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Local photographer wins international award

Tracy Holland one step closer to master photographer designation
N8BlizzardEdgeTracyHolland2Gold_WEB
Local photographer Tracy Holland is one step closer to carrying out her dream of earning her Master Photographer designation after winning a gold prize and the Judges’ Choice International Award at the annual International Image Challenge. Her submission of a moose walking through a snowstorm was taken just as Holland was about to give up for the day when the majestic cow appeared, making her way across the field to a stand of trees.

ATHABASCA — Photography is not just filling a camera with film and hours in a dark room anymore, with the advent of digital cameras and easily accessible programs photographs can range from a standard photograph to digitally created art. 

And one local photographer who is well known for her photos of the Aurora Borealis and nature shots has another feather in her cap and is one step closer to receiving her Master Photographer designation after winning a gold place plus a Judges Choice award for capturing the image of a cow moose walking through a snowstorm, aptly named ‘Blizzard Edge.’ 

“I was actually just wandering, and the snow just fired up,” said Tracy Holland April 8. “It was such a blizzard, and I couldn't believe it; I was walking back home and turned around and she was right there looking for her way out of that into the bush. That's where she was headed, going across the field. So, it just was by chance and worked out perfectly.” 

The International Image Challenge (ICC) is in its eighth year and as photographers receive awards, like Holland did, it counts toward being recognized as a master photographer. There are 70 classes in six categories ranging from commercial, digital, fine art, nature, and weddings to portraits. 

“I try and do more natural photography rather than a whole pile of enhancement,” she said. “So, it becomes a bit of a struggle when you're competing because there is so much enhancement nowadays.” 

There can be small enhancements for nature photographs but too much and it moves into the fine art or digital art categories. 

“For nature photography, for example, there cannot be anything man-made in it whatsoever,” said Holland. “So, you can remove some distractions, but too much. Removal then takes away from really concentrating on it being in a nature area.” 

According to their website, IIC is one of the most prestigious international competitions to enter, not only to reward top talent in the industry but to also help educate novice photographers with feedback from the judges. 

“I got a really nice comment on that one, ‘It was simply gorgeous, simple graphic, great timing and a wonderful moment. My personal favourite,’” said Holland, noting five judges view each image and over 900 submissions were awarded bronze to platinum awards this past year and actual entries are in the thousands. 

In all Holland submitted six photographs chosen out of tens of thousands she takes every year in the 2021 competition winning four bronzes and the one gold. Previously her highest win was a silver. 

“(Athabasca County) council has definitely kept me busy so, with work going the way it's been going I haven't had the same amount of time that I have been able to go out and create,” she said. 

But she is taking a master class in portrait photography and continuing to refine her craft. 

“Getting that gold, that was a glory for me and then to have the judges award blew me away. I was pretty excited,” said Holland. “It's going to be more fierce competition next year, so I’ll see how things go. I'll keep working, I know that.” 

[email protected] 

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