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#contest all competition - The UK Free Photo Competition Under 12 years brief

Don't you just hate it when you want to enter a competition and you're not old enough? Are you mad about photography and want to share your best photos? If you are going to be under 12 years old on 5 September 2011 then this is the category for you!

We’re looking for fab photos of the animals around you – beautiful or funny images that tell a story about an animal and show their characteristics. Most of all it’s about celebrating animals and showing what you like about them and why you think they are interesting!

Even if you’ve never taken a photo before, why not give it a go and get snapping!

The UK Free Photo Competition Under 12 years prizes

The winner of the under 12s * category will receive an exclusive photoshoot at an RSPCA centre, a Young Photographer Award Trophy, an Olympus VR 310 camera, a certificate and a special goody bag, plus a £50 voucher to spend at the finest toy shop in the world, Hamleys.

* The runner up in the under 12s category will receive an Olympus VG 130 camera , a certificate and a special goody bag.

* Highly commended finalists will receive a certificate and a special goody bag.

* All finalists will be invited to the award ceremony on 16th December at the Tower of London, where wildlife presenter and film maker, Simon King OBE, will present the awards.

Getting started of UK Free Photo Competition Under 12 years

It doesn’t matter whether it’s on your garden, school, local park or a trip to Africa – there are animals all around us! When you’re thinking about what you’d like to photograph, consider the following ideas:

* Location – is there a place or area that you really like? It could be your back garden, a local park or anywhere you go to see wildlife, farm animals or pets.

* Animal – do you love a particular farm or wild animal or have a favourite pet that you’d really like to take a photo of? Maybe you like watching birds in flight or waiting patiently to spot a fox?

* Theme – is there an idea or theme you’d like to focus on? This could be anything like water, air, land or mammals, animal protection or movement.

* Mood – you can create a variety of moods or atmospheres, depending on how you take the photo. Maybe you like dark brooding compositions, or bright and airy surroundings with lots of movement!

There’s loads more advice including tips from Chris Packham and RSPCA Chief Photographer, Andrew Forsyth, in our photo tips section. So whether you're popping out to the shops, visiting your local wildlife centre or park, or just playing in the back garden, take your camera with you because you never know when a photo opportunity might arise!

Check out our galleries section for inspiration and to see all the finalist photos from previous years. Last years’ winner and runner up in the Under 12s category was Alicia Hayden, for her amazing photos of the Dancing Hoverfly (above) and Mother Blackfly Aphid and Babies.

Over the years there has been a range of winning subjects in this category including big cats, dogs, birds and spiders. There are so many different angles, colours, positions and framing options you can choose from.

Entering the UK Free Photo Competition Under 12 years

Please remember that whilst we love receiving your great images we don't want you to put yourself in any danger getting that perfect shot, so when you are out and about snapping please don't ever put your safety at risk.

You can enter up to five photos into this category and don't forget to tell us a bit about the photo, where you took it, why you like the photo and why you think it is a winner!

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the rules...

* Entry is free.

* Don’t photoshop or change your image, we like them just the way they are.

* Make sure you have taken the photo you entered; entering someone else’s photo is not allowed.

* If you are aged 16 or under you will be asked for a parents/guardians e-mail address when you register. An e-mail will then be sent to your parent or guardian with a link to activate your account and agree to the rules, without this you won’t be able to upload photos.

* Only create one account, if you create more than one you may be disqualified.

* Upload the biggest file you have of your photo, but no bigger than 10MB.

* Please give each photo a title and write a description, these are used at the judging stage and are helpful to the judges to understand your thoughts behind your photo.

* Remember that when a photo is uploaded it is entered into the competition and cannot be changed.

* Make sure you upload your pictures before 00.01am on Tuesday 6 September 2011 (GMT) otherwise it will be too late.

UK Free Photo Competition Under 12 years website: http://ypa.rspca.org.uk/categories/under-12-years/