Photography has long been engrained in the culture of the Alpine Club of Canada. Opportunities to capture the outdoors were abundant during the annual camps and the numerous outings organized by members. The Edmonton Section hosted its inaugural photo competition in 1936 when Helen Burns, the first woman chairman of the section, offered up the first photography trophy. The section’s intent was to promote photography among its membership and to create a permanent collection. Archival material indicates that the club continued the tradition of a photo competition throughout much of its history, adding the Rex Gibson, Frank Hollingworth, Gladys Hartley, Pat Payne awards, among others. These awards were given out at the annual dinners that were held at the Corona Hotel for years. The competition took on many forms starting with black and white photos, moving to submission of slides, through to digital photography. Capturing the outdoors through the lens of a camera provided a unique view of section member’s activities and adventures.
We’re excited to bring back the photo competition in 2025 as a nod to all of the Edmonton section members, past and present, who take the time to snap photos of the world around them. The photo competition runs from October 1st to 31st, 2025 with online voting taking place from November 1st to 10th, 2025. Prizes will be given out at the section social event on November 18th, 2025. Check out the website for all of the details, rules, link to enter and to register for the social event (through the event calendar). We look forward to celebrating your photographic masterpieces in November.
Group hiking in the River Valley. H.E. Bulyea fonds, University of Alberta Archives, UAA-82-30-193b, Edmonton, Alberta.
ACC Edmonton Section Photographic Trophy Donated by Helen A. Burns in 1936. H.E. Bulyea fonds, University of Alberta Archives, UAA-82-30-40, Edmonton, Alberta.
ACC Edmonton Section Gladys Hartley Memorial Trophy.
ACC Edmonton Section Annual Dinner Programs. Eleanor Silver Keeping Fonds, UAA-77-166, Edmonton, Alberta.
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