Port McNeill Photographer Anthony Bucci Wins Canadian Geographic's Top Photography Prize
Port McNeill-based photographer Anthony Bucci has achieved a remarkable milestone in his career, being named the Canadian Photographer of the Year by Canadian Geographic. This prestigious honor places him at the pinnacle of a national competition that attracted an impressive 7,000 entries from photographers across Canada. The announcement, made on January 29, 2026, recognizes Bucci's exceptional talent and dedication to capturing the natural beauty of Canada.
A Shocking and Amazing Achievement
In a statement following the announcement, Bucci expressed his disbelief and gratitude. "I couldn't believe it," he said. "It's still a shocker, just because I know how many people contribute to (Can Geo's competitions). To be selected is truly amazing." Bucci, a longtime contributor to the Canadian Geographic Photo Club, has built a reputation for his patient and meticulous approach to photography.
The Patience Behind the Perfect Shot
One of Bucci's winning submissions exemplifies his philosophy. He spent hours waiting in the remote valley of Zeballos on Vancouver Island, carefully observing the fog as it moved around the mountains. "I've got to make sure everything's perfect. If I don't like it, I don't take a picture," Bucci explained. "It's got to be special." This dedication to capturing the ideal moment paid off, contributing significantly to his overall victory.
Bucci's portfolio includes stunning images such as a sea otter and a bear fishing, showcasing his ability to document wildlife and landscapes with artistic precision. Originally from Langley, Bucci now calls Port McNeill home, drawing inspiration from the rugged coastal environment of Vancouver Island.
Celebrating Excellence Across Categories
In addition to Bucci's top award, Canadian Geographic honored 18 other outstanding images for their "originality, technical skill and visual impact." The competition featured four other categories, each celebrating different aspects of Canadian photography:
- Flora, Fauna and Fungi: Won by Vancouver's Eli Wolpin, an underwater photographer and technical/cave diver, for his image of a candy stripe shrimp residing in a specific anemone in Howe Sound.
- Epic Landscapes: Awarded to Castlegar's Ash Voykin for photographs taken in a high alpine meadow in British Columbia's Purcell Mountains.
- Weather, Seasons and Skies: Calgary-based photographer Matt Melnyk earned top honors for his striking image of fork lightning during a storm southeast of Calgary.
- Outdoor Adventure: Banff-based Will Lambert received the prize for his photo of an ice climber rappelling into a newly-formed cave on the Dome Glacier in Jasper National Park.
Judging and Publication Details
The winners were selected by a distinguished panel that included Canadian Geographic's editorial and design staff, along with Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence Scott Forsyth and adventure and wildlife photographer Jenny Wong. The winning images will be featured in the March/April 2026 issue of Canadian Geographic, available from February 16, 2026.
Alexandra Pope, editor-in-chief of Canadian Geographic, praised the competition entries in a statement. "From capturing a bucket-list shot to just getting out there and experiencing the beauty and geographical diversity of Canada, we love to see what our photography community has been up to over the past year," she said. "Although they all portray different locations and subjects, the winning images in this competition have one thing in common: they made us stop and say 'Wow.'"
This annual competition not only highlights the incredible talent within Canada's photography community but also serves as a vibrant celebration of the country's diverse landscapes and wildlife. Bucci's achievement underscores the importance of patience, skill, and a deep connection to the natural world in creating award-winning photography.
