A Corunna-based photographer planning to capture images in the Canadian Arctic says he’s been blown away by the local support he’s received to make that trip.
Article content
“I can’t really put that into words, how amazing it is to feel that support and know that people believe in it,” said Shaun Antle, who’s had about 20 sponsors sign on to help him journey to Churchill, Manitoba in November.
Article content
Antle, honorable mention in Canadian Geographic’s 2023 Canadian Photos of the Year competition, said he’s been involved in photography seriously for five to 10 years and was looking for a new challenge.
“Polar bears have been at the top of my list,” he said.
But more than just capturing wildlife and landscape images on his trip—exact dates are still being worked out—Antle said he also wants to tell a broader story.
The financial advisor by day said he’s in talks with local schools about a post-trip speaking tour, has hopes to speak with and photograph the people living in Churchill, and wants to draw parallels between how actions in places like Sarnia-Lambton are affecting the Arctic and vice versa, he said.
Article content
“What we can do from a conservation perspective to continue progressing as a society, but what can we do at the same time to mitigate, enhance or help keep nature at the forefront,” he said.
Antle said he’s also been in talks with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority about delivering that message.
“I’m learning more about preservation, conservation, being a conservational photographer,” he said. “Where you’re capturing things and really telling the story of nature and how we need to think more about conservation and preservation of what we have.”
Learning about Churchill when he goes is also important, he said.
“It’s harsh conditions,” he said. “The kind of people that live in that with polar bears literally roaming around downtown.”
Hopes are to also do a gallery tour after his trip, he said.
“Just to share the photos obviously and to share my learnings and focus on that aspect of conservation.”
More information is available at ohmenervesphotography.ca.
Share this article in your social network