12-year-old Sam Kaye of Radlett, Hertfordshire became the youngest person ever to be awarded the prestigious distinction of “Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society” — that is, membership in the world’s oldest photographic society. Kaye anonymously submitted ten photos, many taken during a family trip to South Africa, to the RPS panel of judges, and was accepted based on the merit of his shots. The Royal Photographic Society’s Stuart Blake commented, “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.” Click through to see a few of the shots that earn Kaye the recognition, which we spotted over at PetaPixel, and let us know if you think he’s the next big thing in the comments.
Comments (11)
There is a difference between a photographic image of a compelling subject and compelling photographs of a subject, these are unfortunately the former. Put anyone in the Serengeti with a good quality camera and they will get these pictures. They should be rewarding people who take great pictures from ordinary subjects not people who are merely in the right place at the right time with the right camera!
The “world’s oldest photographic society”? Apparently, dementia has set in if someone can become a licentiate on the basis of a single set of photographs. What ever happened to recognizing someone on the basis of a complete body of work? This is just a case of right place, right time.
Does it feel good being so bitter against a 12 year old boy, Brian?
Agree with both Brian and Rob. The kid has an eye for detail, a good camera and was in a location that provided him with good subjects to shoot probably wherever he went. Having said that, he has potential, so well done!
Awww brian and rob, you twuu can go hug it out together.
You should give this kid a high five. All the shots are great. Stop being a D-Bag because you have failed to get this award.
Not everyone is provided with the opportunity to go to the Serengeti at 12 years of age. This kid was, and he got the shots. How many 12 year old boys know how to frame a subject that well? Obviously there’s something to be said for basic skills, and maybe this experience will be a step up to further his interest into a future career.
Look at the construction of the photos. The blurred grass in the foreground, the central focus point, and the alignment of the subject. That is not being in the right place at the right time, thats photography. Plus, this is a kid. Instead of bringing him down and saying he has no talent, its just the camera and a cool animal, show him how to perfect a craft which he has already advanced down the path of.
Opportunity and equipment notwithstanding, these are not pics the average photographer would get. The kid’s got skills, and if the RPS wants him in their club why would anyone have a problem with it?
Ian. I agree that the photos are constructed fairly well for a 12 year old. However, I believe that this award should be given to some that has made some sort of advancement of photography as a practice. These shots are nothing new, even though a 12 year old took them, they should be judged without age being a factor. These photographs aren’t anything ground breaking or visually striking when it comes to wild life photography.
Very average stuff. Ok, the kid is 12 years old, but given similar opportunities, just about anyone with a decent camera these days could come up with image equal or better.
Vincent, that’s patently untrue. Have you seen the photos the average dickhead with a cellphone takes? Half the time they’re out of focus, badly composed, too far away, crooked, etc etc etc. The kid’s got a talent – sure, he’s not Robert Mapplethorpe just yet, but he’s 12 freaking years old. Whether or not he merits the award in question is another question, but he’s captured the subjects well, given consideration to depth of field and composition, and made some striking images. Why so mean-spirited? These pictures may not be groundbreaking, but they’re not “very average” either.
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