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Cheshire Through the Lens

Cheshire Photography Competition 2026: Winning images to be exhibited across the County

A stunning collection of photographs celebrating Cheshire’s countryside will be exhibited across the county this autumn, giving visitors the opportunity to see the winning images from the 2026 CPRE Cheshire photography competition.

The winning photographs were selected by award-winning photojournalist Howard Barlow, who praised the quality, composition and atmosphere of this year’s entries. Following their publication in Cheshire Life, the photographs will now be displayed at three venues across the county.

See the Cheshire photography competition winners

The exhibition will feature the winning and runner-up photographs from the different categories. As a result, visitors will have the opportunity to discover a diverse collection of images showcasing Cheshire’s landscapes, wildlife and rural character.

PLATFORMGallery, Crewe

6–31 October

Storyhouse, Chester

5–17 November

Macclesfield Library

1–11 December

Celebrating Cheshire’s countryside through photography

The Cheshire photography competition celebrates the landscapes, wildlife and special places that make the region unique. Whether you live in Crewe, Chester, Macclesfield or further afield, the autumn exhibition provides an opportunity to see these remarkable photographs in person.

Our photography competition brings these special places into focus, encouraging people to see, appreciate and connect with the countryside around them.

Cheshire Landscapes

Paul Downey — Overall Winner +18

Congratulations to Paul Downey for ‘Wild garlic at Hob Hey Wood’, Frodsham.

‘This photograph has a magical quality, making the viewer feel enveloped in the soft greenery of the wood. One can almost smell the wild garlic. Great composition and natural colours. The large leaves framing the foreground and the fact that there is no skyline give the feeling of being enclosed’ – Howard Barlow

‘Oliver has taken a beautifully crisp image, with the shallow depth of the field throwing the background into soft focus. I particularly liked the gorgeous soft light and great composition, with the strong diagonal of the branch adding interest’ – Howard Barlow

Nature on Your Doorstep

Oliver Farley — Overall Winner (13-17)

Well done Oliver !

This photograph was particularly liked by Judge Howard Barlow:

“Oliver has taken a beautifully crisp image, with the shallow depth of the field throwing the background into soft focus. I particularly liked the gorgeous soft light and great composition, with the strong diagonal of the branch adding interest”