RSPCA People’s Choice Award winner announced
Sophie Green's winning photograph, 'Leap Frogs', shows Pepper the spaniel leaping over a fence with Mabel the cockapoo.
A public vote has meant that Sophie Green, an 18-year-old from Northumberland, has won the RSPCA People’s Choice Award.
Her winning photograph is called ‘Leap Frogs’ and shows spaniel Pepper leaping over a fence at Blyth beach with her friend, Mabel the cockapoo.
The People’s Choice Award category, part of RSPCA’s Young Photographer Awards, invited members of the public to vote for one of thirteen images to take the top spot. This year the category received 5,700 votes.
Ms Green’s photograph received the most votes, winning her £100 in Amazon vouchers and an RSPCA Young Photographer Awards trophy.
She was also a runner-up in the RSPCA’s Young Photographer Awards last December. Ms Green entered a portfolio of images picturing dogs doing agility – including Pepper peeking through the branches of a tree looking for her ball.
Ms Green has been taking photographs since she was 12 years old, with a particular focus on animals and nature.
She said: “I never expected to win! There were so many great photos shortlisted so to win is incredible. It’s so nice knowing my hard work has paid off and that so many people have liked and appreciated my photo. I’m just over the moon and my mum is so happy she immediately called my grandma and my dad too.
“This has inspired me to carry on doing photography in my spare time and maybe even to have a photography business on the side!”
Andrew Forsyth, RSPCA photographer and awards judge, said: “Sophie is a very worthy winner. We loved her portfolio featuring dogs in action during the competition in December so to see her winning the People’s Choice Awards is fantastic.
“Keep up the good work Sophie!”
The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2024 will launch on Tuesday, 7 May, with an expert panel including RSPCA president Chris Packham.
The panel is urging young photographers to get involved, as the RSPCA celebrates its 200th birthday. Photographers can register their interest at YPA24@rspca.org.uk for full information when the competition launches.
Image: ‘Leap Frog’ © RSPCA Young Photographers Awards/Sophie Green
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