A national photography competition for under 19s.
We have compiled a list of common questions and answers you may find useful. If you have a question that is not shown here, please e-mail us at: publications@rspca.org.uk
Who can enter YPA?
I entered last year but my login details don't work?
Is there an entry fee?
How many photos can I enter?
Which age category should I enter?
What format should I submit my photos in?
What size should the pictures be?
I've forgotten my password?
What will happen to the photos that don't win?
I live outside the UK, can I enter?
Is there anything that I should not photograph?
Are photos of animals in zoos acceptable?
I have not received an e-mail confirmation; has my entry been accepted?
When is the closing date?
When will the winners be announced?
Can I enter the same photo in more than one category?
I've tried to create an account but it says that I exceed the age limit?
I don't have a digital camera, how can I enter?
Can I alter images using photo software?
You can enter if you are 18 years old or younger on the closing date, 7 September 2009 and are a resident of the UK or Ireland. If you are 19 years old on or before the closing date then unfortunately you cannot enter.
I entered last year but my login details don't work?
All accounts from last year were deleted after the announcement of the awards. Please create a new account.
No, entry to the competition is free, but if you are lucky enough to be invited to the awards ceremony in London we cannot pay the costs of your trip.
You can enter up to five photos in your age category plus another five in the pets personalities category. You can also enter up to three sets of images (five photos in each set) in the Olympus portfolio category. This means that you can enter a maximum of 25 pictures in all categories.
Which age category should I enter?
You should enter the category according to your age on the closing date, 7 September 2009. If you are 11 now but are 12 on or before 7 September 2009 you should enter the 12-18 category.
What format should I submit my photos in?
Photos should be submitted to this website as maximum-quality JPEGs.
If you are unable to use this website please print off an entry form here or phone us on 0300 123 0455 to request a form. Alternatively send a request by post to YPA09, RSPCA/Publications department, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, West Sussex RH12 3QU to request an entry form. Postal entries not accompanied by an official YPA form will not be accepted.
What size should the pictures be?
We need to make big prints of the winning pictures, so use a camera with at least 5m pixels and don't crop the final picture too much.
Use the password reminder in the login area of the home page to send your password to the e-mail address that you used when you registered. If you still have problems please e-mail us at: publications@rspca.org.uk
What will happen to the photos that don't win?
Unfortunately due to the large number of entries we receive we are unable to return any prints. Any digital pictures that are not shortlisted will be deleted after the award ceremony in December 2009.
I live outside of the UK, can I enter?
No, unfortunately the competition is only open to residents of the UK and Ireland.
Is there anything that I should not photograph?
The RSPCA is a charity dedicated to promoting kindness to all animals. We want you to photograph animals showing natural behaviour in their natural habitat. Please do not dress-up your pets or make them perform tricks for the camera but instead learn about your subject and show us how it lives.
Are photos of animals in zoos acceptable?
Please click here to view the guidance on taking photos in zoos.
I have not received an e-mail confirmation; has my entry been accepted?
We do not send out confirmation e-mails for each upload. You can check if your entry has been successful by logging into your account. All the photos that have been submitted will show here. If you have any queries please e-mail us at: publications@rspca.org.uk
The closing date for online entries is 7 September 2009. The closing date for postal entries is 24 August 2009. Unfortunately any entries received after these dates, even due to postal delays, will not be entered.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced on 11 December 2009 at the awards ceremony in London. All shortlisted finalists will be notified by post by 29 September 2009.
Can I enter the same photo in more than one category?
You must not enter any picture or similars into more than one category. The judges may move any individual photo entered into the Olympus portfolio into another category if they think it is likely to be shortlisted.
I've tried to create an account but it says that I exceed the age limit?
If you are 19 on or before 7 September 2009 unfortunately you are unable to enter YPA. Sorry!
I don't have a digital camera, how can I enter?
To enter by post please click here to print off an entry form. All postal entries must be accompanied by a YPA entry form. Alternatively please contact us by telephone on 0300 123 0455 or e-mail (publications@rspca.org.uk) or write to us at: YPA09, RSPCA/ publications department, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9RS.
Can I alter images using photo software?
We only want to see pictures that show real animals in real situations so please don't add or take anything away from the picture as it was originally taken. You may use contrast and colour settings to make your pictures look really good, and you can remove dust spots that have appeared by accident. You can also change an image from colour to black-and-white but don't add artificial colours or change them too much. The key is to keep it real!