Adam's in the frame for photography success

Meet the north coast's very own David Bailey...! Little Adam Bustard may be only 11-years-old but the Mill Strand Integrated pupil is quite literally '˜in the frame' for success.
Adam Bustard.Adam Bustard.
Adam Bustard.

Since he was just nine-years-old Adam who lives in Portballintrae has lived and breathed photography after getting interested in the hobby while enjoying his second love, motorcycling.

Both Adam and his proud mum Jane have always shared an interest in motorbike racing and both attend as many road races and short circuit events as they can to continue with his photography dreams.

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Last year Adam saved up his pocket money to buy his own camera having used his mum’s for the past few years. And armed with his new camera, this year Adam has taken photos at such events as the Mid Antrim 150, the Armoy Road Races, the North West 200, and the Ulster Grand Prix, as well as the Tandragee 100 and Cookstown 100 races.

One of Adam between all the other photographers at Cookstown - he's the wee one in the red and black top...!One of Adam between all the other photographers at Cookstown - he's the wee one in the red and black top...!
One of Adam between all the other photographers at Cookstown - he's the wee one in the red and black top...!

As a result of his creativity and passion, Adam has also met many of the great names in road racing and has quite a collection of autographs. One of his honours was taking a picture of Malachi Mitchell-Thomas on the Saturday morning of the NW200, just before the tragic accident that took his life.

Mum Jane said: “He just loves taking pictures especially of motorbike racing, both short circuit and road racing.

“Adam’s taken many great motorbike racing photos, both in the paddock and of the racers on the track and he’s had some of the top riders liking them on Facebook and some even asking for a copy!

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“His bedroom walls are totally adorned with photos and articles from the magazine Road Racing Ireland, as well as plenty of his own photos.

English rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas that Adam took Saturday morning of the NW200, just before the tragic accident that took his lifeEnglish rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas that Adam took Saturday morning of the NW200, just before the tragic accident that took his life
English rider Malachi Mitchell-Thomas that Adam took Saturday morning of the NW200, just before the tragic accident that took his life

“His dream is to have some of his photos published allowing him to get accreditation for when he is old enough to apply for a Media Pass for some of the events.

“He’s also hoping he’ll get some of his photographs into some programmes for next year’s events.”

However not only fascinated with motorcycling, Adam also loves taking pictures of anything and everything and is hoping to get a Facebook page or a blog set up soon, solely for his photographs so everyone can view them as he believes photography is for sharing.

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Jane added: “Adam just loves to take photos of all kinds, and took some recently at the Airshow. He has a great talent and his family are all very proud of him.

“I know that seeing his pictures in print in the Times newspaper, will be the start of his strive for success and a tremendous achievement for Adam.”

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