The McBain Staff had such a blast voting on this month’s submissions! Such an array of expressive photos! Every month, we experience such a range of talent that it’s hard to rally a winner. So many of you come within one vote of taking the lead spot; I wish you knew how close the race is most of the time! But as it goes, there is no contest without a crown. So in the spirit of competition, we move forward in announcing this month’s victor!
SEPTEMBER WINNER
Cassie LaFleur
Cassie captured the kind of portrait pet owners drool over! This Starry Night Dog portrait balances technical skill and heartfelt storytelling—a loyal companion beneath a sky that feels infinite.
Cassie took this summer photo at Two Jack Lake while her canine companion, Truman the whippet, eagerly waited for treats while being photographed under the Milky Way.
The composition, composure, and serenity in this photo make the image feel timeless. Beautifully done, Cassie! Congratulations on winning a 16x20” gallery wrapped canvas of your print!
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Larry Wong
Larry’s photo brought equal parts grit, joy, and heart - pure energetic storytelling! The moment he captured is so sharp and perfectly timed, yet full of spirit! This photo had McBain staff buzzing with chatter and left us seriously impressed!
Larry writes of his photo, “Elizabeth Hoyt hangs on to win the ostrich riding competition at the 58th. Writing-on-Stone Rodeo in southern Alberta on August 3, 2025. The 11-year-old girl from Lethbridge, Alberta, had heart surgery for a congenital heart defect just a week before.”
Wow! Talk about a story of strength and triumph leaping off the frame. What a fantastic feat for any rider, let alone an 11-year-old girl on the heels of surgery. Amazing!
David McClure
“Nothing like a tranquil walk to slow one down! The sound of birds, wind gently rustling the leaves and the smell… ahhh.” David McClure says it best as he invites you to exhale and wonder for a moment. Last month, David won our August Monthly Photo Contest with his architectural photo, so it’s fun to see him in the running this month with a different taste.
“It’s actually *really* tough to get a great forest photo,” noted one of our staff members. The variations in light, the shadows, and competing textures often make for tricky forest exposures. Plus, it’s hard to make a forest photo look original!
What we love about David’s tranquil forest path is the gentle light, soothing tones, and the sensory calm of the scene that reminds us why nature is one of photography’s greatest muses. It’s a peaceful capture that makes you feel like you’re right there on the trail.
Each month, our creative circle amazes us with its ever-evolving talent — reminding us just how much artistry and passion live within our own ranks. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should submit your photo, here’s your sign: don’t hesitate! You’d be surprised how many of our winners tell us they were first-time participants or nearly didn’t enter at all. We get it — it’s easy to doubt your own work — but remember, voting is purely subjective, and every photographer brings something unique to the table. We welcome all skill levels to join in our Monthly Photo Contest. So keep those shutters clicking and your imaginations wide open — next month’s crown could be yours!
Check out some of our other fantastic contributions this month!
