Two Chemainus-area photographers are gaining international acclaim for their photographic artistry. Cim MacDonald of Chemainus and Daphne Carlyle of Saltair are accomplished artists who credit photography competitions with fostering their growth and creativity.
Cim MacDonald was awarded third place — Honour of Distinction — in the 17th Annual International Color Awards in April 2024. She won in the Wildlife category for professional photography with her photo titled "Mandarin Duck". Photographers from 68 countries participated, and more than 6,000 entries were submitted. This was MacDonald’s first international win. She also received an honourable mention in October 2024 for her photo titled “Take Cover” at the 19th Annual Black and White Spider Awards.
Most locals know MacDonald as the artist behind nine of the Chemainus murals and the longtime curator of the Festival of Murals Society, a role she held for 25 years before passing the torch to Trisha Oldfield. But MacDonald — a fellow of the Canadian Association for Photographic Arts (CAPA) — has also earned numerous accolades throughout her photography career. From CAPA, she received a silver medal for Best in Nature and a gold medal for Best in Theme. Her work has also been recognized by the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) with multiple awards across various categories in four different years.
Daphne Carlyle won Best in Class: Pictorial/Floral from the Professional Photographers of Canada – BC Region in 2024. She has also earned six Merit recognitions across various categories over the years, including Pictorial/Floral, Fine Art and Experimental at the PPOC National Image Salon. Carlyle was also the recipient of the Yousuf Karsh Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Named after the renowned Canadian photographer, this award celebrates a lifetime of outstanding photographic achievement.
Photography competitions are a cornerstone of professional organizations like the PPOC. Juried events such as the PPOC Annual Image Salon highlight the most creative, technically advanced and cutting-edge photography produced by members. Participants submit their work to a panel of qualified judges, and those whose work stands out earn distinctions such as merits and the prestigious excellence score.
For artists like MacDonald and Carlyle, these competitions provide invaluable opportunities for growth. They say the feedback helps them sharpen their skills and ensures their work meets the highest standards in an ever-evolving photographic landscape. Both agree that competing keeps them current with trends and technology while offering validation for their creative work.
For MacDonald, international recognition affirms her efforts.
“It was amazing to get an award in an international show," she said. "It means that I am on the right track in worldwide competitions. The Black and White Spider Awards was my first win for a black and white image in any competition. I had been trying for some time to get recognition in black and white.”
Carlyle shares a similar perspective, saying competitions are a way for her to stay current with her skills.
“If you can have your work accepted in the show, it tells you — and it tells me — that I’m in the ballpark, that my work is keeping up with the technology as it’s changing,” she said.
Their wins also highlight the importance of perseverance when it comes to competitions.
“I was quite excited when I got my results because I have never ever achieved an excellence,’” said Carlyle. “I've had lots of merits, but this was my first excellence, and I was so excited.”
While dedication and practice are essential to these artists’ success, sometimes it’s just about being in the right place at the right time. That was the case for MacDonald and her winning photo titled “Mandarin Duck” at the International Color Awards.
“The photograph was taken on a trip to China; I just chanced on the Mandarin Duck having a sleep with one eye on me, making sure it was safe," MacDonald explained.
Carlyle had a similar experience with her photo titled “Succulent Drops” which won Best in Class at the PPOC Image Salon this year.
“This image was taken in Maui,” she said. “I spent a lot of time in the mornings there going around and photographing the raindrops.”
Beyond the accolades, membership in organizations such as the PPOC offers these artists a sense of community. Carlyle has been a member of the PPOC for 37 years, beginning as a student.
“I grew up in the Alberta group, basically. We helped each other, we worked together. You’ve got a wedding to shoot and you broke your leg? There would be somebody who would come and do the work for you,” Carlyle said. “And we learned from each other. If you want to know how to do something, come with me. Can I assist you on this shoot so I can get an idea of how it works? It was wonderful.”
That sense of camaraderie also extends to Rainforest Arts in Chemainus where both MacDonald and Carlyle are members. Membership is required to exhibit at the gallery, which features work by more than 50 artists from Vancouver Island, most from the Chemainus area. Through workshops, exhibitions and demonstrations, members share knowledge and build a supportive creative community.
The gallery is a vibrant, artistic hub with volunteers curating and hanging exhibits and acting as gallery sitters. This fosters a sense of connection and mutual support in what can often be a solitary pursuit.
Struggling to articulate what her artistic community means to her, Carlyle paused.
“These are my peeps,” she said finally, her smile conveying what words could not.
