Last month, we discussed how the rule of thirds is often used as a basic guideline in photography to help create a well-balanced image. In this photograph of a red-winged blackbird captured by Meg Legge, the rule of thirds has been perfectly executed, resulting in a captivating image. In addition to the rule of thirds, several other photographic techniques have been successfully implemented in this photograph, such as the use of a deep depth of field to enhance the subject in the foreground and an appropriate shutter speed to capture the bird’s breath with precision. Additionally, Legge also used an often-overlooked photography skill: patience. When it comes to wildlife photography, a lot of success comes with being in the right place at the right time, but it can also be associated with staying in one spot for an extended period. The next time you are in the field attempting to photograph wildlife, set a timer for 30 minutes to an hour and see what comes your way. You never know what you might "find" when you aren't looking.

Photos of the Week for the month of March 
 

Other photos we featured in the month of March included a red-tailed hawk captured mid flight by Dan Sedran and beautifully framed barred owl captured by Nicole Watson. 

Each Monday, our editors choose a new Photo of the Week to feature as the cover photo on our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We share it on Instagram, too!

Want to see your photo featured? Be sure to join and upload to our Photo Club.
 

#ShareCanGeo
 

We love when you tag us on Instagram using #ShareCanGeo. Here are a few of our recent favourites.

Click on each picture to be brought to the photographer’s Instagram page!

 

The 2024 Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year competition is open! 

Get your cameras ready because our immensely popular Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year competition is back!
 

This year, we are giving away $10,000 in cash prizes, including a grand prize of $5,000 to one individual deserving of the title Canadian Wildlife Photographer of the Year! As always, we’re looking for your best shots of wildlife in Canada — plus non-animal wildlife! Enter into one of four categories for your chance to win the category prize of $1,000. The Canadian Wildlife Photographer of the Year will be selected from among entries to all four categories. Visit the competition website to read the full list of rules. 

The categories

Things with wings: We’re looking for birds and bees — plus butterflies, bats, bugs and more. If it flies through the air, it belongs in this category.

Aquatic life: From tide pools to ponds, rivers to oceans, water is teeming with — and essential to — life. We want to see your best shots of fishes and kelp fronds, whales and wading birds.

Terrestrial life: From iconic predators like bears and wolves to majestic and elusive ungulates like moose and caribou to common-yet-charismatic mammals like foxes and squirrels, we’re looking for great images of Canada’s diverse land animals — and the habitats they depend on. 

Flora and fungi: Interest in plants, trees, lichens and fungi is mushrooming (see what we did there?). We’re looking for creative shots revealing non-animal wildlife and the roles they play in their respective ecosystems.

The competition closes on July 31, 2024, so don't delay!

Photos: Incredible views and memorable moments from the 2024 total solar eclipse
 

Canadian Geographic photographers commemorate the rare celestial event