2007 Banff Mountain Photography Competition
Special Mention
Paul Horsley: Grey Wolf
“Whenever I am on a photographic trip, I always get up before sunrise to be out at the best time to see wildlife. A recent trip to Jasper National Park was no exception, and an early-morning drive along the Yellowhead Highway to Mt. Robson was, as always, productive for wildlife sightings. On this particular morning, my partner and I had only gone a few kilometres west from Jasper when we spotted this wolf standing on the shoulder, oblivious to the vehicles passing only a few metres away. I pulled over, wound down my window and sat halfway out. For what seemed like the longest time, the wolf just stood facing away from us, a great butt shot; and then, for whatever reason, it turned its head and gave us this stare. For a few seconds we locked gazes, and then it was over. The wolf slowly, without a care for the traffic, crossed the highway to join its mate, which had been hiding in the bushes straight across from us the whole time. My last view was of two bushy tails disappearing into the brush — a great start to any day.”
Originally from England, Paul Horsley has been based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, for five years. He developed a passion for wildlife at an early age, but it wasn’t until his arrival in Canada and his first visit to the Rocky Mountains that his passion for photography really blossomed. Each time he goes out, he strives to capture something unique — a new angle, alternative behaviour. In contrast to the wildlife in the U.K., Canadian wildlife is relatively easy to find and observe, but it is not necessarily easier to photograph. Paul’s work has been displayed in exhibitions and published in magazines and calendars in Canada.