August winds are dying down, and as summer begins its slow transition into fall, photographers across Alberta are making the most of these golden evenings. Colourful gardens, bustling critters, and lingering warm-weather adventures have kept photographers busy with their cameras in hand. One of the things we love most about the Monthly Photo Contest is seeing how differently each photographer interprets the world around them. Give a group of photographers the same sky, or even the same location, and you’ll still come away with a collection of completely new images. Below, we celebrate some of these by showcasing the Winning image and Honourable Mentions.
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WINNER
Tim Osborne
Tim Osborne’s winning image transports viewers to the rugged coastlines of Scotland, where a long-awaited wildlife encounter finally became reality. Framed by delicate wildflowers and surrounded by impossibly vibrant grass, the puffins instantly become the stars of the show with their unmistakable features and larger-than-life personalities. As Tim shared, photographing puffins had been a long-time goal, and the result was well worth the wait. Equal parts wildlife portrait and fairytale landscape, this image captures the reward of chasing a photographic dream and finding the scene even better than imagined.
Honourable Mention
Victoria Goodbrand
Not every memorable animal portrait comes from the wilderness. Victoria Goodbrand has become known in our Monthly Photo Contest for her charming farm photography, regularly capturing the character and personality of rural life. Featuring a young farm pig contentedly chewing on a strand of grass, the image is overflowing with personality and charm. There’s a curiosity and playful energy captured in this candid farm moment that brings a touch of humour to this delightful photo. As Victoria jokingly noted, "Eventually farm-to-table, but firstly featuring a garden-to-farm transition."
Honourable Mention
Alexander Hunter
For a completely different perspective, Alexander Hunter's dramatic aerial photograph showcases both the beauty and power of Alberta's wilderness. Looking down over a dense forest canopy, viewers can spot a helicopter working above drifting smoke while a wildfire burns below. The image balances scale, atmosphere, and action, creating a scene that feels almost cinematic in its intensity. Alexander describes himself as "a freelance photographer whose passion burns like the wildfires he captures," and that passion is evident in a photograph that documents an important story while delivering a striking visual impact.
Congratulations to this month’s Winners, and thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their beloved images. As September begins, the opportunities for great photography are only just getting started. Crisp mornings, changing leaves, community events, and a new season of adventures are all waiting to be captured.
We look forward to seeing what you will capture this month! For your chance to win a Free 16x20 Gallery-Wrapped Canvas of your photo, we’d love for you to submit your favourite image to our September Monthly Photo Contest.
Check out some other entries from this month's photo contest below!
