The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta teachers were active with their cameras throughout the 2020–21 school year, flooding ATA News inboxes with dozens of photos for the 2021 Gotcha! Photo Contest.

Here are the judges’ top-three picks along with some honourable mentions.

Prizes are awarded as follows
•   1st: $200   •   2nd: $100   •   3rd: $50

FIRST PLACE:  Frozen leap

Grade 10 student Nyapan Tung is captured in mid-air during a photography class focused on fast shutter speed and “freezing” action.

Photographer: Mark Knoch, McNally High School, Edmonton

Date of photo: March 23, 2021

Judges’ comments: This photograph combines great execution of skills and careful planning in composition and lighting: a spot that showcases the view of the city and a time of day when the sun lights both the buildings and the subject. Overall, the effort pays off in a wonderful photograph that captures the athleticism of the student and a beautiful view of the city.

SECOND PLACE:  A moment in the sun

Student Sophie Brisson goes for a backwards tumble while enjoying some time outdoors.

Photographer: Danielle Jean, Muriel Martin Elementary School, St. Albert

Date of photo: Feb. 23, 2021

Judges’ comments: Wearing a mask during COVID-19 doesn’t stop this student from conveying a feeling of carefree delight. While the student’s body casts a shadow that adds an interesting shape to the picture, the photo exudes joy and spontaneity.

THIRD PLACE: Clay figure

Grade 7 student Calvin Paulways shows off a clay robot named Roz that he made as part of a study of the novel Wild Robot.

Photographer: Kathy Doherty, Father Scollen School, Calgary

Date of photo: April 27, 2021

Judges’ comments: The student’s steady gaze raises the question about his assessment of his own creation. Perhaps his thoughts are reflected in the small figure in his hand: wide-eyed but somewhat subdued. The hoodie and the mask add an element of mystery and the use of tight cropping enhances the emotional impact.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

COVID greetings

Tanaka Nemutambwe (left) and Corey Ly exchange a COVID greeting.

Photographer: Mark Knoch, McNally High School, Edmonton

Date of photo: Feb 22, 2021

Judges’ comments: Two students greet each other with a friendly elbow bump. The photographer catches the optimism in the students’ eyes above their masks. The warm glow on their faces reflected from the bright orange shirts complements the feeling of hope and optimism.

Sit and sketch

Maleah sits at the base of her chosen tree at Calgary’s Pearce Estate Park and sketches the changing seasons.

Photographer: Dena Leigh, Colonel Walker School, Calgary

Date of photo: April 7, 2021

Judges’ comments: The tall trees and their shadows bring a poetic quality to the photograph, and the contrast in scale between the trees and the student adds interest to the composition.

Clean-up time

Kindergarten students pick up trash in the school yard in preparation for Earth Day.

Photographer: Michelle Dickie, Varsity Acres School, Calgary

Date of photo: April 21, 2021

Judges’ comments: The chain link fence effectively frames two students who are diligently performing their civic duty. The photographer makes good use of depth of field to focus on the subject.