Incredible Candid Photography From Across Canada
Updated: Aug. 25, 2021
We challenged you to share your best candid photography, and you delivered! These spur-of-the-moment snaps showcase life at its most authentic—and unplanned.
Puppy love
When Ann Boddy’s dog pulled a sneak licking-attack on her sister, she just had to capture the moment on camera. We’re so glad she did—this candid shot had us in stitches!
A soldier’s secret
Karen Allin captured this candid moment between two War of 1812 re-enactors at the Bradley Museum in Mississauga, Ontario. We can’t help but wonder whether they’re discussing military strategy, or tips on staying cool in those stifling uniforms!
Don’t miss this gallery of Canadian history on camera.
Waiting for the jumpers
“My husband was down on his hands and knees with our son’s dog Clay waiting for the fish to jump at the moths landing on the water,” writes Christine Muchmore of Maberly, Ontario. “I couldn’t resist this adorable candid moment!”
Check out more incredibly cute pets from across Canada.
Hold your horses
“This isn’t quite as easy as it looks,” writes Mike Lane of Saanichton, British Columbia. Thanks to Mike’s own quick reflexes, we can marvel at this action shot of a rider falling from a bucking bronc at the Williams Lake Stampede.
For the birds
“We were at Point Pelee near Windsor, Ontario, a few winters ago and my husband was taking a few bird shots when I noticed the chickadee fly by,” writes Paula Brown. “It was so funny as Dave never did get one bird shot!”
Here’s more gorgeous Canadian bird photography.
Warm smiles
As William Arthur Ward put it so eloquently, “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” Russ Hayes’ candid shot of friends enjoying a laugh in Lac Brome, Quebec, beautifully underscores that sentiment.
Here are more heartwarming shots that are sure to make you smile.
You are not going anywhere without me!
“I brought my van to help my son move from North Bay to the country,” writes Erla McCormick of Sarnia, Ontario. “We were going in and out of the house with loaded arms. My dog Chewbacca is my best friend and he follows me everywhere I go. While going in and out of the house, I kind of lost track of Chewy’s comings and goings. At one point, I came out of the house wondering where he could be. This is where I found him. It was literally the last spot left in the van, and when I saw him, all I could think was that he was telling me, ‘You are not going anywhere without me!’ He amazes me all of the time.”
These pandemic pet adoption stories will warm your heart.
Catch and release
This lucky fish will live to see another day! Thanks to Sue Thompson of Chatham, Ontario, for sharing this summery shot.
Check out six hidden gems in Ontario that are well worth visiting.
Airborne!
Talk about perfect timing! Heather Loewen of Lloydminster, Alberta, managed to capture this adventurous wakeboarder suspended in mid-air.
Here’s more “making a splash“-themed photography from Our Canada contributors.
Reading material
“Every mechanic has to take a minute to read the manual,” writes Norma Howes of Rock Creek, British Columbia. Given the attention this gentleman’s giving to those instructions, it looks like that tractor’s maintenance is in good hands.
Don’t miss these breathtaking photos of barns across Canada.
Forever blowing bubbles
You’re never too old for playtime, as this sweet shot from Scarborough, Ontario’s Alan Cheng proves.
Here, 50 Canadians reveal what their “happy place” looks like.
Nap time
This probably isn’t the comfiest place to catch 40 winks, but it certainly makes for a striking photograph! Sylvie O’Rourke snapped this candid shot during a hard-earned cycling break in St. Zotique, Quebec.
Discover the best bike trails across Canada.
Llama-rama
Here’s a candid photo that’s sure to put a smile on your face! Dan Wever captured this close encounter between his wife and a friendly llama on a trip to Newfoundland. We certainly hope that llama isn’t due for a shearing anytime soon—his ‘do is magnificent!
For another scene-stealing llama, check out this funny photo gallery.
Carpe diem
Swimming wasn’t necessarily on the agenda when Maria MacKeigan and her daughter, Jordan Grace, visited Alberta’s Lake Minnewanka—but that didn’t stop them from making a splash! “Jordan Grace went straight for the water, no bathing suits needed; she began to play and I began to snap some fun pictures,” Maria writes. “I love the way she lives life. Every day is an adventure.”
Read the incredible story of how Maria and her daughter are changing the face of beauty.
Quiet contemplation
Maria Powell shared this striking shot of a young Indigenous dancer deep in thought as he exited the stage following a performance at the Calgary Stampede.
Here are the 10 Indigenous writers you should be reading.
Scent-sational
You’ve heard of stopping to smell the roses? Well, this groundhog is making do with tulips! Sylvie O’Rourke captured this magical moment at Ottawa’s legendary Tulip Festival.
Seen everything our nation’s capital has to offer? Here are 10 great day trips from Ottawa worth adding to your itinerary.
Spring in her step
“My husband Dave wanted to see just how high our pup could jump,” writes Deb Sandau of Red Deer, Alberta. “She proved her point that she was able to go as high as she could to get the prize!”
You’ll find more of Deb’s creative captures in this gallery of beautiful doors across Canada.
Getting a leg up
It’s not unusual for Sharon Laurin to spot wildlife frolicking in her front yard in Ste. Anne, Manitoba. What was unusual was the moment this fawn jumped on its hind legs to get a better view over the back of its mother. Too cute!
Check out the best wildlife experience in every province.
Cowboys in conversation
Here’s another fantastic candid that Maria Powell snapped at the Calgary Stampede. Find out why the Stampede really is the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
An unexpected guest
“I put out a dish of water for the birds as it was very hot,” writes Vivian Wever of Grande Prairie, Alberta. “Never expected a chipmunk to join in on a long drink of cool water!”
If you enjoyed this roundup of candid photography, don’t miss our gallery of gorgeous sunset pictures.
