Capturing the Wild: The Week Junior (UK) Science+Nature Photo Contest Winners

This summer, young photographers across the UK picked up their cameras and headed outside, taking part in The Week Junior Science+Nature's annual Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest. The challenge? Track down 10 natural treasures and get creative. The response was incredible, with over 1,000 breathtaking photos that show the natural world through fresh, young eyes.

From this amazing collection, a judging panel selected two top prizewinners and eight runners-up. Thanks to competition partners at Canon, the first and second-place winners will each receive over £1,000 worth of photography equipment to help them continue to grow their skills.

A Golden Moment

The overall winner is a truly special image: "Golden Hour," a puffin bathed in beautiful evening light, its beak full of sand eels. The photo was taken by 16-year-old Anwen from Aberystwyth.

Wildlife photographer, Canon Ambassador, and contest judge Ellie Rothnie praised the shot's technical skill. "This very accomplished picture captures a classic puffin moment in a beautiful light-it's no easy feat," she said. "The shot shows technical mastery in the exposure and detail, and the golden tones make it a truly special image."

Anwen's stunning photograph now graces the front cover of the latest Science+Nature issue.

A Showcase of Young Talent

Second prize: Shy on the Stage - Isabelle, age 12

The talent and passion on display in this year's entries were truly inspiring. As Science+Nature editor Dan Green put it, "Every photo is a mini-adventure that tells its own story of discovery and wonder, and Anwen's puffin is an absolutely fabulous cover shot."

Ellie Rothnie agreed, noting that the competition is "a fantastic showcase for curiosity, creativity and nature photography."

This next generation of wildlife photographers deserves to be celebrated. To see more of their incredible work, mark calendars! All 10 winning shots will be exhibited at the Photography & Video Show in March 2026, where the young photographers' work will be on public display alongside prizewinning images from professionals.

To learn more about The Week Junior Science+Nature, or to subscribe, visit https://sciencenature.theweekjunior.co.uk/.