Through the Lens: November 2019

Many Canadians struggle with the shortening days of late autumn, but in the northern latitudes of our country the return of winter darkness brings with it at least one reason to celebrate: the aurora borealis, or northern lights. This photo by Photo Club member Bill Williams, taken on the outskirts of Iqaluit, Nunavut, demonstrates both technical skill and thoughtful composition, highlighting the inherent contrast between the igloo and dancing auroras — iconic symbols of the Arctic — and the glittering lights of a big city on the horizon. It’s a photo we find ourselves wanting to spend some time with, contemplating change. Want your photo to be chosen as a Photo of the Week? Upload your best shots to one of our Assignment Galleries for your chance to be featured!

Photo: Bill Williams/Can Geo Photo Club

From the mightiest grizzly bear to the tiniest chickadee, Canada’s biodiversity is worth celebrating and protecting. That’s why we’re thrilled to finally announce that the 2019 Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year Competition is open for entries now through January 31st, 2020. We’re looking for your most spectacular shots of Canadian animals in action, birds, urban wildlife, plants and trees, and wildlife close up (macro shots). We also have a category just for young photographers, so encourage the kids in your life to pick up a camera as well! Winners will receive great prizes from Nikon and Vistek, and see their work published in Canadian Geographic magazine. Remember to be respectful of wildlife and happy snapping! Enter now!

Longyearbyen, the northernmost permanent settlement in the world, is located on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and sits in a river valley bracketed on both sides by steep mountains. A series of tall snow fences cuts across the slope of the mountains to the east of town, just above a row of colourful houses. These fences weren’t there before 2018. A new research expedition, Hearts in the Ice, aims to document the impacts of climate change on Earth’s polar regions, and Canadian Geographic special projects editor Tanya Kirnishni tagged along for part of it. Read more and see her spectacular photos of Longyearbyen.

Photo: Tanya Kirnishni/Can Geo

Get the Canadian Geographic newsletters you want — keep your subscription profile up-to-date!