Youth Winner: Joel Beilis
Instagram: @Ice_Cream_Turtle
The annual ROM Wildlife Photo Contest, proudly supported by Henry’s, celebrates Ontario’s top wildlife photographers, highlighting their unique perspectives on the natural world. After announcing our winners, we had the privilege of chatting with this year’s Youth Category Winner, Joel Beilis, whose winning photo captured a remarkable, candid moment with a yawning fox—aptly titled, “What Does the Fox Say?”
Joel’s journey into wildlife photography is not only inspiring but also delightfully relatable. Here’s a closer look at the young photographer behind the lens, his captivating winning photo, and what this achievement means to him.
Meet Joel Beilis: A Young Photographer with Big Dreams
Joel’s photographic journey started early and close to home, with inspiration coming from within his family. “Before I got a camera, I took pictures using my dad’s phone. He’s been into photography most of his life. His uncle was even a photographer for a news outlet, so I guess it’s in my blood,” Joel shares.
From initially capturing nature and landscapes on his first DSLR—a Nikon D3500—Joel quickly expanded his horizons, moving into astrophotography and event photography for his school’s math and robotics clubs. For Joel, photography is deeply personal, almost like scrapbooking memories. “I just love saving what I see through my camera.”
Behind Joel’s Winning Photograph
Joel’s winning image, “What Does the Fox Say?”, came from a moment of pure spontaneity during an evening walk near Lake Lafontaine in Tiny Town, Ontario. Joel vividly recalls, “It was an early December evening. The sun was setting around 4:30 pm, and I was just heading to the beach to catch the sunset. Out of nowhere, a fox stepped out of the forest, did a big stretch, and then let out this massive yawn. I stopped immediately, pointed my camera, quickly snapped three photos, and kept walking. It was completely and utterly pure luck—absolutely zero intention of shooting wildlife that day.”
Despite the dim evening light and the forest blocking most of the setting sun, Joel captured a beautifully expressive image. “Every time I look at this photo now, I think ‘BIG W,’” Joel laughs. “Having my picture recognized by the ROM is honestly an unfathomable experience; my brain still struggles to comprehend it. Normally, when I revisit my wildlife photos, I see things I’d want to improve. But this time, there’s nothing I’d change—it just reminds me of a massive win.”
Joel sees layers of relatability in his fox photo, adding, “In that moment, the fox just seemed so relatable—clearly tired and yawning. But afterward, I saw emotions like pure frustration or a feeling of just needing to let it all out. I hope others feel the joy from this shot, especially with the playful title inspired by the famous song.”
Joel’s Gear and Practical Advice for Aspiring Photographers
Joel captured his winning image using a Nikon D3500 and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens. When asked about must-have gear, Joel humorously advises, “Bring snacks if you’re out photographing wildlife—you might be waiting a while. But avoid oranges; animals really dislike citrus scents!”
Joel’s best advice for new wildlife photographers is refreshingly practical. “Many photographers suggest long lenses to avoid disturbing wildlife, but I mostly shoot with a 50mm lens,” Joel explains. “Your gear doesn’t matter as much as your willingness to shoot spontaneously. Photography should be fun, so don’t overthink it. Just keep your eyes open for quirky moments.”
Regarding ethical photography, Joel emphasizes a simple philosophy: “Remember, wildlife is usually more scared of you. Just observe quietly, like watching a reality show—you don’t need to interfere, just capture what you see.”
For beginners wondering about equipment choices, Joel shares an insightful thought, “I’ve heard the saying, ‘You date your camera, but marry your lenses.’ Choose carefully, but also know you’ll likely upgrade along the way. Enjoy whatever camera you start with!”
Looking Ahead: Dreams, Travel, and Inspiration
Joel’s ambitions stretch far beyond Ontario. “I’ve dreamed of going to Japan for over eight years. I’m fascinated by their culture and wildlife—pandas, Japanese macaques, and massive koi fish. The unique landscapes there, like bamboo forests and mountains, offer endless creative possibilities. My goal is to use elements like bamboo to frame wildlife in interesting ways.”
Winning the ROM Wildlife Photo Contest has also profoundly impacted Joel’s sense of confidence. He shares, “I recently got admitted to study arts at the University of British Columbia and almost rejected it. Winning this contest changed that. It gave me a newfound confidence to pursue photography seriously—something I never fully considered possible before.”
Stay Tuned: More Inspiring Wildlife Photography Stories Ahead
Joel’s journey is just one of the inspiring stories emerging from the 2024 ROM Wildlife Photo Contest. At Henry’s, we’re proud to support talented photographers like Joel and help showcase their exceptional work.
Stay tuned for our next blog featuring Sandra Nelson, the Adult Category Winner, and discover more about her remarkable photography journey and winning image.
For more details about the contest, visit the ROM Wildlife Photo Contest Winners page.
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Capturing the Wild: Announcing the Winners of the 2024 ROM Wildlife Photo ContestCapturing the Wild: Announcing the Winners of the 2024 ROM Wildlife Photo Contest
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