Some wildlife photography moments are comfortable and predictable.
This was not one of them.
When I captured this image of a snowy owl along the coast of Maine, a powerful winter nor’easter was pounding the shoreline with heavy snow and intense wind. Ice pellets stung my face as they blew sideways across the beach, and keeping both myself and my camera equipment dry felt nearly impossible.
The ocean was alive with violent wave action, crashing against the rocks and sending spray high into the air. At times, it was honestly a little unnerving. But moments like these are part of what makes wildlife photography so unforgettable. Being out in the elements, experiencing nature at its most raw and powerful, is what makes it all worthwhile.
And on this particular day, that experience led to an incredible encounter.
As the storm swirled around me, a magnificent snowy owl glided past the shoreline. For a brief moment, everything came together, the movement of the bird, the texture of the winter landscape, and the quiet intensity in the owl’s gaze.
That moment became the photograph I titled “Arctic Visitor.”
Best of Show, 2022 Maine Photography Show
I was honored when “Arctic Visitor” was selected for the 2022 Maine Photography Show and even more surprised to learn it had been awarded Best of Show by juror Reid Callanan, founder and director of Santa Fe Workshops.
The show featured submissions from nearly 250 photographers across Maine, with more than 600 images entered. Only 112 photographs were selected for the final exhibition at the Boothbay Region Art Foundation in Boothbay Harbor.
Juror’s Comments
Reid Callanan shared the following thoughts about the image:
“The eyes are locked on the photographer as the snowy owl floats by in slow motion, wings perfectly splayed to show off its magnificence. This is a perfectly composed image with a long rock as a leading line at its base and a softly blurred winter backdrop, all placed to center our attention on this haunting creature.”
Gratitude
It’s an honor to have my work recognized among so many talented photographers. I’m deeply grateful to the friends and fellow photographers who continually inspire and challenge me to grow.
And of course, a heartfelt thank you to my family and close friends who always support my passion for being out in the field, often in conditions like this, doing what I love.
Experiences like this stormy day on the Maine coast are a reminder that sometimes the most challenging conditions create the most unforgettable moments in nature.
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