Lake District Photo Comp Launches

Life in the OUTDOORSmagic gallery is looking decidedly picturesque at the moment - and OM isn't the only place with a taste for mountain photography either. The Lake District Guide has just launched its second photography competition - after last year's success - and wants to see your pics of Cumbrian field, fell, and maybe even the odd patch of swirling mist, not that we're saying anything about the Cumbrian weather:-)

The prize for the best photo is £500 - with a £250 runner's up prize - which isn't quite as good as our offer of five pairs of Bridgedale socks each month, but it's a start :-)

The competition organisers say: "we are keen to encourage this year's photographers to be as creative as possible and to keep an eye out for those more unusual shots of the Lakes... The unexpected photo can always bring a fresh viewpoint and a new appreciation of the familiar."

Wise words, but the average photographic punter should rest assured that the beautiful landscape pics you can take all over the Lake District on a fine day are just as welcome - all photos will be judged equally at the end of the competition. People, places and muddy fell races, are all suitable subjects.

If you want to get a spot of inspiration from last year's competition, the past winners' photos are all live on the web, and terms and conditions of this year's competition are available too.

To enter, simply email your photos in .bmp or .jpg formate to competitions@lake-district-guides.co.uk along with details of the location and confirmation that you took the photo yourself rather than, erm, borrowing it from Colin Prior. If you can remember the time and date when you took the photo then pop that in the email as well, although that's not compulsory - no one's checking there was a rainbow over Coniston water on the day you say there was:-)

The closing date isn't until 31st October 2007 which leaves loads of time to catch the perfect light over your favourite Lakeland spot.

Good luck!