A DEVLOPING photographer has seen off thousands of entrants from across the world to capture an international competition crown.

Jessica Chatburn, a former headgirl at Oakhill School in Whalley, was one of five winners at the Royal Photographic Society’s International Images for Science competition.

The 16-year-old, from Reedley, came first in the 17 and under category for her image of jellyfish named Swarms of Chrysaora Fuscescens.

Lancashire Telegraph:

There were 2,500 entries from across the world including as far afield as Malaysia and Australia, with only two British winners including Jessica.

The winning image was taken through the glass at the Monterey Aquarium during a family road trip to California when Jessica was just 14.

Out of the entrants, two of her photographs were selected to be included in the top 100 which will be exhibited across the country.

Jessica, who is now studying A-levels in maths, physics, chemistry and art at Nelson and Colne College, said: “I was 14 when I took that photo after getting the camera, a Nikon D3200, for my birthday.

“I was only just getting to grips with using it.

“I love taking photos because I love art and like combining photography with fine art.”

Jessica said she was encouraged to enter the competition by her former science teacher Sandra Stagg as part of Oakhill’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) programme.

“I did not think I would win. It was an international competition,” she said.

“It was only when I went to get my award that I realised two of my photographs were in the top 100 out of 2,500 photos across all age groups.

“It felt a bit unreal.

“I’m always taking photos even if it just on my phone and am thinking about entering the competition next year.

“It feels a bit weird to know people will be looking at my photos as part of the exhibition.”

Jessica, who wants to study architecture or engineering at university, was invited to a presentation evening at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London which was hosted by the Royal Photographic Society and Siemens.

She was awarded a gold medal and £500 to buy a camera or photography equipment.

n The photographs will be shown as part of the Manchester Science Festival at the Royal Exchange Theatre from October 22 to November 1.