A 12-year-old Boy Awarded Prestigious Honour by the Royal Photographic Society

Events | Farid Wahdiono | October 27, 2011 at 2:48 PM

Fellows of the world’s oldest photographic society – the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) – were shocked to discover Sam Kaye’s age after they judged his work anonymously and awarded him the honour.

Reported by Daily Mail, Sam, from Radlett, Hertfordshire, started taking photos when he was six and beat hundreds of photographers from all over the world to become a licentiate of the esteemed society. He can now write the letters LRPS – Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society – after his name.

Sam, who particularly enjoys taking photos of animals and nature, built up his portfolio while on holiday in South Africa. His images include a close-up of a fox in the grass, a hippo enjoying a cool bath and a bright blue kingfisher.

Others show a lion and lioness fighting, an elephant with a twisty truck, an owl perched in a tree and a water vole peeking out of the stream.

Speaking about the award, Sam said, “I was really surprised to win the award from the RPS, but very pleased. I feel really inspired taking photos and my dream job would be to travel around the world doing wildlife photos.” He added he would like to become a professional photographer when he is older.

Photo by Sam Kaye

The youngster has already caught the attention of photography world after getting to the semi-finals in the wildlife photographer of the year competition earlier this year. He also won the Royal Horticultural Society young photographer of the year award in 2010 for his amazing close-up of a hoverfly.

The Royal Photographic Society’s Stuart Blake added, “It is an excellent achievement for someone so young. We have people who are much older apply for the title and do not come anywhere near the standard required. The level of competence needed has increased considerably over the years, so he has done remarkably well.”

Photo by Sam Kaye

The RPS was founded in 1853 and has more than 10,500 members worldwide. Members can apply for a distinction by submitting ten photos, which are then judged anonymously. Last year only two thirds of those who applied were successful.

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1 Comment

  1. Chris Westinghouse says:
    October 28, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    I’m always skeptical about awards, especially awards made to the very young – who don’t have the depth and maturity to “work” in an adult world. But being “skeptical” doesn’t mean I’m prejudiced: in a case like this, where a person’s art stands up to criticism and the judgement of his fellows all by itself I get quite choked up. One of the failings of our modern western culture is that it encourages children to be too conscious of limitations, and sets parameters that unconsciously stifle their ability to achieve great things. Here is a case that defies the norm! Congratulations Sam! You’re a great example to others and an inspiration to the grown-ups.