This month's winner, captured by Ian Johnstone in the Swiss ski resort of Zermatt, brings a hint of the surreal to an otherwise unremarkable winter landscape.

At first glance, the snow-laden trees and partially visible chalet roof suggest a typical alpine scene. Focus on the foreground, however, and it’s a very different story. The parked truck, doused in a strong artificial light, resembles a cheap prop from a 1950s B-movie, while the large fir tree has an oddly synthetic feel.

The contrast proved a winning combination for Ian, whose snap was identified by the Guardian's Karin Andreasson as the pick of an impressive bunch of entries. Ian wins his picture printed on canvas courtesy of Point 101.

Karin's comments: "I chose this photo because it is both beautiful and unusual. It's a got a lot of atmosphere, and the simple composition and subject matter, combined with contrasting light sources and almost monotone colour palette, makes the scene both eerie and cosy at the same time.”

You can see some more of this month's entries in our showcase gallery. If you think you can scale similar photographic heights and fancy a tilt at next month's prize, take a look at our guidelines and then forward your snaps to been.there.photos@guardian.co.uk.


Photo of the month hall of fame: see previous winners