We all have our own take on what is special about Dorset. Often, top of that list is a stunning landscape that people hold dear to them.
During 2023 we partnered up with Dorset Magazine, to open the ‘Take a Dorset View’ Photo Competition and invited people to share their view of what makes Dorset so special.
With almost 700 photos entered by 126 photographers, the judges had a very difficult job choosing from such a wonderful selection of Dorset views. However, after much deliberation, we are delighted to announce the Winners of the Open and Youth Categories, who will receive vouchers totalling over £500, with kind support from Castle Cameras.
‘Take a Dorset View’ photo competition aimed to celebrate the outstanding landscapes of Dorset so the story doesn’t end here! By showcasing the winning images in the Dorset magazine 2024 calendar, a touring exhibition and new Explore leaflet, we look forward to sharing the love for Dorset’s landscapes far and wide over the coming year.
‘Take a Dorset View’ calendar will be free with the December issue of Dorset Magazine. Follow us on social media for news of the touring exhibition in 2024.
Phil lives in Bothenhampton and has been capturing the beauty of Dorset in photographs since moving here five years ago.
“Colmers Hill in Symondsbury is literally the backdrop to my life these days. It is pretty much the first thing I see everyday as our house looks straight across Bridport towards this iconic landmark. It is the subject of many, many pictures but not so much a location to take photographs from. As you can see it has commanding views for miles in the right conditions and with the added bonus of Digitalis season, what’s not to love? It is even more special to me now, as my daughter got married in St John the Baptist church, Symondsbury, featured in the picture, in June 23.”
Mark lives in Weymouth and has a interest in Local History, Natural History and Folklore and works at Dorset Museum.
“Living close to the South Dorset Ridgeway, I enjoy capturing the many moods of this ancient and enchanting landscape. Culliford Tree has always been a place with an air of mystery. This distinctive landmark, often referred to as the ‘Singing Barrow’ due to its association with folklore and the fairy realm, is, in fact, a Bronze Age burial mound. Additionally, during the medieval era, it served as a meeting point or moot, further enriching its historical significance.”
Jayne lives in the village of Wool with her family where she has lived for 8 years after moving from Cheshire. The photo was taken at sunset whilst enjoying a family picnic introducing visiting family members to our beautiful area.
“The picture shows my two daughters, my two granddaughters and my two nephews all enjoying the area.”
Have a look at our YOUTH category Winner, Runner-Ups and Commended entries to the Take a Dorset View photo competition, showcased on their own page.
This is the winning image, taken by Henry Pike.
Our 9 Open Category Highly Commended entries will also be featured in the Dorset Magazine 2024 calendar (free in the December 2023 issue) – the judges were pleased to see Dorset looking so stunning in all four seasons:
We would also like to give a special mention to the 22 Commended entries which caught the eye of the judges and will also be featured in the exhibition:
The exhibition will be shown at Dorset County Hospital in the Spring and the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Country Park in the Autumn – keep an eye on our social media posts for details!
