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2008 Banff Mountain Photography Competition
Special Mention

Paul Horsley: Kootenay Burn

“Photographing forest fires and their effects is an ongoing project of mine. I have long been fascinated by forest fires both for their destructive power and the subsequent re-growth. Along with shooting the actual fires themselves, I also like to shoot the after effects: new green shoots in contrast to the scorched, blackened earth, animals coming to feed in and around the dead trees. I made this shot on a recent visit to Kootenay National Park. My partner and I were exploring Marble Canyon and the snow formations when I turned around and saw the mountain across the valley. A fire in previous years had left the mountainside burnt and scarred. I was drawn to the monochromatic feel of the scene (there is colour here), deep snow and blackened tree trunks. I singled out this section of mountain side with my longest lens to make a stark portrait of nature’s on-going process of revitalization.”

Born and raised in England, Paul Horsley immigrated to Canada in 2001 where his passion for nature and photography blossomed. He came face-to-face with the vast Canadian wilderness at first in North Western Ontario, then in Alberta with a brief stint on Vancouver Island. Paul has since travelled and photographed around this country he now calls home. It’s in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta that he really likes to spend as much time as possible. From shooting the great array of readily viewable wildlife to the grand scenes, he finds it all inspiring. When not out and about in nature he can be found in Edmonton, Alberta shooting for several local and national publications, he is currently working on a book project on the Rocky Mountains.

photo.net/photos/Paul H

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