VANCOUVER, BC: Canada may be small in population, but it sure packs a punch in the photography world with two Canadian images making it to the World’s Top 10.
Two Canadian photographers have images shooting for the podium at the 10th edition of the World Photographic Cup. Thirty-two nations from across the globe tuned in last night to hear the Top 10 images from each of the eight WPC categories announced from the Imaging USA Conference in Nashville, TN. Holly-Lynn Latimour and Ron Gesser are both Top 10 finalists with a chance to win medals at the final awards ceremony to be held in Singapore on March 17th, 2023.
Canada’s first Top 10 went to Holly-Lynn Latimour of Pefferlaw, ON. Her Commercial Category image of a soccer cleat is a perfect blend of science, art and creativity. Latimour said, “I created this photograph as a way to combine my two passions, soccer and photography. Being part of Team Canada has allowed me to share my vision on a Global Stage. I am beyond excited, words can’t express how happy and grateful I am to be competing in the WPC finals for Team Canada. It has been a dream of mine for a number of years and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for myself and the rest of my teammates.”
Canada’s other Top 10 finalist was in the Portrait-Natural Category. Ron Gesser of Westmount, QC, whose image of an elderly woman from the Kutia Kondh ethnic group in central India, reveals a genuine and emotional expression of a woman who has led a long and challenging life. Gesser explained that this ethnic group’s current way of life, like many other indigenous peoples’, is at risk. “Traditionally the woman have geometric facial tattoos that serve as an identification mark for both the living and spirit worlds.” As for being in the WPC top 10 Gesser says “Being able to contribute to Team Canada and having my image appreciated by the large group of International judges is certainly a highlight of my photographic journey.”
In addition, Jo-Anne Oucharek, of Cochrane, AB earned a Best of Nation Award with Canada’s highest scoring image. The Wildlife image features a fierce mama brown bear fishing at the top of Brook Falls in Katmai National Park, Alaska. “Waiting and watching for 8 hours, with action continually happening all around, my patience and focus paid off, capturing this iconic moment,” Oucharek said. “When I heard the announcement for Best of Nation, I felt a flood of emotions, pride, success, and accomplishment. What an honour it is to experience the camaraderie of this elite group of Canadian photographers who welcomed me onto the world stage. I feel privileged to be recognized for my art.”
WPC Team Canada submitted 24 images to represent Canada at the 2023 World Photographic Cup. Jillian Chateauneuf, Team Canada Co-Captain, said “The spirit of our team was evident and I am delighted to see our Canadian photographers being celebrated.”
All Canadian images can be viewed on the Team Canada website: https://wpcteamcanada.com/
Media Contact:
Jillian Chateauneuf, Team Canada Co-Captain admin@wpcteamcanada.com | 604-551-9751
Wow and congratulations!!!!!