Our May voting round brought in a striking mix of rich auburn tones and timeless black-and-white imagery. Artistically, nostalgia felt woven throughout these photos, softening each story through a more intentional and reflective lens. And although we expected a more vibrant, bloom-filled palette for May, we were truly delighted by the nostalgic direction our participants embraced. Nature was a common theme – not surprising – with a few butterfly submissions adding a delicate movement in the balance. One of those butterflies lingered just a bit longer than the rest, capturing the top vote in our May Photo Contest. Congratulations to our May Winner, Adita Shah!
Enter June's Photo Contest!
WINNER
Aditya Shah
Captured at the end of a long hike in Grande Cache, Adita Shah’s winning image of a white butterfly among a group of orange ones almost didn’t happen. “Until it did (happen)”, says Aditya. There’s something magnetic about the contrast of this cluster of orange butterflies. Aditya began shooting them with a macro lens when an unexpected white butterfly drifted into frame, instantly transforming the scene. Striking and symbolic, perhaps, it was proof that patience can turn an unexpected opportunity into something great. Congratulations, Aditya!
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Larry Wong
If Alberta were an animal, I imagine it would look a lot like Larry Wong’s Photo of a horse with unmistakable golden retriever energy. This was definitely our most playful submission this month, and it captured the hearts of all McBain voters.
A horse rolling freely in the dirt, much like a dog, blurs the line between grandeur and play. It softens the majestic image that we often associate with horses and reminds us that personality always takes the reins. Western grit, with a playful streak. That’s pretty on brand for Alberta!
As Larry puts it, “May marks the beginning of something special here—longer days, greener grass, and a renewed energy that’s impossible to miss.”
Lisa Bourgeault
An Autumn gem that speaks for itself. Lisa’s photograph is one of those quiet grounding scenes that invites you to stay awhile. A calm lake, layered mountain backdrop, and warm autumn tones working together in perfect balance. It’s a composition that feels both expansive and intimate at the same time. Framed naturally by the trees, this image showcases a strong eye for composition and timing, capturing a season that always seems to flee a little too quickly.
Until Next Month
Thank you to everyone who submitted their best for May’s Photo Contest. What is loved about this Month is the proof that there really aren’t any rules: no theme or expectation to box our participants in. It shows that our community defines what’s meaningful in photography, and when so many submissions naturally lean in similar artistic directions, we can’t help but feel like there’s something in the air- that a creative instinct is taking shape.
Congratulations to all our winners for capturing something special.
Think you’ve got a shot for next month? Submit your Photo for June’s Monthly Photo Contest for your chance to win a Gallery Wrapped 16x20 Canvas of your winning image.
Keep your camera close—you never know when the moment will show up and check out some of our other submissions below.
