The photographer didn't even intend to capture a heron that morning – 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.
Michelle Jackson'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. Originally set up to capture fast kingfisher shots, Jackson quickly adjusted her camera to capture the heron in sharp detail against a simplified monochrome background.
Because sometimes, the best photographs come when you least expect them... and when you're ready to react!
Finalist in the category: Birds
Heron in Flight by Michelle Jackson
Tech info
Gear: Canon EOS R6 Mark II + EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM + 1.4x III extender
Exposure: 1/3200 sec, f/4, ISO 1250
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.
"I turned it to mono to avoid background distractions and to fully focus on the bird itself. It was taken with Canon equipment R6 Mk2 with the rf 100-500mm set at approx. 300mm and I was using a monopod.
"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."
Why it could win
1. Low-level perspective
Capturing the heron at low altitude near the canal emphasizes grace and elegance while maintaining a connection to the environment.
2. Minimalist monochrome
The black-and-white tones eliminate distractions, focusing attention solely on the bird's form and wing movement.
3. Exceptional timing and preparedness
The photographer reacted instantly, maintaining manual settings optimized for fast shutter speed, ensuring the fleeting opportunity was captured.
4. Clean composition and motion clarity
The sharp detail of the heron against a simplified background highlights flight geometry and natural poise.
Black-and-white wildlife photography
While many photographers aim to capture wildlife in a true-to-life, realistic way, creating a monochrome image is equally compelling.
In black-and-white, the focus moves to exploring artistic qualities. Light, texture, and form take center stage, emphasizing details such as fur, feathers, skin, or horns. The absence of color draws attention to structure and movement, and adds a timeless quality.
Monochrome images can be dramatic, especially when shot in high-contrast light, making the subject visually pop against its surroundings. But they can also be subtle and almost romantic, like Heron in Flight, making the bird appear balanced and stand out gently against a muted background.
Update
Heron in Flight didn't take the top spot in the Birds category at the LCE Photographer of the Year competition. At the live awards ceremony at The Photography & Video Show 2026, it faced strong competition, including In the Company of Gannets by Frank Urban and A Gazing Owlet by Louise Norris, with the latter ultimately crowned the category winner.
To discover more winning images, visit the LCE POTY website.
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