BUDDING photographer Samuel Rodman is a right Royal photo comp winner.
Samuel got so close to the Queen during her visit to the King's School last July that 'he could have kissed her' said his proud mum Rachel.
And it was a last minute decision by Sam's mum to send in the photographs to the King's School's Royal Visit Photography competition.
Now the family has won a portrait sitting at Brian Ollier's renowned studio worth over £1,000.
At the invite of the King's School, Macclesfield Express Editor Mike Quilley and photographer John Mountain selected Sam's entry from among hundreds taken by amateur enthusiasts on the day.
Photographer John, who was part of the official party of local and national newshounds, said: "The Queen's wide brimmed hat was real headache for all the photographers on the day.
"Sam's picture has the virtue of shooting from underneath the brim and of course is remarkably close to the subject."
He added: "We didn't know Sam was aged just 10 when we chose the winner and that he naturally had the benefit of being of slightly smaller stature, but nonetheless it is an excellent, close-up picture of the monarch of which any professional would have been proud."
Sam, from Legh Road, Prestbury, who at the moment would prefer a career as a rugby union player, and is in Macclesfield under-10 team, said: "It was a brilliant day.
"There were quite a few children there from King's Juniors, and the Royal Party treated us like royalty."
He added: "Everyone went out of their way to make sure that we got very close and the Queen didn't mind at all when I took her picture, even though she was so close. In fact I think she actually stopped to make sure I got a good shot."
His mum though had the final word.
"I sent in a picture I had taken myself, but Sam's was judged to be better," mum Rachel said.
"I'll probably not hear the last of it. However, it was a fantastic day that we shall all remember for the rest of our lives."
