Congratulations to the Winners of Our Backyard Biologist Photo Contest!

The wait is over: We’re ready to announce the winners of our Backyard Biologist Photo Contest!

We asked Earth Rangers all across Canada to take stunning snapshots of the natural world for a chance to win a brand-spanking-new Rebel T7 camera from Canon–and wow, did you all deliver!

Over 1,700 of you submitted your best photos in three categories: Epic Landscape, Wonderful Wildlife, and Coolest Colours. It was a tough decision, but after lots of deliberation, we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best.

We unveiled the winners on September 1 during a star-studded ceremony at the Royal Ontario Museum. Winner Kenzie was presented with her new Canon camera by none other than our Chief Owl Officer, Sonic!

Now, we’re sitting down to interview our winners about how they took their photos, why they’re curious about photography, and what advice they have for other budding wildlife photographers!

Stay tuned here on the Wild Wire blog for more cool contests and creative activities. With funny jokes, tasty recipes, and crafty upcycling ideas, there’s always something new for you to explore!

And don’t forget to accept the Backyard Biologist mission, which is generously supported by Canon, in the Earth Rangers app! You’ll learn about the importance of citizen science, look for interesting plants and animals in your community, and figure out how to identify your finds!

Epic Landscape: Kate, 8

Tell me more about how you took this photo!

I took the mountain photo from a little boat! I took many shots, and stayed really really still. It was incredible and I can’t believe how beautiful the mountains are! It’s so wonderful!! It shows so many colors and life!

What made you want to try photography?

Seeing other people’s photos and being inspired! Like Robert Irwin!

What are some of your favourite things to photograph?

Big landscapes and animals if I can catch them before they move!

Can you tell us a little bit about how you shot your winning photograph?

I took many shots, and stayed really really still.

What advice do you have for other kids who might be interested in trying photography?

Start noticing more! Like things that would be cool to photograph and really notice what you like about them and what you want to capture.

If you could photograph any animal in the world up close, which one would it be?

A giraffe!!!!! I love how tall they are and their crazy tongues! And cheetahs!

Wonderful Wildlife: Maya, 9

Tell me more about how you took this photo!

I went to Newfoundland for my photos to a place called Elliston where there is a puffin viewing site. My dad and I had to carefully crouch near the edge of a cliff to get the photos. I learned that if I stood still for a while, the puffins would come right up to me. So I did that, and when one would come pretty close, I would take a bunch of photos of it, and then I chose my favourite. The puffins were so funny and cool to look at as they flew around and collected grass for their nests! I had such a fun time taking photos with my dad.

What made you want to try photography?

I saw some cool photos that my dad had taken and I wanted to try and take some cool photos too.

What are some of your favourite things to photograph?

I mostly like to photograph things in nature, like animals and flowers.

What advice do you have for other kids who might be interested in trying photography?

Try different angles, lighting, and camera settings to take interesting photos. Also, you need to be patient, determined, and not give up.

If you could photograph any animal in the world up close, which one would it be?

Definitely a snow leopard.

Coolest Colours: Kenzie, 12

Tell me more about how you took this photo!

I used my resources around me to create a nice warm colour filter. I took this photo using my mom’s phone and sunglasses (for the colour). I like to be creative to create better photos and express myself. It was during a 4-day vacation in Long Beach with my mom, brother, my mom’s friend, and her two sons. That weekend, there were so many waves, it was too dangerous to swim without a life jacket, but it was really fun on boogie boards.

What made you want to try photography?

My uncle Adam used to do photography professionally so I decided to try and loved it! I’ve been taking pictures of things in nature ever since.

What are some of your favourite things to photograph?

Sunsets and the sky. The sky is never boring! It’s always filled with colours and clouds. 

What advice do you have for other kids who might be interested in trying photography?

Be creative and think of new ways to see the world 

If you could photograph any animal in the world up close, which one would it be?

Turtles. I LOVE turtles and they are so cute and interesting, the way every shell is unique.

The Backyard Biologist Photo Contest is generously supported by:

In partnership with: