{"id":538887,"date":"2026-03-15T22:52:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T22:52:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/538887\/"},"modified":"2026-03-15T22:52:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T22:52:24","slug":"the-photographers-plan-wasnt-to-capture-a-heron-but-now-her-image-is-in-the-running-for-top-photo-prize","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/538887\/","title":{"rendered":"The photographer’s plan wasn’t to capture a heron \u2013 but now her image is in the running for top photo prize"},"content":{"rendered":"

The photographer didn’t even intend to capture a heron that morning \u2013 she was waiting for kingfishers. But instinct, timing, and lightning-fast reflexes turned an unexpected visitor into a contender for the LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 Awards.<\/p>\n

Michelle Jackson<\/a>‘s image Heron in Flight is a stunning black-and-white capture of the bird gliding low over the canal, wings spread with effortless grace.<\/p>\n

Join the announcement<\/p>\n

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\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 Awards will be announced on March 15, 2026, from 14:00 to 14:45 on the Creator Stage at the Photography & Video Show. For more info, visit the show’s website. <\/a><\/p>\n

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Having her camera set up for fast action, intended for kingfishers, Jackson quickly made the decision to capture the heron’s elegant low-level flight in sharp detail against a simplified, monochrome background.<\/p>\n

Article continues below <\/p>\n

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Because sometimes, the best photographs come when you least expect them… and when you’re ready to react!<\/p>\n

The winners will be announced at The Photography & Video Show 2026 in Birmingham \u2013 and yes, photography fans can watch the action unfold in person! In the meantime, let’s take a look at why this photograph is a top contender.<\/p>\n

Finalist in the category: Birds<\/p>\n

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\"Canon
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The Canon EOS R6 Mark II features 40fps speed \u2013 a top tier specification, ideal for bird and wildlife photography (Image credit: Canon)<\/p>\n

Heron in Flight by Michelle Jackson<\/p>\n

Tech info
Gear: Canon EOS R6 Mark II<\/a> + EF 70-200mm f\/2.8L USM<\/a> + 1.4x III extender
<\/a>Exposure: 1\/3200 sec, f\/4, ISO 1250<\/p>\n

Jackson explains, “The heron was captured very early morning flying at low level close to the canal bank. I was on the opposite side waiting for kingfishers when the heron flew into my scene, it was too good an opportunity to miss and capture at a low-level flight.<\/p>\n

“I turned it to mono to avoid background distractions and to fully focus on the bird itself. It was taken with Canon<\/a> equipment R6 Mk2 with the rf 100-500mm set at approx. 300mm and I was using a monopod.<\/p>\n

“My settings were set up in manual and set up for a fast shutter speed for the kingfisher. I didn’t have time to reduce my shutter speed as I would have missed the shot as I said I didn’t want to miss the opportunity of this graceful flight.”<\/p>\n

What to read next<\/p>\n

Why it could win<\/p>\n

1. Low-level perspective
Capturing the heron at low altitude near the canal emphasizes grace and elegance while maintaining a connection to the environment.<\/p>\n

2. Minimalist monochrome
The black-and-white tones eliminate distractions, focusing attention solely on the bird’s form and wing movement.<\/p>\n

3. Exceptional timing and preparedness
The photographer reacted instantly, maintaining manual settings optimized for fast shutter speed, ensuring the fleeting opportunity was captured.<\/p>\n

4. Clean composition and motion clarity
The sharp detail of the heron against a simplified background highlights flight geometry and natural poise.<\/p>\n

The LCE POTY Awards<\/p>\n

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For more information, visit the\u00a0LCE POTY website.<\/a> (Image credit: LCE POTY 2026)<\/p>\n

The LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 Awards, organized by photo retailer London Camera Exchange, celebrate outstanding photography across 14 diverse categories, including landscape, portrait, macro, street, and more.<\/p>\n

Open to photographers of all experience levels, the free-to-enter competition features a \u00a310,000 prize fund, a People’s Choice Award, and an Emerging Talent Award.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit the LCE POTY website.<\/a><\/p>\n

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