Celebrating Creativity: Our Church Photograph Competition Winners

Over the past few months, members of our church and wider community have been capturing glimpses of beauty, faith, and everyday wonder through the lens of a camera. The theme of this year’s Photograph Competition was “Images from the Local Area”—an invitation to notice and celebrate the places we call home.

We were truly moved by the entries. Each photograph told a story—of light and stillness, of connection and care. The decision was incredibly difficult, with so many fantastic submissions. After much reflection, the judges selected three standout images, along with one highly commended entry:

🥇 First Place: “Canal Morning” by Helen Hopkins – a breath taking image of mist rising over the canal, with sunlight streaming through the trees and narrowboats resting quietly in the stillness. Helen’s photograph captures a moment of deep peace and gentle light, reminding us of the sacred in the everyday.



🥈 Second Place: “Village Path” by Jasmin Turner – a beautifully framed view from beneath a stone bridge, revealing a quiet canal-side path, traditional stone houses, and the soft reflections of a peaceful morning. Jasmin’s image invites us to pause and notice the grace woven into our surroundings.



🥉 Third Place: “Splash of Joy” by Victoria Crowley – a delightful capture of a child splashing through shallow water in red boots, with reflections of sky and trees dancing around them. Victoria’s photograph celebrates the freedom and wonder of childhood, and the joy found in simple moments.



🌟 Highly Commended: “Cononley from Above” by Lukasz Serafin – a stunning aerial view of the village blanketed in snow, with fields, stone walls, and rooftops gently outlined beneath a clear winter sky. Lukasz’s drone photograph offers a fresh perspective on familiar ground, revealing the quiet beauty of our landscape from above.



All winning and commended photographs will be displayed in St Andrew's Church during Advent, and the photographers will be contacted shortly about their prizes.

We’re also thrilled to announce that the winning images—along with a selection of other entries—will feature in our 2026 Church Calendar, available soon. Details of where to purchase will be published shortly.

We offer heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part. Your creativity has brought joy and inspiration to our church family, and we look forward to more opportunities to celebrate the gifts among us.