We’re feeling the shutter love from coast to coast! PHOTONews recently wrapped up our first-ever Celebrate Canada Photo Contest and let’s just say… wow. From iconic landscapes to heartwarming portraits and nostalgic film captures, Canadian photographers showed up big time.
With hundreds of entries from talented photographers across the country, our judges had their work cut out for them. Seriously — choosing winners was almost as tough as a January photo shoot in Nunavut.
The contest invited photographers of all levels to showcase their vision of Canada across three categories:
True North Portraits:
From humans to huskies, we looked for faces and furry friends that capture the spirit of Canada — strong, resilient, diverse and full of heart.
First Place
Tourist Magnet by Harald Feiertag
Puffins: the rockstars of the Atlantic. Harald nailed this vibrant portrait in Newfoundland, with crisp detail and just enough wing blur to feel the speed. A bucket-list shot done right!
Second Place
“King of the Forest” by Trevor Pottelberg features a handsome male Eastern Coyote with a haunting gaze, peering out of from a heavily forested area.
This Eastern Coyote locks eyes with the camera from deep in the woods — reminding us that beauty in the wild isn’t limited to wolves. Moody, majestic and unforgettable.
Third Place
Taking a moment at an abandoned Eatons Catalogue house in Scott, Saskatchewan. The sky is orange from the nearby Alberta wildfires of 2023 by Dave Conlon
Dave captures a quiet moment beside an abandoned Eaton’s house under smoke-filled Saskatchewan skies. A haunting self-portrait in a scene that says as much about Canada’s past as its present.
Canadian Spirit
Think sweeping mountain views, iconic symbols and those little moments that make us say “Yep… this is home.” If it gives you goosebumps (not just from the cold), it fit right in.
First Place
Niagara Falls from overhead by Jim Chung
What’s more iconic than Niagara Falls? Jim’s overhead shot, complete with a Canadian-liveried Maid of the Mist and a sweeping rainbow. Goosebumps. Literal goosebumps.
Second Place
Evening Paddle. An evening paddle at sunset on George Lake, Killarney Provincial Park, ON in autumn by Tracy Munson
Tracy’s sunset paddle through George Lake in Killarney makes you want to ditch your inbox and grab a canoe. Fall colours, perfect reflections, peace.
Third Place
“Sailing in Paradise” by Trevor Pottelberg, features a magical scene on the Ottawa River. A lone sailboat rests under a phenomenal light show. The intense aurora creates a mirrored reflection in the waters below. Photographed in Deep River, Ontario
Northern lights, a mirror-like river and a lone sailboat — this one’s practically a lullaby in pixels.
Canada on Film
A love letter to analog photography. This category embraced every grain, streak and light leak, celebrating Canada the old-school way.
First Place
Kaskawulsh Glacier by Sandy Richardson
Shot on Kodachrome 64 with a Praktica MTL5 (retro points!), Sandy’s epic Yukon landscape features a lone figure in bold Canadian red — perfectly placed in the vast wilderness.
Only one winner here — analog entries were rare, but this one was unforgettable.
Judge’s Choices
The judges selected three additional images as deserving of special recognition.
Big Red Mike winning the Queens Plate Horse Race by Peter Dielissen
A long exposure horse race in daylight? Tricky. But Peter captured motion and drama in one beautiful blur.
Bonavista Lighthouse at sunrise by Linda Longman
Soft colours, strong tones and a puddle reflection that made our judges stop scrolling and say, “Wait… is that in the puddle?!”
Peek a Boo Moose – Spent 4 hours in minus 20°C weather by Larry Dance
After four hours in -20°C, Larry got the money shot: a frosty moose sneaking a glance from behind a tree. Bonus points for whimsy and dedication.
Thanks to everyone who entered. You reminded us why Canada is such a wildly photogenic place — and why photographers are a hardy bunch with great timing, even better eyes and occasionally cold fingers.
This was really enjoyable to view!
Thanks John. We appreciate your feedback!
would like to have see marco categories…