Young Photographer

The Rotary Young Photographer Competition is an annual event that encourages young people to explore, observe, and celebrate the world around them through photography.

Open to photographers aged 11 to 17, the competition offers a supportive and inspiring platform for young people to express creativity, build confidence, and develop visual storytelling skills — all while engaging more deeply with nature and their surroundings.

Why Young Photographer Matters

Photography invites young people to slow down, look more closely, and reflect on what they see and feel. Each year’s theme is designed to spark curiosity and personal interpretation rather than technical perfection.

Participants are encouraged to:

• Notice beauty in everyday places

• Express emotions and ideas visually

• Develop creative and observational skills

• Gain confidence by sharing their work

• Receive constructive feedback from experienced photographers

There is no single “right” way to respond to the theme — originality and personal perspective are actively encouraged.

Learning and Support

As part of the competition, professional and experienced photographers support young people through judging and, where possible, school-based workshops. These sessions help participants understand composition, light, and storytelling, while reinforcing that photography is as much about seeing as it is about technique.

All entrants receive feedback on their work, helping them learn and grow regardless of whether they win a prize.

Recent Highlights

In the most recent Whitby heat, young photographers responded to the theme Happiness in Nature with thoughtful and imaginative entries. Rather than staged scenes, many chose to capture animals, landscapes, and quiet moments that reflected how nature makes them feel — demonstrating maturity, creativity, and emotional awareness.

Winners from each age group progress to regional and national finals, giving young photographers the opportunity to showcase their work on a wider stage.

Prizes and Recognition

• Certificates awarded to all participants

• Gift voucher prizes for top entries at local level

• Progression to district and national competitions

More importantly, participants gain encouragement, recognition, and the confidence to keep developing their creative interests.

Get Involved

If you know a young person who enjoys photography — whether using a camera or a phone — the Rotary Young Photographer Competition is a welcoming and rewarding way to take that interest further.

Entries open annually.
Details of themes, deadlines, and how to enter will be shared locally each year.