From policing to photography

An ex detective who took up photography after retiring has been nominated for a national award.
Look into my eyes  by Michelle HowellLook into my eyes  by Michelle Howell
Look into my eyes by Michelle Howell

Michelle Howell, from Flockton, has been shortlisted in the Bird Photographer of The Year Awards.

Michelle, formerly of Wakefield CID, is in the running for creative imagery award, for her stunning owl portrait, pictured right.

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She said: “I’d always been interested in photography but didn’t have time to pursue it when I was in the police. I bought myself a DSLR camera shortly after retiring, joined Wakefield Camera Club, and it’s gone on from there since.

Red Poppies by Michelle HowellRed Poppies by Michelle Howell
Red Poppies by Michelle Howell

“The owl shot was taken at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield on a pocket camera. It just goes to show that the best camera is the one you have with you at the time.”

Michelle, who now runs a sailing firm with her husband Richard, was at Pugneys teaching navigation theory when she spotted the picture opportunity.

She added: “As I stepped outside at the end of the session I found that Wise Owl Bird of Prey Rescue Centre were exhibiting some of their birds.

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“Having taken my colour photograph, I then cropped it slightly in Photoshop which gave the owl a more menacing look. I changed it to mono and colour popped the orange eyes, before applying a special filter for the finished look. This image is my all time favorite.”

To see more of Michelle’s work visit www.facebook.com/Michelle.H.Photography1/or follow @mich_howell on twitter.

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