“Even though fixed in time, a photograph evokes as much feeling as that which comes from music or dance. Whatever the mode – from the snapshot to the decisive moment to multi-media montage – the intent and purpose of photography is to render in visual terms feelings and experiences that often elude the ability of words to describe. In any case, the eyes have it, and the imagination will always soar farther than was expected”- unknown author.
Like virtue, photography is its own reward, triggering memories of life’s greatest moments and relationships. In our Second Annual Photography Contest, Seaside wishes to further reward some of these amazing artists, with some good old-fashioned ink in our local magazine. With so many submissions, this task wasn’t easy. You’ll find our choices in the four categories outlined below, and we couldn’t resist choosing a cover too!
Thank you to all of the winners, and to everyone who submitted such fine work.
Lynn Larsen – WONDERFUL WILDLIFE – “A Wise Feathered Friend.” I am 63 years old and retired. I was born in Victoria, however, until 2003 I had lived in the Lower Mainland for the previous 37 years. In my heart though, I had always wanted to return to Victoria. I also wanted to be near my mother in Victoria, whose health was failing; she passed away this past December. I keep myself busy doing volunteer work at Oak Bay Lodge twice a week and make quilts for newborn babies. My passion is photography and I have a great love for all animals. I am always amazed when I get the opportunity to combine my two loves. This beautiful, wise owl and I were destined to meet and I loved it.
Bob Orchard – ISLAND DISH – “Untitled.” I’ve been interested in photography from the time I was a teenager and more so after my Dad gave me his Swiss Alpa Reflex camera. It was totally manual of course so I had to learn about f stops, shutter speeds, etc. I recently purchased a Canon 100 mm Macro lens and have been enjoying the results. I was at the market thinking of the photo competition when I saw one of the vendors put out a box of assorted peppers. The variety and colour caught my eye so naturally I had to take a photo.
Mike Lane – CRAZY KIDS – “Universal Fun.” After retiring from a career as a forester, my wife, Colombe, and I took a cruise on a working freighter. Another passenger onboard showed me his digital camera while photographing wildlife in coastal B.C. By the end of the cruise, I bought his first digital camera. Now, four cameras later, I am a serious amateur photographer. I’m rarely without my camera, and when the opportunity arose to take this photo of my granddaughter I quickly focused and took a series of photos. I live with my family in Saanichton.
Jackye Mills – YOUR WEST COAST CULTURE – “Sunrise at the Pier.” I am a long-term Saanich Peninsula resident, having spent most of my life living in Swartz Bay, Dean Park and now Cordova Bay. I have been self employed most of that time as a watercolour painter, silk painter, jeweller, weaver and clothing designer. Now retired, I am pursuing my passions of travel and photography. I find Sidney an inspiring location for taking photos, and the pier at sunrise has beautiful light and is different every day.
Chantal Jacques – WONDERFUL WILDLIFE – “Singing My Heart Out.” I have always been interested in photography but it has become my official hobby since I retired two years ago. My husband and I like the outdoors and photography complements our activities. I was a birdwatcher before becoming a bird photographer and the contrasting colours of the Common Yellowthroat and the very distinctive rolling wichety-wichety-wichety song of the male has always amused me. Even if it is a relatively common bird, easy to see and to hear on the Saanich Peninsula, I never get tired of taking an additional snapshot of these members of the warbler family. It is a little bird with a big attitude. Seaside readers can see more of my photos on my Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/chantaljacques2012/sets/.
