Sam Rowley knew he had something special as soon as he snapped this picture of a stag with a crown of bracken in its antlers silhouetted against the rising sun in Richmond Park.

The 15-year-old Kew resident and wildlife enthusiast had dragged himself and his mum out of bed to visit the park last year so he could grab some photographs of red deer in the morning light.

The early start paid off this week when Sam was announced as the winner of the 12 to 14 years category of the Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, at a ceremony at the Natural History Museum on Wednesday night.

The prestigious competition, run by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine, attracted a record 43,135 entries from 94 countries this year.

Sam described the awards night as “the highlight night of the year for me” and said he was excited to have his work on display at the Natural History Museum as part of a special competition exhibition.

Noted wildlife photographer and competition judge, Brian Skerry, said Sam's picture, titled Royal Headgear, was an “unusual portrait” that displayed a “striking view and powerful light and texture”.

Sam's photograph will be on display at the museum until April next year, after which the exhibiit will tour around the UK and overseas.

This is the second time Sam's talent has been recognised in the competition – in 2007 he received a highly commended in the same category.

Sam is also in the running to take out the people's choice category in the RSPCA's young photographer awards for 2009, with votes closing on December 11.

Check out his work at sam-rowley.com.

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