YWP Podcast - Season 6 Episode 2 - Jamie Smart: Just 10 Years Old & Already Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year

At just 10 years old, Jamie Smart has already achieved something most wildlife photographers only dream of: being crowned Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum in London.

But this conversation is about far more than an award.

Jamie is one of those young photographers who reminds us that age does not limit the way someone can see, feel, and understand the natural world. Behind her winning image is a young storyteller with genuine curiosity, patience, and a beautifully observant eye for wildlife.

In what honestly felt like one of my most special conversations yet, we spoke about the moments that first sparked Jamie’s love for nature, the way she approaches photography, and what it feels like to have her work recognised on one of the biggest wildlife photography stages in the world.

For YWP, this episode feels especially meaningful because it reflects so much of what we believe in: that young photographers are not just “up-and-coming” voices for the future. They are already here, already seeing deeply, already telling stories, and already making a real impact through their images.

We also reflected on the powerful image of Jamie standing alongside legendary wildlife photographer Wim van den Heever, a moment that felt incredibly special to me, especially knowing that Wim’s son Juan is a close friend of mine.

This is a conversation about wonder, creativity, quiet observation, and the magic of seeing the wild through fresh eyes.

Jamie may only be 10, but her voice in wildlife photography already feels beautifully authentic, and this is a conversation I think the YWP community will really connect with.

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Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza