CAPS 2025 Photographer of the Year - Mel Bolin
My fondness for photography began in my childhood with a cute little pink Concord 110 and since upgraded through a variety of cameras over the years. I currently enjoy using my Canon 6D MRK ii that I named Shifu, often paired with my Sigma 150-600mm that I call Winston.
Joined CAPS in 2019 after volunteering as a member of the Canadian Winter Games Photo Squad.
By challenging myself to enter the club's monthly assignments, competitions, and join the outings & workshops has continuously improved my technical abilities and creative concepts. I always have learned lots from those around me. This year I even stepped out of my comfort zone to share a presentation on one of my favourite places, Haida Gwaii.
I often draw inspiration from my years at RDP in the Visual Arts program, my environments, and other photographers and artists.
I continue to enjoy pushing my creative concepts but have also started to intentionally focus on birding. Finding and photographing various bird species has helped to push my ambitions and skills even further. I really noticed a huge improvement in my photography.
It has been fun earning Photographer of the Year again, I had some really great moments in photography this past year.
Click images below to enlarge.






















































