As part of the Love Lancashire series of features, Melanie Disley speaks to three photographers about what makes the county such a special place to capture through the lens. 

Rolling hills, stunning coastline and the people.

Those are just a few of the things that make three Lancashire photographers proud to live here ­— and what drives them to explore all corners of the county to snap stunning photographs.

Here is a selection of their favourite images, from a sunset at St Annes and Preston Dock at night to an honesty shop for eggs, near Edgworth, and the majestic Mormon temple that is a familiar sight to drivers along the M61.

Father and son photography team, Stuart Quinn and son Caden, 15, take photographs under a feline guise known as Cottontown Cat.

An honesty shop for eggs on High Street, Chapeltown, near Edgworth, by Cottontown Cat

An honesty shop for eggs on High Street, Chapeltown, near Edgworth, by Cottontown Cat

Stuart, who lives in Blackburn, said: "The story of the Cottontown Cat is one of a stray cat who wanders around and sees things that most people miss as they hurry past. There is beauty in the ordinary, and adventure in the routine. In Lancashire, photographers are blessed with a combination of picturesque countrysides, dramatic coastlines, and both historic and contemporary architecture.

"But what makes us most proud of Lancashire is the people. We have travelled far and wide and have struggled to find anywhere else where complete strangers can interact like old friends; begin instant conversations just from talking about the weather or football; and a blunt honesty combined with an innate ability to laugh at ourselves.

"Taking photographs for Cottontown Cat is all about the subject, the story and the timing; the Lancashire skies provide the rest."

Scroll through the gallery above to see all 12 images

Burnley-based photographer Lee Mansfield regularly captures stunning sun, moon and nightscape images across the county.

The Singing Ringing Tree, a wind-powered musical sculpture which overlooks Burnley, leemansfield.co.uk

He said: "Lancashire is a county which has it all including wild walks, vibrant towns and a beautiful coastline.

"It has a whole host of independent shops, pubs and just about anything you could want or need, as well as a rich and interesting history.

"Being quite central we are not to far from the Lakes and Wales. There are lots of fab photo opportunities with lots of folly walks such as Darwen Tower, Rivington Pike, Stoodley Pike, Peel

Monument and many more."

Shafiq Khan, who lives in Shear Brow in Blackburn, is a self-taught photographer who loves to takes pictures all across the county.

Jeffrey Hill, Longridge, by Shafiq Khan. He said: I particularly like this one, as it really shows what our county is all about.

Jeffrey Hill, Longridge, by Shafiq Khan. He said: "I particularly like this one, as it really shows what our county is all about."

He said: "Lancashire is a picturesque county and is a photographer's dream. With its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, there is an abundance of subjects to capture through the lens.

"From the rolling hills of the Forest of Bowland to the stunning coastline along Morecambe Bay, every corner of Lancashire offers a unique and captivating scene.

"One of the reasons I love taking photos in Lancashire is the ever-changing weather. The county experiences a beautiful mix of sunny days, misty mornings and dramatic cloud formations, creating a dynamic atmosphere for photography.

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"Whether it's capturing the golden light of a sunrise from Darwen Tower or the moody storm brewing over the Ribble Valley, the weather adds depth and character to my images.

"Whether you are an amateur enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Lancashire offers countless opportunities to capture amazing images."