WEYMOUTH amateur photographer David Miller has won a national award at a ceremony in London.
Mr Miller, 37, a gas engineer by trade, is a keen follower of trail running, regularly attending events and taking photos of competitors.
His photo taken from an ultramarathon in France was selected as the People's Choice winner in the sports category of the British Photography Awards.
The snap was nominated for two awards, with one voted for by judges and one by members of the public, David's photograph was declared the public's favourite.
The photo won amongst a category of incredible photos from huge sporting moments including Argentina's World Cup Win, England Women's Euros win and Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon.
Mr Miller was presented with the award at a ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane in London.
He said the moment he found out his photograph was an award winner was a "surreal one".
"The two main categories for the awards are almost as good as each other, the judges have strong opinions but so do the public, people have strong opinions too.
"No one knew who the winners were, it was a complete surprise.
"It was surreal, sometimes these things just pan out, it is amazing," he said.
The award-winning photograph was taken at the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, an ultramarathon renowned as one of the most difficult foot races in the world.
The photograph depicts second-placed athlete Mathieu Blanchard collapsing at the finish line after completing the 106-mile course in under 20 hours.
Mr Miller gave thanks to his partner Anna, who gifted him his first DSLR camera during lockdown.
Since then, he has continued to master his craft, visiting ultramarathon races across Europe.
He said: "Anna has been a great support to me.
"She brought me a camera during lockdown and I didn't expect it would lead to this.
"I think I have probably always been a creative but I just didn't know it.
"It is lovely because I feel like that picture has done its rounds now and I can draw a line under it and see what is next.
"It feels like I have reached a height I have never reached before."
It is the second time the photograph has been up for an award, having received international acclaim for finishing in the top ten of the 'amateur' category of the World Sports Photography Awards in 2022.
Mr Miller gave thanks to everyone who voted, including Dorset Echo readers who helped him claim the prize.
He added: "Thank you for your support, it is really appreciated and I certainly won't forget it."
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