The photographer's plan wasn't to capture a heron – but now her image is in the running for top photo prize

Summary

Michelle Jackson's monochrome image, Heron in Flight, is a finalist in the LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 Awards. The shot was taken spontaneously when a heron flew into her frame while she was waiting for kingfishers, requiring her to use fast shutter speeds set for her original subject. She converted the image to black and white to emphasize the bird's form and flight against a simple background. The awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026.

Key points

• An unexpected heron photo is a finalist for the LCE Photographer of the Year Awards.
• The photographer used fast shutter speeds intended for kingfishers to capture the heron.
• The image was converted to monochrome to focus on the bird's form and flight.
• The LCE Photographer of the Year Awards will be announced on March 15, 2026.