Inspired by wild spaces at BCIT campuses, students, faculty, and staff participated in the Wild BCIT Photo Competition. The BCIT Green Team hosted the competition to call attention to the ecosystems that allow plants, animals, and people to thrive. “The photos are phenomenal,” says Cynthia van Ginkel, member of the BCIT Green Team Executive. “The winning entry is a beauty,” adds Green Team Executive member Alison Griffin.
The unexpected wildlife photo captured at the BCIT Downtown Campus
Michael McKay, student, Bachelor of Creative Industries (BCI), captured the top photo at the BCIT Downtown Campus. At first, Michael assumed, “there’s no wildlife for me to take photos of at the downtown campus in Vancouver.” So, he focused on seeking wildlife among the concrete buildings. His striking photo of a seagull landing on the ledge of the eighth floor of the downtown campus garnered first place.
“Every day, I sit in class on the 8th floor and watch pigeons and seagulls jump off the building’s edges in flocks, showing off their defiance of gravity. My photo captures a seagull landing … making me wish I could fly as well,” says Michael.
A panel of judges—which included: Scott McAlpine, BCIT Photographer; Geoffrey Bird, Program Head, Marketing Management; and Wendy D, Professional Photographer—selected six winning images. These images will be on display throughout the summer. They will tour each BCIT Campus Library for the community to enjoy. “I love how different people see the same spaces; everyone has a unique perspective,” says Wendy about all the contest submissions. “Taking the time to appreciate the nature around us is important for our own well-being,” she concludes.
The six top images will be exhibited, starting at the Burnaby Campus Library, and continuing to the other campus libraries through the summer. All the contest entries are on display at BCIT Green Team Flickr.
