A WEST Dorset photographer has made an impression in a prestigious competition.

More than 3,700 photographers entered the British Photography Awards this year and West Bay's James Loveridge has been whittled down to the final three in the 'drone' category.

James, 28, entered his photo of a natural phenomenon at West Bay in which its cliffs were shrouded in rolling fog.

The photo has already been commended in Take a View’s Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards and published in a book.

It also received praise in the Outdoor Photographer of the Year Awards and featured on the cover of the Outdoor Photography Magazine.

The aerial time-lapse video James took alongside the photographs saw millions of views and was shown on TV news channels as far afield as the US, Australia and Sweden.

The British Photography Awards are a not-for-profit charity fundraiser which raise thousands of pounds for some of the most important charities in the country.

James said: "It's fantastic to get through to the finals and be invited to such a prestigious event with so many great photographers. It's a great competition to be a part of - 3,700 photographers entered this year, which has helped raise thousands of pounds for charities."

James, who has also put together a 2019 calendar of his favourite photos, says the drone images captured at West Bay are amongst his favourites.

“There are so many places I’ve discovered across Dorset that I may not have otherwise visited," he said. "I find it quite addictive to be constantly learning, trying to improve, finding new locations and taking better photographs.

“ I have a number of places I like to visit, some a lot more than others due to their proximity, but a simple yet great view I like is from the east pier at West Bay, looking along the coast towards Burton Bradstock.

“There are rare moments where the planning and perseverance pays off and you capture something spectacular that you can’t wait to share with other people.”

James will attend The British Photography Awards at The Savoy, London, in January.

For more information about his work, visit jamesloveridgephotography.co.uk