Burnaby local voted number one in nationwide photo contest

March 9, 2010 – Burnaby resident, Jesse Whitehead, was recently awarded two first place prizes in a nationwide photo contest hosted by ECO Canada.

Last month close to 500 Canadians put their photography skills to the test for a chance at winning a prize valued up to 400 dollars. Photographers of all walks of life were asked to capture Canada’s landscape and the people working in our environment.

In each category 6 finalists were selected and voted on by the public. After making it to the finalists round results were polled and Whitehead was voted number one in two categories: ‘Working in the Environment’ and ‘Environmental Industry/Sites.’

Whitehead attributes his success to working as a tree planter. “Through tree planting I was able to witness the contrast between industry sites and the natural beauty of an untouched landscape. My colleagues’ also encouraged self expression which helped to foster my creativity,” says Whitehead.

Whitehead, 27, currently works as a Youth Leader in Burnaby. His view on the environment “Take, but no more than you need.” He plans to use his prize money ($800 in Best Buy gift certificates) to further his hobby.

To view Whitehead’s winning photos check out ECO Canada’s Flickr page or to find out more about ECO Canada’s photo contest email your questions to info@eco.ca