With stunning landscapes around virtually every West Coast corner, the submissions for this year’s West Coast Traveller Amateur Photographer of the Year contest were nothing short of stunning.
Choices must be made, however, and we’re excited to announce this year’s grand prize winner: James Major, for his iridescent view of Emerald Lake in the Yukon.
Judges appreciated the photo’s balanced composition of colours and textures, with the lake-side road cutting a gentle arc through the forest before fading out of sight toward the low mountains and blue sky beyond.
As this year’s Amateur Photographer of the Year, Major will receive $1,000 to spend at London Drugs, one of three contest sponsors, along with the Fairmont Empress Victoria and Helijet.
With more than 22,000 photos submitted across six categories in this year’s West Coast Traveller Amateur Photographer of the Year contest, choosing a winner was no easy feat!
Finishing in first place – winning two tickets to Victoria from Helijet, along with a two-night stay at the iconic Fairmont Empress hotel – was Ken McAllister, earning kudos for his purple-hued sunset over Seattle, Wash. Second place went to Harold Feiertag for his charming photo of Atlantic Puffins in Elliston, Nfld., winning $500 to spend at London Drugs.
Once the judging panel selected the top 100 photos, it was your turn to weigh in on your favourites.
With so many fantastic images to choose from, it’s no wonder that the People’s Choice contest was a close competition.
Julian Koerrenz’s mystical photo of Brandywine Falls near Whistler, B.C., an entry in the West Coast Travel category, topped the voting. Koerrenz will also receive $500 to spend at London Drugs.
Cathy Schneider’s Local Gems entry – “Ramparts, Comox Valley” – was a close competitor, followed in third place by Karen Moffat’s fun photo of a friendly whiskeyjack at Manning Park.
Congratulations to all the winners, and to all the amazing photographers who shared their views of the West Coast and beyond!
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