REGINA — Gilbert Katerynych of North Battleford has had his photo featuring a moose in the North Saskatchewan River with the North Battleford skyline in the background chosen as the grand prize winner in the 2023 ExploreSask Photo Contest.
Katerynych also placed first in the prairie category, and he told the News-Optimist in an email statement, that he was honestly surprised to have won at all.
"There’s a lot of great photographers in the province whose work I very much admire," Katerynych said.
"But I’m especially pleased the winning photograph was a picture of home," he added.
The competition, launched in June, received over 4,200 entries by the Sept. 15 deadline.
The winning photos and honourable mentions, selected by a panel of external judges, capture the province’s natural beauty and dynamic spirit. The images feature extraordinary landscapes, winter scenery, diverse experiences, magnificent wildlife, and the unique character of Saskatchewan people.
"I think it may be time to upgrade the computer," he said, noting again that he's pleased to have won two VISA gift cards and that he's been able to share the Battlefords with the rest of Saskatchewan.
"The Battlefords have so much beauty all around it, it’s nice to be able to share that beauty with the rest of the province."
The following is a list of winners and honourable mentions.
Visit TourismSaskatchewan.com/Photo-Contest-Winners to view the award-winning photographs and video.
Grand Prize Winner
Gilbert Katerynych, North Battleford
People & Places
Winner: Michael St Laurent, Moose Jaw
Honourable Mention: Gokul Krishnan, Saskatoon; Zack Martyn, Arcola; Cathleen Mewis, Saskatoon; Michael St Laurent, Moose Jaw; Ciera Wolitski, Foam Lake
Prairie
Winner: Gilbert Katerynych, North Battleford
Honourable Mention: Bob Ferguson, Saskatoon; Herry Himanshu, Regina (two images); Anthony Lomond, Regina
Wildlife
Winner: Herry Himanshu, Regina
Honourable Mention: Akash Christian, Regina; Chad Letain, Regina (two images); Pat Martin, Saskatoon; Michael St Laurent, Moose Jaw
Winter
Winner: Danielle Bergen, Drake
Honourable Mention: Nicole Adair, Carlyle; Milena Esser, Saskatoon; Herry Himanshu, Regina; Evan Olson, Regina; Brenda Peters, Saskatoon
Woods & Water
Winner: Aaron Thomson, Saskatoon
Honourable Mention: Andrew Court, Regina; Casey Marshall, Lumsden; Thomas Pan, Calgary, Alta.; Jeff Wizniak, Saskatoon
Video
Winner: Gabe Dipple, Regina
Honourable Mention: Herry Himanshu, Regina; Ryley Konechny, Saskatoon; Ray Lagimodiere, Regina; Lee Miller, Regina; Lheo Roden Untal, Weyburn.
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