February Photo Contest Winner

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Our McBain Community came in strong this month… There’s a sense of anticipation in the air as we wedge closer to spring – you can feel it coming, even if winter is still lingering in the background. It’s that in-between season where anything can happen.

For photographers, that waiting period can be surprisingly inspiring. This month’s entries captured that perfectly, with a great mix of winter scenes and hints of spring on the horizon. The variety made for a really fun contest to judge, and we loved seeing the creativity that came out of this transitional time of year. 

Submit your photo for our March Photo Contest Here!

WINNER:

Italo Pino

Taking our Top Spot is Italo Pino. A few months ago, Italo won an Honourable Mention, so it’s exciting to see him move up on the podium. His winning image captures the high-energy world of BMX racing in a fun, creative way – action frozen mid-air with great clarity, adrenaline leaping off the frame.

Italo describes the exact scene: “Under a brilliant blue August sky, BMX riders of various ages exploded off the start hill during championship weekend in St. Albert on August 24, 2025. Competitors from across the country gathered for the Canada Cup and Alberta Cup finals, showcasing elite talent in both male and female divisions.  Many spectators watched as athletes launched into the course, chasing podium dreams and national recognition. In the photo, riders surged forward in a blur of colour, power, and determination. Multiple exposures were used to capture the intensity of the race, where fractions of a second separated victory from defeat.”

Some striking Honourable Mentions are also highlighted!

HONOURABLE MENTIONS:

Bruce Raynor

Bruce’s photo of a serene moment of a BC Ferries vessel at sea ran neck-and-neck with this month’s winner. It’s a beautiful photo of one of Canada’s most scenic areas- Duke Point. Bruce writes, “Calm waters and colours blended so well in that moment on the journey back to Alberta”. Bruce’s photo was a handheld photo taken with an Olympus OMD EM1 Mk III using a Zukio Pro 40-150mm lens. “The glow of the sunset reflecting on the calm waters makes this a truly peaceful contemplative shot”.

Tonya Davison

Our next honourable mention caught a ton of likes from our McBain staff. As photographers, when we start asking ourselves, “how does this image feel?” rather than just “how does it look?”, we can surprise ourselves with what we capture. Tonya’s image feel sharply cold – the kind of cold that creeps into your bones just looking at it. The hoarfrost has formed into jagged blade-like shapes along the structure – almost like something out of Edward Scissorhands. These violently sharp edges give the photo a biting quality that mirrors the kind of winter morning where the cold feels just as sharp against your skin. It’s a great example of how texture and detail can evoke a physical sensation.

Thanks to everyone who submitted this month. We are always encouraged to see the McBain Community continue to show up with their best. Transitional seasons often bring the most interesting lights and stories to photograph, and this month’s entries proved exactly that. 

For your opportunity to win a free 16x20 Gallery Wrapped Canvas, Submit Your Photo!

Shoot. Submit. Win!

See Some More Beautiful Submissions Below!


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