We received seventy-one entries in the 2025 Steenburg Lake Community Association Photo Contest – so many wonderful photographs of life around Steenburg.

The SLCA engaged three judges with backgrounds in design and photography to select this year’s winners.

Landscape  

In the Landscape category we called on Kristen Ryan, a Graphic Artist and Editorial Production Manager for the Toronto Star, to give us her take on 20 entries. The winner receives a $25 Tim Hortons gift certificate.

Winner Jimmy Nevins - Star Trails

Judges’ Comment: Among many, many beautiful landscapes, Star Trails stood for the time and expertise it took to pull off this intriguing look at the stars and meteors. Well done!

Honorable Mention Kristen Carey - Morning Sun

Judges’ Comment: Steenburg Lake was at her best in this category. The beautiful mirror image, Morning Sun, drew me back time and again.

Honorable Mention Catherine Wilson-Sunset Isle

Judges’ Comment: In a category full of beautiful sunsets, Sunset Isle stood out for its dramatic cloud patterns. Catherine Wilson took full advantage of the sky by positioning the horizon low in the photo and allowing the cloud patterns and vibrant colours to be the star of the show.

Life at the Lake

Again, we called on Kristen Ryan to judge Life at the Lake, our most entered category with 29 photos. The winner receives a $25 Tim Hortons gift certificate.

Winner Vanessa Corner - Lake Monsters

Judge’s Comment: Isn’t lake life all about having fun with family and friends? The vibrant colours in this image of two little girls pretending to be lake monsters stood out from many other wonderful photos.

Honorable Mention Donna Ward - Lily Pads

Judge’s Comment: This little girl examining the Lily Pads seems fitting in this year where water levels have dropped allowing lots of shoreline exploration.

Honorable Mention Sandra Knox - Dancing Campfire

Judge’s Comment: Evening shores dotted with campfires are a bonus of lake living. Dancing Campfire captures the spark trails creating an impactful photo. The image benefits from good composition where the focal point – the fire – is placed in the lower third of the image allowing the eye to follow the spark trails upward. Nice job!

Kids Under 16

For Kids Under 16 we called on Lori Martin, Deputy Director of Content at Metroland Media Group, to judge the entries. The winner receives a $25 McDonald’s gift certificate.

Winner Jaysa Hamacher (8) - Ducks on the Mat

Judges’ Comment: Catching these friends sunbathing is a great illustration for summer fun. The wild hairdo on the bird on the left reminds me of how my own has looked after a day on the water. The bright yellow contrasts well with the blue water. Great shot!

Honorable Mention Brady Corner (8) - Sunset Ride

Judges’ Comment: Sunset Ride by Brady Corner captures the best of cottage life. The fire reds and oranges across the water carries the viewer’s eye right through the shot. The photo is framed well, capturing both the setting and the action simultaneously. Nicely done!

Honorable Mention Brady Corner (8) - Mr. Long Legs

Judges’ Comment: Mr. Long Legs by Brady Corner is a good shot. A spider on this light background really highlights the details of this insect’s body. Not a fan of spiders to be honest, but this angle helps it look less menacing. I wonder if it’s looking back at the camera.

Wildlife

And for the Wildlife category, SLCA President Joanne Burghardt put down her camera for a change and did some admiring of the photos entered. The winner receives a $25 Tim Hortons gift certificate.

Winner Karen Taylor - Bit Off More Than He Can Chew

Judges’ Comment: Bit Off More Than He Can Chew is a classic case of being in the right place at the right time – and thinking to pull out your camera! It left me rooting for the toad! Love this photo.

Honorable Mention Deb Wellman - Oh I can jump that high

Judges’ Comment: I can hear that squirrel’s mind spinning, thinking, “Oh, I can jump that high”. Comical photo that makes you smile and one we can all relate to.

Honorable Mention Deb Wellman – Finders Keepers

Judges’ Comment: So sad that this image wasn’t sharper – it’s a candid, funny shot that is well-composed. One of those images that are a happy surprise when you look back at what you’ve just shot.

Can’t wait for the 2026 Photo Contest!