The competition, launched in June, received over 6,800 entries by the September 15 deadline, including several from Jeff Wizniak, formerly of Yorkton which earned honourable mentions in the competition.
One winning photo, together with a selection of honourable mentions, were chosen for each of the six categories. The photographs capture the province’s natural beauty and dynamic spirit –featuring landscapes, diverse experiences, wildlife and the character of Saskatchewan people.
For Wizniak, who now resides in Saskatoon, it was a competition he was familiar with.
“In years past I have had a variety of photos that have received mentions and I won a category prize a few years ago which was nice,” he told Yorkton This Week. “I have been featured in their yearly calendar a variety of times as well.”
This year his work earned three honourable mentions.
“I had a variety of other entries, and Tourism Saskatchewan also has me featured for two months in their yearly calendar. So I think I did fairly well,” said Wizniak. “I had a few other entries that I was quite proud of as well, but sometimes it's just what catches the judges’ eyes.”
Wizniak said he was still proud he had three draw attention for mention.
“Over the years it has changed. I still am happy when I see the emails and it is nice to see some recognition, but I don't let it go to my head,” he said. “Lots of people take great photos and I’m lucky that in some cases the people that judge connect with mine.
“Over the years I have been in numerous calendars, art galleries, published books, magazines, contests, etc.
“I still hold my Editors Mentions in the National Geographic Nature Photographer of the year contests in high regard, as well as my various publishings in Canadian Geographic.
“But at the end of the day, I just like making a connection with people who enjoy the subtle qualities of some of my photos. I like when I post a photo that isn’t flashy or full of natural beauty, but focuses on composition or a story.
“But it's always nice to get recognition, and I appreciate it when people connect with my photos.”
Of course in the end photography is still a hobby for Wizniak. He explained he started shooting photos for “stress relief, a creative outlet, the excitement of exploring.
“It's a great hobby.
“There are few things I enjoy more than driving down a gravel road in the middle of nowhere hoping to come across a beautiful or unique scene. It's always an adventure.”
So what was it about the honourable mentions photographs that Wizniak felt resonated with the judges this year.
“Snowy owls and beavers are special and unique to us,” he began.
“The owls are beautiful creatures that appeal to us because they are survivors who share the same land as us. They endure the cold just like we do, and they survive by being special creatures with unique abilities . . .
“I found the owl on the back roads near Indian Head on one of my many road trips. At first I thought she was hurt with her stance but I had later learned that they can adopt this pose to let themselves cool off. She flew away fine shortly after and I got lucky I was able to capture the moment.”
The beaver said Wizniak is so distinctly Canadian it naturally draws attention.
“Beavers represent hard working creatures and are a Canadian institution.
“I got lucky that he posed nicely for me . . .
“I found the beaver with a friend I had met recently. She invited me to come join her down by the riverbank in Saskatoon so we spent the evening watching the beavers working. They call this guy spud, and I was impressed by how he tolerated us being close to him while he worked away.”
And then there was the fireworks over the water shot.
“The fireworks photo was taken during the Saskatoon fireworks festival,” explained Wizniak. “I always like to take it in as they put on a nice show and it's even better when enjoying it down by the river enjoying the scenery.
The fireworks photo is off of the University bridge in Saskatoon.
“I think it was a good catch and I put in the effort to make sure I had a good spot and the right settings for a cool shot,” said Wizniak.
Interestingly a lot of people who follow Wizniak’s work may be more familiar with his works capturing old, abandoned buildings, although wildlife shots are not exactly new either. He said often great wildlife photos have been found “based on luck, usually cruising the back roads and coming across something.
“However I have started making more trips in hopes of seeking out animals and critters. Seasoned wildlife photographers capture great photos by knowing locations and using their experience to stay hidden while respecting the animal’s space. Birds, owls, moose, etc., all have unique traits and I look forward to experimenting and learning more in the future trying to capture them with the camera.
“It's a fun challenge and I'm hoping to get to learn and grow into being a better wildlife photographer.”
