The Young Photographer of the Year Award, introduced just a few years ago, has quickly become a vibrant platform for emerging talent, celebrating fresh perspectives and a new generation of visual storytellers. With each passing year, the standard continues to rise, bringing an exciting array of powerful and thought-provoking imagery. It has been fantastic to watch this award grow and to witness the creativity it inspires.
This year, the title goes to Arthur Allan, who was just 17 when he captured his winning image of Cornish Choughs, Rubbing Shoulders on Gwennap Head. Arthur submitted several breathtaking wildlife photographs, making the judging process no easy task. Choosing just one standout image proved incredibly challenging. We’re delighted to share some of his other entries alongside this feature.
Winning image by Arthur Allan
‘Rubbing Shoulders on Gwennap Head’, West Cornwall
Arthur has kindly shared the story behind his winning image with us.
“This photograph was taken on the Coast Path from Porthcurno to Gwenapp Head on the grasslands below the footpath on the edge of the cliff on Saturday, 27th September 2025.
I was lying down within the heather and gorse whilst waiting and watching this pair of Cornish Choughs feeding on worms. I began experimenting with angles and I followed the pair for around two hours. I made sure not to disturb them and kept a good distance. I stayed extremely still whilst laying down around 5 metres away from the Choughs on the cliff edge.
They began coming closer to me as time went on as they realised I wasn’t a threat. This allowed me to get some extremely close up shots of these beautiful birds. I was watching the two Cornish Choughs feeding and then realised that they were about to cross paths. I felt that being able to capture two Choughs in one frame would be extraordinary as these birds are still in low population despite conservation efforts. This is changing however, as I witnessed several nesting sites that were ready for when mating starts. Before I took the shot I had several seconds to get my settings ready and then rotated my camera so that it was portrait to best capture the choughs socialising.
To take this photograph, I used a Nikon d500, a 1.4x Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E2, and a Nikon 300mm F4E Pf Ed Vr AF-S lens. This is a lightweight camera setup that has an overall focal length of 630mm due to the teleconverter, the 300mm from the lens and the 1.5x crop factor from the APS-C sensor within the Nikon d500. This giant focal length allows me to shoot 630mm with an aperture of f5.6. Compared to large 600mm prime lenses, this setup allows me to carry around my equipment easily, whilst being able to hand-hold my camera without needing a tripod. This allows me to change angles and settings extremely quickly and is a key contributor to how I was able to capture this shot in time. I specifically selected this gear to have a portable but professional setup.
I couldn’t believe the shot I had captured; I was so pleased. My heart was racing, but I remained still so as not to scare the Choughs away. This was one of my favourite wildlife encounters, as the Cornish Chough almost went extinct before conservation efforts were made. I felt extremely lucky to witness this rare species. I am really happy I could capture this special moment.
I am an avid wildlife photographer and I really enjoy spending time surrounded by nature. Cornwall is one of the best places in the UK to find and capture unique wildlife such as these Cornish Choughs. I have always enjoyed the environment. In my future I want to become a wildlife filmmaker and photographer to capture the behaviour of species on our planet and to remind people of the issues that are occurring that damage the environment. I am extremely passionate about my goals towards protecting the natural world which is why I am going to Bangor University to study Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and then hopefully go onto do a Masters in Wildlife Filmmaking at UWE Bristol.
I want to build my portfolio but also share my passion through my photography, which is why I entered this competition. I want to show off the beauty of Cornwall, and I try to do this through social media. This photograph shows the Cornish Choughs, which represent Cornwall’s beauty, and they are the symbol of Cornwall on the Kernow Coat of Arms.
These Cornish Choughs were walking through the heather, which I found extremely interesting to watch, and it shows that the South West Coast Path isn’t just for people but also for animals to inhabit. Even the Choughs enjoy walking the coastal path.
When I received the email saying that I had won, I was completely in shock, then unbelievably excited. I have only ever entered two photography competitions, but because I want to build my portfolio and help make a name for myself whilst sharing the beauty of the environment, I entered this competition. I was so happy when I realised I had won because this is helping my dream of becoming a wildlife filmmaker/photographer as well as an ambassador for the protection of the environment come true.
I have been waiting in suspense for months to see if I had even made it to the first round of the competition, and when I saw the email that I had won, I was overjoyed!”
Arthur’s dedication, patience, and clear passion for the natural world shine through not only in this remarkable image but throughout his work. His story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with curiosity, respect for wildlife, and a keen creative eye.
Congratulations, Arthur, on a truly deserving win. We look forward to seeing where your journey in wildlife photography and filmmaking takes you next—and have no doubt it will be an exciting one.
The South West Coast Path 