Hey there, friends!

Guess what? I've got some pretty cool news to share – I made it to the finals of the Canadian Geographic Photo Contest! Yep, you heard it right. I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that my photo got a ticket to the finals. It's a mix of excitement, humility, and a big ole' dose of gratitude.

Entering the Canadian Geographic Photo Contest has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. You know, flipping through the breathtaking pages of their magazines, wondering if my humble shots could ever hang with the big guns. Well, turns out, dreams do come true, and I'm stoked to be part of this incredible journey.

The photo that got me into the finals is one that I took on a whim during one of my adventures. It's not some grand masterpiece, just a snapshot of a moment that spoke to me. A moment that captured the essence of Canada's diverse and incredible wildlife – a bit of urban grit, a splash of nature, and a whole lot of magic.

Now, here's the kicker – the contest has these awesome themes: urban and natural landscapes, wildlife in action, weather, seasons and skies, and outdoor adventure. How cool is that? It's like a visual celebration of everything that makes Canada so darn special. My photo? It's a little bit of nature doing its thing, with a dash of awesome thrown in for good measure.

Being a finalist in a competition that spans these incredible themes is both mind-blowing and humbling. I'm just a regular person with a camera, trying to freeze moments that make me feel alive. And here I am, rubbing shoulders with some seriously talented photographers who see the world through their own unique lenses.

As I sit here and reflect, I can't help but feel thankful – thankful for the stunning landscapes that serve as my muse, thankful for the camaraderie of fellow photographers, and thankful for the judges who saw something special in my snapshot.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible support of my friends, family, and mentors who've cheered me on every step of the way. Their belief in hobby of mine, has been my driving force, pushing me to capture moments that tell a story – my story.

Now, let's keep it real. The competition is fierce. Every finalist brings something special to the table. Each photo tells a different tale of Canada – its beauty, its quirks, its untamed spirit. And that's what makes this journey so amazing.

So, here's a big shoutout to my fellow finalists – you guys rock! Let's celebrate our shared passion for freezing moments in time and telling stories through our lenses. Win or lose, the fact that we get to be a part of this collective visual storytelling experience is pretty incredible and humbling.

Thanks a bunch, Canadian Geographic, for this wild ride. I'm excited to see where it goes and grateful for the chance to be a tiny speck in the vast canvas of Canadian photography. Here's to more adventures, more snapshots, and more stories to tell. Cheers!

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PS. This image is currently on display for the "Looking Through Their Lens" Gallery show at the Gallery in the Grove, Bright's Grove, Ontario!