Rotary Young Photographers Competition
The Tonbridge Rotary Club, in partnership with Warners Solicitors LLP, was delighted to host the club’s first RIBI Young Photographer Competition at Leigh Academy Hugh Christie on 22nd March.
Eight students had been capturing images inspired by this year’s theme, “Happiness in Nature.” Through their photography, they had explored how a single image can tell a story and highlight moments of beauty in the world around us. It was fantastic to see the creativity, curiosity, and unique perspectives shining through in their work.
The winner of Young Photographer 2026 trophy was Cerys Becker from year 12, with Zachary Finley (year 10) and Isaac Carter (year 12) joint runners up. Cerys will go forward to compete in the District Finals of the competition.
Diana Renton, who teaches photography at Hugh Christie, introduced the competition and was responsible with Tonbridge Rotary Club Vice President Valentina Waters – also a teacher at Hugh Christie – for organising the occasion. Thanks go to them both, to Hugh Christie Principal, Palak Shah, for making his school available for the event, and to Warners Solicitors LLP for their sponsorship.
The adjudicators – Philip Easom, Amelia Prescott and Dorril Bowyer-Cope – all praised the quality of the photographs on display, which were judged on criteria including technical merit, composition and imagination. Certificates were awarded to the contestants, who in addition to the three already mentioned were Amelie Gowin, Kian Vassie, Mason Chivers, Meg Clark and Nick Ivey.