The winning shot of Buttermere at dawn. Photo: Les Ellingham

A picture of Buttermere shot at dawn has won the annual photographic competition run by the Wainwright Society.

And a mono image of Langdale Pikes was deemed runner-up in the contest.

The 2020 competition, which was open to all members of the society and their families, was judged by acclaimed photographer and film-maker Terry Abraham.

The Wainwright Society promotes the study of the works of the late author and artist Alfred Wainwright, famed for his series of Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells.

Top prize in the contest went to Les Ellingham for his image entitled Early Morning Buttermere.

Mr Abraham said of the photograph: “This tree on the shores of Buttermere has to be one of the most photographed in all of Lakeland, and deservedly so.

“This is a superb image and wonderfully composed. What makes this stand out for me is the colour, too. Given where Buttermere lies amongst the fells, any of that gorgeous dawn light on offer doesn’t hit the valley bottoms due to the sun’s position on the far horizon.

“However, in this case the broken cloud in the sky helps to bounce the light and colours onto the mirror-like lake. A fantastic photo which only makes me wish to be there at that exact time to see it myself with my own eyes.”

The image of the Langdale Pikes won second prize. Photo: Derek Leak

Derek Leak’s monochrome shot, Langdale Pikes from Silver How, won second prize, with the judge commenting that it put him in mind of Wainwright’s original pen-and-ink sketches.

Mr Abraham said: “I’ll admit I rarely consider capturing black-and-white photos of the fells, but this wonderful image of the Langdale Pikes has encouraged me to think again.

“The detail and shadow almost make me believe this scene is in colour and reminds me of AW’s drawings, too. There’s something wonderfully brutal about this photo that conveys the grandeur of these iconic fells. A much-deserved runner-up.”

Terry Abraham is an honorary member of the Wainwright Society. Entries for the competition had to be taken before 2020 and feature areas associated with the late author, such as the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Howgills, Pennines or the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.