16-18 years

The brief

This category is for anyone aged between 16 and 18 when the competition closes.

If you're a keen photographer, put your skills to the test and take some amazing shots of animals. Even if you're new to photography, we'd love to see the images of animals you capture. You may even discover that you're a natural.

We're looking for striking, moving or quirky photos that are technically strong, tell a story and show the behavioral characteristics of the animal. Most of all, it's about celebrating animals and demonstrating your understanding of what makes them interesting as well as what makes the photo outstanding.

Getting started

We're looking for photos that have been well considered and capture a particular mood or atmosphere. When you're thinking about what you'd like to photograph, consider the following ideas:

  • Location - is there a place or area that inspires you? Where do you go to see wildlife, farm animals or pets?
  • Animal - is there a particular animal that you think is interesting?
  • Theme - is there an idea or theme you'd like to focus on? This could be anything, for example animals in the air or on land.
  • Mood - you can create a variety of moods or atmospheres, depending on how you take the photo. Maybe you like dark brooding compositions or bright and airy surroundings with lots of movement.
Squirrel in the woods - YPA 2011 Winner 16-18 Will Nicholls

There's more advice, from Chris Packham and wildlife photographer Andrew Forsyth in our photo tips section.

Check out our galleries section to see all the winners from previous years.

When you're out and about trying to get the perfect shot, don't ever put your safety at risk.

Entering the competition

If you're aged between 16 and 18 you can enter this category. You can enter a maximum of five photos in this category, so choose them carefully.

You'll need to include a description of your photo, in 80 words or fewer, which will be displayed if your picture is a finalist. So say where you took the photo, why you took it and give any details you think are interesting or tell the photo's story.

Please note, you cannot submit mobile phone photos into this category, they will be disqualified. If you have captured a great shot on your phone enter it into our Mobile Phone and Devices category instead.

Read the full rules and terms and conditions before you enter and check out the prizes!