Amateur wildlife photographers in B.C. have once again made tough work for judges as the BC SPCA’s 10th annual Wildlife-In-Focus photography contest winners are announced. In addition, there were a number of incredible honourable mentions that celebrate the beauty in B.C.’s wild and urban environments. The People’s Choice Award was also determined as a result of public votes.
Participants were encouraged to submit photos into one of two categories: Backyard Habitats to highlight our special relationship with wild animals in our backyards, and amazing Wild Settings that feature animals in their natural habitats.
“With almost 600 photos submitted, it was a challenge for the contest judges to highlight only a few of the many amazing photos celebrating B.C.’s diverse wildlife,” says BC SPCA research coordinator Erin Ryan. “We want to thank all the participants for sharing their amazing photos and helping to raise more than $17,500 for wild animals in need.”
In addition, the top 52 photos as a result of public votes are featured on a deck of playing cards available for sale!
The winners are:
Backyard Habitats
1st – Tony Markle, Parksville – Rufous hummingbird
2nd – Teresa Nightingale, Halfmoon Bay – Deer fawns
3rd – Vicki Morell, Vancouver – Short-eared owl
Wild Settings
1st – Henrik Nilsson, North Vancouver – Grizzly Bears
2nd – Jonathan Bauder, Korntal, Germany – Pika
3rd – Josh DeLeenheer, Sooke – Sea otter
People’s Choice Award
Izabelle Stevens, Sechelt – Bee
First prize winners in both judged categories will be featured in the Spring 2019 Animal Sense magazine and the top three in each category will receive great prizes that may include gifts from Canadian Geographic, Canadian Art, Greystone Books, Lens & Shutter Vancouver, LUSH, NatureKids BC, Outdoor Photography Canada, or a Wild ARC prize pack.
Check out the winners and other entrants online at at our Wildlife-In-Focus contest website, to view the incredible photos captured by amateur photographers across British Columbia.