2011 photo contest winners

Just to be prepared, Rick Bywater always takes his camera with him when he heads to the transfer site near Dorset, Ont. For 15 minutes, he says, he “took as many photos as possible,” while his wife sat in their car with the doors locked. “That wouldn’t be her idea of a good time,” Rick says.

Judges' comments

With pictures of animals, it’s all about the face. The log provides a nice frame for the bear, and the light above its head helps the face stand out here. There is good eye contact as well. The incredible detail also distinguishes this image. On film, the bear’s fur would likely block up, and all you would see is a solid black shape, but Rick’s digital camera really opened up the shadows.