CWF Announces Winners of National Nature Photo Contest with 10,600 Entries
OTTAWA, Ontario – The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) has proudly announced the winners of its highly anticipated 2025 Reflections of Nature photo contest, a national competition that attracted an impressive 10,600 entries over a three-month period. This substantial participation underscores the profound connection Canadians maintain with wildlife conservation and habitat preservation across the country.
Celebrating Nature Through Photography
Sean Southey, CEO of the Canadian Wildlife Federation, emphasized the educational and inspirational power of nature photography. "Nature photography serves as a powerful medium to educate, inspire, and connect Canadians to wildlife," Southey stated. "I am truly amazed by the exceptional quality and remarkable diversity of entries, as well as the overwhelming enthusiasm demonstrated by participants. These incredible images vividly showcase the diverse species and habitats that we are collectively striving to conserve for the benefit and enjoyment of all. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this meaningful initiative."
The award-winning photographs will be prominently featured across multiple platforms, including:
- CWF's Canadian Wildlife magazine
- Biosphère magazine
- The charitable organization's official website
- CWF's blog and various social media channels
Grand Prize Winner: A Last Glance
The grand prize was awarded to Steven Heipel of Toronto, Ontario, for his captivating photograph titled "A Last Glance." Heipel embarked on a challenging 10-day Arctic camping expedition across the frozen expanse of Baffin Bay, traveling by snowmobile and traditional qamutiik sled in search of Polar Bears.
During the journey, Inuit guides paused at the base of a massive iceberg to harvest ice for fresh water. One guide spotted an Arctic Fox perched high on the ice, speculating that its den might be concealed within the iceberg's structure. While the group gathered at the far end of the iceberg, Heipel remained alone, patiently waiting. The fox suddenly appeared in a well of sea ice, paused briefly to take a breath, then began navigating through the intricate maze of fallen ice. Whispering a quiet plea for the fox to look back, Heipel's wish was granted just once, capturing a fleeting glance and a visible puff of breath in the frigid Arctic air.
Grand Prize Runner-Up: March of Shadows
Jean-Christophe Lemay of Rimouski, Quebec, earned the grand prize runner-up distinction with his photograph "March of Shadows." Approximately 100 kilometers from Radisson in northern Quebec, Lemay spent several days tracking caribou with limited success. The herd frequently shifted locations, and on this particular afternoon, the caribou had wandered far onto a frozen lake, beyond the range of handheld photography.
With some trepidation, Lemay decided to launch his drone above the caribou to observe their reaction. To his surprise, the animals paid no attention to the drone. From this aerial perspective, he captured their silent, majestic march across a landscape dramatically sculpted by relentless winds and extreme cold, where temperatures often plummeted to -40 degrees Celsius.
Focus on Fauna Category Winners
In the Focus on Fauna category, Abby Keeler from Foothills, Alberta, claimed victory with her photograph "A Quiet Crossing." During her first visit to Stanley Park, Keeler ventured out at sunrise hoping to photograph otters and beavers. After two hours of walking along the waterway, she spotted a Common Raccoon scavenging along the riverbed and spent the next hour quietly observing and photographing the animal. For this particular shot, she lay down on a trail, hoping no passersby would disturb the moment. Keeler's lifelong connection to wildlife observation, cultivated through countless hours spent outdoors during childhood, has evolved into a daily ritual she eagerly embraces.
The runner-up in this category was Mike Jemmely of La Tuque, Quebec, with his photograph "Into the Deep."
Honourable Mentions and Canadian Landscapes
The contest also recognized several honourable mentions:
- "The Dozing Bear" by Jodie Gallant of Tahsis, British Columbia
- "Elliston's Lure" by Nancy Ross of Thorold, Ontario
- "A Blustery Encounter" by Kyla Black of Lethbridge, Alberta
In the Canadian Landscapes category, John Meragias of Saint Laurent, Quebec, emerged as the winner with his photograph "Moody Morning at Tombstone." After completing a grueling week-long trek through Tombstone Territorial Park while carrying a 30-kilogram backpack, Meragias camped for two nights in pouring rain, hoping to capture the moody beauty of this rugged wilderness. His persistence was rewarded at sunrise when he discovered clusters of Cottongrass along the lake's edge, perfectly framed by jagged mountain peaks. Though modest compared to more colorful blooms, Cottongrass proved compelling when juxtaposed against dramatic skies and the untamed terrain of northern Yukon.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation's Reflections of Nature photo contest continues to serve as a significant platform for celebrating Canada's natural heritage through the art of photography, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for wildlife conservation efforts nationwide.
