Picture credit: David Bladon

Photographer David Bladon triumphed in the contest which was hosted by the Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers.

David, who lives in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland said he was shocked to hear he had won.

The image came about after a frustrating day of sunshine and rain showers, during which David admits he had become ‘a bit bored’ in his quest for a quality photo.

‘Every time the sun broke through I’d search for insects and creatures that would make a decent macro shot,’ he said.

‘I actually have a series of these with the ladybird in different positions.

‘I used a small reflector to add in natural fill-light…’

The winning image was described as ‘bright, colourful and eye-catching’ by The Societies, an organisation for professional photographers which oversaw the competition.

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