Monty, despite his obvious love for the beach, isn’t a strong swimmer. As Watt explained, he was paddling in the shallows when he hopped onto the rock and found himself temporarily stuck. “But I had to stop and take this photo quickly before wading in to support him!” she recounted. The resulting image isn’t just a portrait of a dog; it’s a snapshot of a playful moment, a testament to a dog’s personality, and a gorgeous study in light and reflection. The RSPCA, a leading animal welfare charity in the UK, has been running the Young Photographer Awards for several years, providing a platform for young talent and raising awareness about animal welfare issues. You can learn more about the RSPCA and its work on their official website.
A Moment of Balance: Capturing Monty’s Reflection
Andrew Forsyth, an RSPCA photographer and one of the awards judges, praised Watt’s winning entry. “This photo melted the hearts of the public and I can notice why – it captures the moment of balance between Monty’s inquisitive nature and his desire to play in the water,” he said. “The wide framing shows off the gorgeous beach location, complete with his reflection and the warm sunshine. Here’s a well-deserved winner!” Forsyth’s comments underscore the image’s technical merit and its emotional impact. The composition, the lighting, and the subject matter all combine to create a photograph that is both visually appealing and emotionally resonant.
Watt herself described the scene as taking place on a tiny beach in a fishing village near her home, a favorite spot for her and Monty during decent weather. “I just loved the lighting and Monty’s reflection on the water,” she said. The simplicity of the scene, combined with Watt’s skillful employ of light and composition, is what makes the photograph so compelling. It’s a reminder that beautiful images can be found in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the best photographs are the ones that capture a fleeting moment of joy and connection.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Photographers
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards are divided into several age categories, encouraging participation from children of all ages. Entries for the main 2026 awards will open on May 5th and will be judged by a panel of photographic experts. Young photographers interested in participating can register their interest by emailing [email protected]. The competition provides a valuable opportunity for young people to develop their photographic skills, explore their creativity, and connect with the natural world. It as well helps to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and conservation.
Watt’s win is particularly inspiring given her relatively recent foray into photography. She beat out 14 other shortlisted entries, demonstrating that passion and talent can overcome a lack of extensive experience. Her success story is likely to encourage other young people to pick up a camera and start exploring their own creative potential. The awards also highlight the importance of providing opportunities for young people to engage with the arts and develop their skills.
“This is a well-deserved winner!” highlights the awards judge – with over 2,000 public votes the young photographer wins big and scoops the competition’s top prize . | Credit: Evie Watt
Watt’s future plans include entering the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards again this year. “It feels really exciting to win, I never expected it – and now I can’t wait to enter the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards later this year,” she said. Her enthusiasm and dedication are a testament to the power of photography to inspire and engage young people. The awards continue to provide a platform for emerging talent, and Watt’s success story is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, creativity, and a little bit of luck.
The RSPCA encourages aspiring young photographers to explore their creativity and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether it’s a portrait of a beloved pet, a landscape scene, or a close-up of a wild animal, the awards celebrate the diverse perspectives and talents of young photographers. The competition is a reminder that photography is not just a technical skill, but a powerful form of storytelling and a way to connect with the world around us.
The next key date for aspiring young photographers is May 5th, 2026, when entries open for the main RSPCA Young Photographer Awards. Interested participants can register their interest now by emailing [email protected]. For more information and details about the competition, visit the RSPCA website.
What do you think of Evie’s winning photograph? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to share this story with other photography enthusiasts!
