Local Photographer Wins Best of Nation Award with Stunning Wildlife Image

LIVING IN THE CALGARY AREA HAS ITS PERKS, including access to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world. For photographer JoAnne Oucharek, this scenery is not just a backdrop for her life - it’s the inspiration behind her awardwinning photography.

Jo-Anne Oucharek, a resident of Cochrane - a thriving bedroom community located west of Calgary - has recently won the Best of Nation Award in the World Photographic Cup. This prestigious international competition brings together photographers worldwide to showcase their best work.

Oucharek’s award-winning photograph is a stunning wildlife image that features a fierce momma brownhaired bear fishing. It was Canada’s highest-scoring image of the 24 submitted to represent Canada at the international competition. The photograph was taken at the top of Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, Alaska.

“Waiting and watching for eight hours, with action continually happening all around, my patience and focus paid off, capturing this iconic moment,” Oucharek said.

Oucharek is no stranger to success in the world of photography. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC) Award of Excellence and the Applied Arts Photography and Illustration Award. She has also been featured in several publications, including Canadian Geographic and Outdoor Photography Canada.

Despite her many accolades, Oucharek remains humble about her success. She credits her love of photography to her upbringing in Cochrane, which she describes as “a beautiful place to grow up.” Oucharek has always been drawn to the natural beauty of her surroundings, and her photography reflects this deep connection to the land.

For Oucharek, photography is more than just a hobby or a jobit’s a passion that has been with her since childhood. Growing up in the Calgary area, she was surrounded by natural beauty, which inspired her to pick up a camera and explore the world around her. Over the years, she has honed her skills and developed her unique artistic vision, capturing the beauty of nature in all its forms.

Oucharek’s photographs capture her adventures that are close to home usually within an hour of Cochrane. She calls the foothills her backyard! The photographs tell the story of the incredibly diverse wildlife in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

For Oucharek, photography is not just a hobby or a profession - it is a way of life. She sees the world through the lens of her camera, constantly searching for new perspectives and ways of seeing. Her work reflects her passion for art and nature, and she is committed to sharing this passion with others.

In addition to her photography, Oucharek is an active member of the Calgary community. She is involved in many local organizations, including the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society and the Alberta Society of Artists. She believes that art and community go hand in hand, and she is committed to using her talents to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her.

For Oucharek, photography is a way to connect with nature and others. She sees her work as a way to inspire others to appreciate the natural world’s beauty and power and take action to protect it for future generations. Her photography workshops and community involvement reflect her commitment to sharing her passion with others.

Right now, Oucharek is focusing on capturing images of Snowy Owls. To better photograph bears, she became a bear guide. To photograph Snowy Owls, among other birds, she has been studying ornithology, which is the study of birds, including bird physiology, behaviour, population structure, and how they live in their environment.

“This time of the year, they migrate here for the winter months and they’re so amazing to watch,” says Oucharek.

She says we’re fortunate to have them in our area, though the size of the population migrating to Alberta varies from year to year.

Oucharek’s success in the World Photographic Cup is a source of pride for the Calgary area, highlighting the exceptional talent and creativity that can be found in this region. Her win is a reminder that the natural beauty around us is not just something to be admired - it’s something to be celebrated and shared with the world.

Some of Oucharek’s work is displayed at the Route 22 Artist’s Collective Gallery in Cochrane. Her work can also be found at natureinmybackyard.ca.