Adult Category Winner: Sandra Nelson
Instagram: @missantarctica5
The annual ROM Wildlife Photo Contest, proudly supported by Henry’s, celebrates the incredible talent of Ontario photographers who capture compelling stories from the natural world. After recently highlighting youth winner Joel Beilis, we’re thrilled to introduce this year’s Adult Category Winner, Sandra Nelson.
Sandra’s powerful image of two Alaskan brown bears in an intense showdown, complete with an escaping salmon, captures a moment of extraordinary drama in nature. Aptly titled and rich with raw emotion, her photograph immediately resonated with judges and viewers alike.
We caught up with Sandra to explore the story behind her award-winning photograph, her inspiring journey into wildlife photography, and the advice she shares for aspiring wildlife photographers.
Meet Sandra Nelson: Environmental Advocate Turned Wildlife Photographer
Sandra Nelson’s journey into wildlife photography began in an extraordinary way. Back in 2002, Sandra represented her employer, Bruce Power, on a United Nations-inspired environmental cleanup initiative known as “Mission Antarctica.” Armed with just a sturdy Kodak digital point-and-shoot—her first experience with digital photography—she documented the stunning beauty of Antarctica’s landscapes and wildlife. Those images became powerful educational tools, igniting Sandra’s passion for travel and photography.
“I’d never used a digital camera before that trip,” Sandra recalls. “But the scenery and wildlife were so inspiring, I just couldn’t stop taking photos. It sparked something in me.”
Sandra continued nurturing her photography, eventually transitioning from her initial point-and-shoot to a Sony a6000 mirrorless camera after retiring in 2015. Her lifelong dream of returning to Antarctica was realized in January 2020, capturing images that were so well-received they earned her a spot in her local co-operative art gallery.
The Story Behind the Winning Photo
Sandra’s winning image from the 2024 ROM Wildlife Photo Contest captures a dramatic encounter between two Alaskan brown bears—one gripping a freshly caught salmon, the other lunging in pursuit. The power, emotion, and incredible timing captured in the photograph made it stand out immediately.
Sandra explains, “In August 2023, I joined a weeklong wildlife photography workshop in Alaska led by renowned photographer Art Wolfe. Each morning, we’d fly out from the Alaska Wilderness Adventure Lodge near Katmai in float planes, scouting for bears. After landing on remote lakes, we hiked and waded to riversides, waiting patiently to document these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.”
On the cool, mostly cloudy final day of her trip, Sandra captured a truly remarkable moment. “I have several photos from bear encounters that day, but this particular shot stood out,” Sandra shares. “The bears’ expressive eyes—the intense anger, the palpable fear—and the clarity of the escaping salmon really made this photo special.”
Sandra’s Camera Gear and Essentials
Sandra captured her winning image using a Sony A7 III paired with the Sony FE 100-400mm GM OSS lens, equipment known for sharpness, reliability, and versatility. She also regularly carries a Sony 1.4 teleconverter, a polarizing filter (essential around water), and practical items such as waders, hiking poles, and a compact Zecti rain cover to protect her camera gear.
Sandra has been a loyal Henry’s customer for years. Her most recent major purchase—a Sony A1 camera—was chosen specifically for an upcoming Iceland trip. “I absolutely love it,” Sandra enthuses. “It’s perfect for pairing with the Sony a6700 camera that I won through this contest, allowing me to carry two camera bodies at once.”
Sandra even attended one of Henry’s in-store workshops. “I took a half-day ‘how to use your Sony camera’ course at Henry’s in Mississauga several years ago, and it transformed my understanding of photography fundamentals.”
What the Winning Photo Means to Sandra
Looking back on her winning photo brings Sandra immense joy. “The image makes me smile—not just because of the recognition, but because I captured such an exciting moment. The raw emotions of anger, fear, and determination in the bears’ expressions are unforgettable. Every time I look at it, it reminds me why I love wildlife photography so much.”
She hopes the image evokes a similar thrill in viewers, highlighting the drama and beauty that unfold in nature’s wild moments.
Advice for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers
Sandra’s advice for new wildlife photographers is refreshingly straightforward: “Just get outside and shoot, shoot, shoot! Practice your skills on familiar subjects like birds, butterflies, even pets. Take courses to master your camera, and never stop learning.”
She emphasizes ethical wildlife photography: “Rather than chasing wildlife, sit quietly and let nature come to you. Use long lenses to maintain respectful distances, and never feed or bait wild animals.”
For beginners, Sandra recommends the Sony mirrorless system—particularly the Sony a6000—as a versatile entry point. “I’ve stuck with Sony ever since they showed amazing customer care replacing a damaged camera for me, no questions asked.”
Looking Forward: New Destinations and Continued Inspiration
What’s next for Sandra? “My friend and I are heading to Africa in May,” Sandra shares enthusiastically. “We’re taking a safari journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls with G Adventures, followed by a specialized photography tour in Botswana with Pangolin Photo Safaris. I’m particularly excited to photograph elephants, maybe even a pangolin.”
Winning the ROM Wildlife Photo Contest has further fueled Sandra’s passion. “This recognition inspires me to keep learning, growing, and shooting. I don’t photograph wildlife for recognition, but it sure feels wonderful! I hope this visibility will encourage more visitors to discover the Victoria Park Gallery, where my work is displayed alongside other talented artists.”
Sandra deeply appreciates the partnership between ROM and Henry’s, which has given her an extraordinary platform to share her passion. “I’m excited to visit friends and family in Toronto soon and to see my photo displayed at the ROM,” she adds.
Stay tuned to the Henry’s blog for more inspiring photography stories, tips, and exclusive insights from talented photographers like Sandra Nelson.
For further details, visit the 2024 ROM Wildlife Photo Contest Winners page.
Explore More:
Youth Winner Spotlight: Joel Beilis, 2024 ROM Wildlife Photo Contest
Capturing the Wild: Announcing the Winners of the 2024 ROM Wildlife Photo Contest
Mastering Macro Bird Photography: Capturing the Hidden Details of Nature
Into the Woods: Elevating Your Camping Photography with Tamron Lenses
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