2011 photo contest winners

Josiah Brown, 18, and his cousin Max Farner, 10, had fooled around before with an underwater camera at their Lake Huron cottage. But this day, on a trip to Topaz Lake, Ont., was the first time they’d captured an underwater view of cliff jumping. When ready, Max would count to three, giving Josiah enough time to go under and “get the whole progression of Max moving through the water.”

Judges' comments

This was the first pick for all of us. The gradation of colours gives it a painterly quality we love. And though it’s a fairly abstract image, there was enough light for Josiah to capture Max’s expression. We all know what it feels like to become submerged underwater, but we didn’t necessarily know what it looked like—until we saw this stunning shot.