2025-26 Young Photographer Competition

THEME – ‘Happiness in Nature’

The ‘Happiness in Nature’ theme can be interpreted as broadly as the Young Photographer wishes and does not need to conform to a dictionary definition. Entrants are encouraged to use their creativity to show what this theme means to them.

Aims and Objectives

The competition encourages young people to:

● explore and develop their skills in photography
● use either digital and/or traditional methods of photography
● interpret the competition theme with creativity and insight
● communicate personal ideas and perspectives through photography

The Task  

To produce one photograph based upon the theme, ‘Happiness in Nature’. Mobile Phones or cameras may be used. 

Each entrant MUST provide a brief sentence describing the relationship of the artwork to the theme. This sentence must be entered on the entry form in the applicable place. Failure to do so will mean the entry is ineligible and the entrant therefore disqualified. 

The photograph must be submitted via Digital Format and be at least 1500 pixel in size on the longest length. The entries and supporting information sent electronically MUST NOT EXCEED 15Mb per email sent. 

Please note:

● A photograph that forms part of a current educational exam portfolio is not eligible for entry due to exam board regulations
● If the photograph includes images of people under 18 or adults at risk, a signed consent form/s must accompany the entry
● For the national final the photograph must be submitted digitally in jpg format and be at least 1500 pixel in size on the longest length and the entry and supporting information sent electronically MUST NOT EXCEED 15Mb per email sent
● Photographs which incorporate images of people under 18 years or adults at risk must be accompanied by consent form/s for their use..    

Who can take part?

The competition is open to all young people within the age groups shown below. They may be an individual choosing to enter directly themselves or amongst the entries submitted by a group or community organisation including schools and colleges, home educated, other young peoples’ community organisations, for example, community RotaKids or Interact, Scout Groups, Girl Guides, etc.

Age groups (based on age as of 31st August 2025):
Junior: Up to and including 10 years old
Intermediate: 11 to 13 years old
Senior: 14 to 17 years old

Note: Because the qualifying age is based on 31st August 2025, some entrants may have birthdays that would otherwise place them in a different age group at the actual date of the competition.

CLOSING DATE - 31st January 2026

Judging Criteria   

Judges will consider:
• technical merit
• content and composition
• imagination and style
• relevance to the Theme. 

The judges will not enter any discussion or correspondence regarding their decision; the decision of the judges will be final and not subject to any appeal. Recognition At all stages of the competition, competitors will receive a certificate of participation.  

Please find further details, Information Pack,

Entry Form is available in two formats
- 2025-26-Rotary-Young-Photographer-Entry-Form-v.1.docx
- 2025-26-Rotary-Young-Photographer-Entry-Form.pdf

View previous National winners

To arrange submission of entries contact Aileen North (details below the image)