People & Culture

Picture this! #ShotOnNikon Photo Contest winners

Showcasing the top shots in the 2021 CanGeo x Nikon #ShotOnNikon Photo Contest

May 28, 2021
456 words
2 minutes

By Can Geo Staff

Nikon and Canadian Geographic celebrated the art of visual storytelling with seven stunning images taken by photographers from across Canada.

Nikon’s expert judges reviewed hundreds of images before selecting seven winners in seven inspirational categories — creatures, timeless, conceptual, culture/diversity, motion, abstract and elements/design.

The grand prize winner was a contemplative yet powerful black-and-white scene by David Brophy.

Taken on Lake Winnipeg, Man., on a misty morning, Brophy’s photograph captures a quiet calm and sense of peace. And yet, as he notes, the lower perspective makes him think of being a child and contemplating running straight out into the water. Originally from Newfoundland, when Brophy moved to Manitoba in 2000 he was awed by the landscape and wildlife, beginning a photographic journey that was launched with his first DSLR — a Nikon D5200. He is now back in Newfoundland and Labrador but hopes to return to Manitoba one day. “When I do, you can be sure I will load up my camera in the wee hours of the morning and visit the magical shorelines of Dunnottar and Matlock once again.”

Browse the winners to find out how they captured their award-winning shots.

First Place | Elements of Design Category winner

David Brophy

The Lake. (Photo: David Brophy)

This photo was taken on a misty fall morning on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipeg about an hour north of Winnipeg, Man. Brophy would often visit this area to photograph the beaches and jetties, including this one in the Dunnottar and Matlock area. “The lower perspective of having the camera at the same height of the rails just appealed to me. One can easily imagine what it would have felt like as a child running out to the end of the jetty with the rails just above eye level, and the feeling of excitement knowing I could jump off the end and into the water.” The photo was taken with Brophy’s first DSLR, and one he still often uses, a Nikon D5200.

Second Place | Conceptual Category winner

Marielle Lavoie

Tendre Enfance. (Photo: Marielle Lavoie)

Lavoie set up this photo shoot as a gift for a friend who had six children and would not likely have had professional portraits taken. The little boy belonged to her first friend and she asked another friend if her daughter would like to participate. She chose the clothing to create a vintage tone, setting the location at a weathered house she knew. The perfect shot came as the children reacted when she asked them if they could try to hold still for the photo.