Simbithi’s Haydn McClure recently won two major international accolades with this stunning shot titled ‘Little Bee’.

The Grade 11 pupil at Ashton International College Ballito earned first place in the Colour Choice category and Best of Show in the prestigious Photographic Society of America Youth Showcase competition, which attracted entries from around the world. He won a US$300 prize for his efforts and his photograph will be displayed at the International Youth Showcase Photo Festival in Las Vegas from September 16-19 and in the PSA’s September journal.

Haydn is an avid birder and wildlife photographer and loves spending time snapping in the bush with his family. His award-winning shot, which captures a Little bee-eater tossing a bee in the air in order to swallow it, was captured closer to home, however.

“Most of my best images are taken on trips to South Africa’s best reserves, but this one was taken at a dam near Mt Richmore in Salt Rock,” he said.

“Patience and timing combined allowed me to capture the shot.”

Another Ashton pupil, Tavaria Rajoo, also received an acceptance in the PSA showcase.