A TEENAGE photographer’s all-action snap has gone on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Michaela Swann’s picture of a motorcycle stunt team in mid-air got her through to the finals of the BBC’s Blast Sports Photography Competition.
And although she missed out on the top prize, the 16-year-old Ellesmere Port resident said: “I still feel like a winner because I reached the finals, my picture is on display and we got to go to London.”
As well as the Gallery honour, Michaela also won a photography masterclass with snapper Gisela Torres. Their subject was England rugby player Shane Geraghty, who took part in the win over France in last year’s Six Nations.
Michaela said: “I first took part in a jumping stunt show about seven years ago, where I was chosen for the motorbikes to jump over me.
“My eyes were tightly closed, but I now wished I had my camera with me.
“It took me many attempts to capture all three motorbikes in mid-air. Watching how much air they got was really breathtaking.”
Now Michaela, of Cambridge Road, wants to make a career out of photography. She said: “I never go anywhere without a camera.
“I enjoy taking photos of anything and everything – from squirrels in the park to rubbish pulled out of the canal.
“But sports photography is my main favourite. It makes me feel proud when someone has pleasure from looking at my photos.”
To see Michaela’s photograph visit www.bbc.co.uk/blast/showcase/art/labelled/sportphotocomp/37236
