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Each year, the Essence of Bellingham Photo Competition offers a unique opportunity for local photographers to showcase the beauty, diversity, and spirit of our beloved city and region. As someone who has both participated and won in past years, I can personally attest to how meaningful this competition is, not just for the photographers but for the entire community.

The competition is open to resident photographers of all ages and skill levels and classes from amateur and pro photographers but also with age classes for children and young adults. What I love about this is that it provides a platform to capture everything that makes Bellingham and Whatcom County special—often showcases the hidden sights that often go unnoticed.

In 2015, I had the privilege of winning Best of Show with my photo “48 Degrees North 122 Degrees West,” which has since become somewhat locally iconic. This image, now often widely used across the City of Bellingham’s websites. One of the many things I appreciate about the Essence of Bellingham competition is added to the Whatcom Museum’s photo archives and may be featured on BTV, the City’s website, and in various other City publications. It’s a awesome way to preserve and promote the visual history of our city while celebrating the artistry of our residents.

2024 Essence of Bellingham

This year, I was thrilled to win Best of Underwater with my photo “Sherlock’s Salish Sea Sojourn.” The story behind the image makes it even more special.

“Meet Sherlock, a giant Pacific octopus (GPO) who became an unexpected visitor at the Bellingham Marine Life Center after being caught as bycatch during the shrimping season. His journey began when he was accidentally hauled in by a shrimp fisherman, but instead of becoming a casualty of the catch, Sherlock was brought to the Marine Life Center to be cared for until the end of the shrimping season. Over time, he became a familiar face (and tentacles) at the center, impressing everyone with his intelligence and curiosity. He had a very curious personality, and I think a semi-photogenic one compared to some octopus.

Eventually, Sherlock’s story came full circle. With the help of the Marine Life Center’s dedicated staff and volunteers, I was one of the divers with the honor of being part of his release team. We returned him to the very same waters where he had been caught, the Salish Sea. Watching him emerge from the release bag and he had a last glimmer of curiosity, but also confidence and was an unforgettable moment. He emerged and headed to some nearby eelgrass and just hung out with us, which I took as Sherlock’s way of saying thanks and “check out my actual true home.”

I was fortunate to capture this moment, and I’m always, I’m grateful to the Bellingham Marine Life Center for the opportunity to help as a volunteer diver and privileged to capture their work with our aquatic life of the Salish Sea below the waves.

I want to extend my thanks to this year’s Essence of Bellingham judges, the City of Bellingham, and the entire community for the ongoing support. The competition is more than just a showcase of photos; it’s a celebration of Bellingham’s city of subdued excitement spirit and the life we have here in the northwest of the Northwest.