THIS breathtaking shot, captured early one morning, has seen off hundreds of ent-ries to win the Daily Echo photo contest.

The stunning entry, taken by Ian Alcock, won a public vote to earn its place in our eagerly-awaited Dorset: A Photographic Journey 2012 book.

Ian, 48, visited his chosen spot behind the Smugglers Inn three days in a row but had just five minutes to get the prize-winning moment.

Mr Alcock, who works for a digital online solutions company, said: “I love the falls there but this was my first time photographing it.

“I just noticed how perfect it looked with the sun rising at that time of year.

“On my third morning I only had five minutes really to capture the sun. When you see a picture in your mind you’re just waiting for the sky to be right.”

Ian, who uses a Canon 5D Mark 2, also wins £100 to spend at Castle Cameras in Winton and has splashed out on a new macro lens.

The Dorchester resident said: “I’m over the moon that people like the photo.

“I never realised you could enter to get your photos in an Echo book before, so I thought I’d give it a go.”

He also contributes to our Flickr group and says he has had good feedback.

“I’d say photography was more a passion than just a hobby,” he added.

The book will feature beautiful views of Dorset as well as a special section for the Olympic sailing in Weymouth and <&bh"http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/?search=Portland">Portland<&eh>.

It follows hot on the heels of our last hugely popular publication, Dorset and the New Forest, which made many bookshops’ Christmas bestsellers lists.

You can view more of Ian’s photos at mydigital eye.ads124.co.uk.