Simon Roberts was named overall winner of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s annual photography competition with his image of a dipper feeding its chicks.
The photograph will appear on the cover of the charity’s 2027 wildlife calendar.
Mr Roberts said: “It’s always great to have someone enjoy the images which I love taking and especially if I can help the Wildlife Trust to promote their activities and make a bit of much-needed money for them.”
He explained that capturing the winning shot took patience and dedication.
Mr Roberts said: “This image was made by spending many mornings shivering in my waders just after dawn in the beck which runs past our home.
“It was a pleasure to be able to follow the dippers building a nest, then feeding the chicks who fledged and eventually went off on their own.
“It was one of many, but I think shows the excitement in the chicks’ eyes, seeing a parent return with breakfast.”
This is not his first success in the competition—he also won in 2022 with an image of an osprey that featured on the cover of the 2023 calendar.
Mr Roberts has also achieved recognition in a competition that attracted more than 650,000 entries and raised £50,000 for a children’s charity in Africa.
Fred Bell, another member of Keswick Photographic Society, also saw his work recognised.
Two of his images were selected for the Friends of the Lake District’s 2027 calendar, with one also chosen for a greetings card.
Mr Bell said: “I love taking photos of the Lake District and Solway coast.
“They have shown appreciation of my photos for a few years now.
“It is always uplifting when someone appreciates my photos.”
Both photographers credited Keswick Photographic Society for helping them develop their skills.
Mr Bell described the club as “a very good club that warmly welcomes people of all standards of photography” and praised members for sharing their “easy-going expertise”.
Mr Roberts said: “My secret is Keswick Photographic Society, which has helped me a lot, both in taking better pictures, but also in preparing them to win competitions.
“As well as a great bunch of people, there are some very experienced international award-winners who are more than happy to share their hard-won expertise.”
Keswick Photographic Society has particular strength in nature and wildlife photography.
The society welcomes photographers of all abilities and will begin its new season in September.
Mr Roberts, who is organising the club’s winter programme, said: “I love capturing unique moments in nature, both in Cumbria and more exotic locations, and hope others continue to enjoy seeing them through my lens.”