Young photographers from across Kingston and Richmond Boroughs have put their talent to good use in a showcase at Ham Fair, organised by Kingston Camera Club (KCC).

A number of students from schools in and around Ham submitted their images to KCC's Young Photographers Competition, comprising two groups: Juniors (10 to 12 years) and seniors (13 to 15 years).

The annual competition allows for two entries per photographer, and is organised by Jude Holmes, a member of Ham Fair Committee, together with Chris Kenward from KCC.

Thirty-two prints created with both cameras and smartphones made it to the competition's showcase at Ham Fair last month, where they faced the scrutiny of several of the club's most seasoned members.

With the freedom to choose whatever subject catches their eye, the students put on a wide and varied show for their audience – but winners had to be chosen.

Winning first place in the Juniors was Sara Straffi's image 'Reed Maze', an enticing and mysterious landscape of the oft-overlooked reed marshes of Ham Lands a stone's throw from the showcase itself.

'Reed Maze' by Sara Straffi. First place, Juniors category. (Photo: Sara Straffi via Kingston Camera Club)

Ten-year-old Fulton Bell from Fernhill Primary School came in a close second with his charming photo titled 'Seal at Holme' – a play-on-words that could earn him a place as Nub News' next headline writer.

'Seal at Holme' by Fulton Bell. Second place, Juniors category. (Photo: Fulton Bell via Kingston Camera Club)

Meanwhile, the macro photographers from Ham's German School made a clean-sweep in the Seniors category, with Naia Rogg's abstract shot taking poll position for its mind-bending composition.

'Brush Stroke' by Naia Rogg. First place, Seniors category. (Photo: Naia Rogg via Kingston Camera Club)

Following in second place was Yoshi Wickenhauser's entry, 'Gallery Visit'. The image's delightful self-referential quality clearly gave the judges plenty to discuss while making their decisions.

'Gallery Visit' by Yoshi Wickenhauser. Second place, Seniors category. (Photo: Yoshi Wickenhauser via Kingston Camera Club)

A further two Young Photographer Competition entrants were awarded third place, while several others received 'Highly Commended' awards in a testament to the talent of south west London's young people.

The winners of each category were rewarded for their creativity with a copy of their prints, framed by Sharon Mehta of Rhiannon Framing. 

Vouchers and certificates were presented to the other prize-winners by Kingston Camera Club President, Philip Quarry FRPS.

The generously-donated prizes included vouchers from a number of Kingston businesses, including Snappy Snaps, Kristal Digital Imaging, Cass Art and Rhiannon Framing.

Organiser and KCC member Chris Kenward commented: "The young photographers show impressively keen photographic and creative skills at such an early age."

Kingston Camera Club meets in term time on Monday evenings 7:30pm for an 8.00pm start, running until 10pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Church Road, Ham, TW10 5HG. Further information is available on their website here.