Chemainus Artists Capture Glory: Photography Awards Spotlight Local Talent

Two photographers from the Chemainus area are receiving global recognition for their photographic skills. Cim MacDonald from Chemainus and Daphne Carlyle from Saltair are skilled artists who attribute their development and creativity to photography competitions.

Cim MacDonald attained third place — Honour of Distinction — in the 17th Annual International Color Awards in April 2024. She clinched victory in the Wildlife category for professional photography with her image titled “Mandarin Duck.” Photographers from 68 nations took part, with over 6,000 submissions. This marked MacDonald’s inaugural international victory. Additionally, she garnered an honourable mention in October 2024 for her piece titled “Take Cover” at the 19th Annual Black and White Spider Awards.

Most residents recognize MacDonald as the creator behind nine of the murals in Chemainus and the long-serving curator of the Festival of Murals Society, a position she held for 25 years before transferring her responsibilities to Trisha Oldfield. Furthermore, MacDonald — a fellow of the Canadian Association for Photographic Arts (CAPA) — has also received numerous awards during her photography journey. From CAPA, she earned a silver medal for Best in Nature and a gold medal for Best in Theme. Her work has also garnered accolades from the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC), receiving multiple awards in various categories over four different years.

Daphne Carlyle achieved Best in Class: Pictorial/Floral from the Professional Photographers of Canada – BC Region in 2024. Over the years, she has also secured six Merit recognitions across different categories, including Pictorial/Floral, Fine Art, and Experimental at the PPOC National Image Salon. In 2016, Carlyle was also honored with the Yousuf Karsh Lifetime Achievement Award, which celebrates a lifetime of remarkable photographic achievement and is named after the famous Canadian photographer.

Competitions in photography are fundamental to professional organizations like the PPOC. Juried events, such as the PPOC Annual Image Salon, showcase the most innovative, technically proficient, and avant-garde photography created by members. Participants present their work to a panel of qualified judges, and those whose submissions stand out receive distinctions such as merits and the esteemed excellence score.

For artists like MacDonald and Carlyle, these contests offer invaluable chances for development. They express that feedback assists them in refining their skills and ensuring their work aligns with the highest standards in an ever-changing photographic environment. Both concur that competing keeps them updated with trends and technology while providing validation for their artistic endeavors.

For MacDonald, global acknowledgment validates her efforts.

“It was incredible to receive an award in an international exhibition,” she remarked. “It indicates that I am on the correct path in global contests. The Black and White Spider Awards marked my first victory for a black and white photograph in any competition. I had been endeavoring for some time to gain recognition in black and white.”

Carlyle expresses a similar viewpoint, saying that competitions are a means for her to remain up-to-date with her skills.

“If you can have your work accepted in the exhibition, it tells you — and it communicates to me — that I’m in the right zone, that my work is adapting to the technology as it evolves,” she stated.

Their achievements also underscore the significance of persistence regarding competitions.

“I was quite thrilled when I received my results because I have never achieved an excellence,’” Carlyle expressed. “I’ve received numerous merits, but this was my first excellence, and I was extremely excited.”

While commitment and practice are crucial to the success of these artists, sometimes it’s merely about being in the right location at the perfect moment. This was true for MacDonald and her award-winning image titled “Mandarin Duck” at the International Color Awards.

“The photograph was captured during a trip to China; I just stumbled upon the Mandarin Duck having a rest with one eye on me, ensuring it was safe,” MacDonald clarified.

Carlyle had a comparable experience with her image titled “Succulent Drops” which won Best in Class at the PPOC Image Salon this year.

“This image was shot in Maui,” she explained. “I devoted a significant amount of time in the mornings there wandering around and capturing images of the raindrops.”

Beyond the accolades, joining organizations such as the PPOC gives these artists a sense of community. Carlyle has been part of the PPOC for 37 years, starting as a student.

“I grew up in the Alberta group, essentially. We supported one another, collaborated. You’ve got a wedding to shoot and you’ve broken your leg? There would be someone who would step in and do the work for you,” Carlyle recounted. “And we learned from one another. If you want to know how to do something, come with me. Can I assist you in this shoot so I can grasp how it operates? It was wonderful.”

This sense of fellowship also extends to Rainforest Arts in Chemainus, where both MacDonald and Carlyle are members. Membership is essential to exhibit at the gallery, which showcases work from more than 50 artists from Vancouver Island, most of whom hail from the Chemainus area. Through workshops, exhibitions, and demonstrations, members exchange knowledge and cultivate a supportive creative community.

The gallery serves as a lively artistic center with volunteers curating and displaying exhibits while also serving as gallery sitters. This fosters a sense of connection and collective support in what can often be a solitary pursuit.

Struggling to convey what her artistic community signifies to her, Carlyle hesitated. 

“These are my peeps,” she finally said, her smile expressing what words could not.