With every Instagram post he makes, Tim Osborne’s photography reminds St. Albert’s residents that there is a wildness to our City that often goes unobserved. 

For most, St. Albert is a comfortable urban setting, but looking through Osborne’s camera lens reveals just how entwined we are with the natural world. From great blue herons fishing along the Sturgeon River to moose munching on vegetation of on the outskirts of town, his photos are alive with local fauna. And it’s often animals that we aren’t even aware live among us. 

“There’s days and times where I’ll go out looking for something specific, where maybe I’ve heard that something has been seen in a particular area, but more often than not, it’s going out and waiting to see what turns up,” says Osborne. “There’s always something that will kind of emerge and maybe you’ll have a chance to see it. But even I’m surprised. I'm still finding things.” 

Some of the moments he’s captured have even gone viral; including a snap of an obedient bison at Elk Island National Park, travelling across the road right at a bison crossing sign. The picture was featured on news broadcasts across the nation and earned Osborne kudos from fans in Manitoba, New Brunswick and around the world. Osborne has over 4,000 Twitter followers and nearly 2,000 Instagram followers eager to see what he will discover next. 

“It’s really neat to be able to share those [moments] and be able to give people a chance to see them,” says Osborne. “I’ve had really neat messages from people who may have mobility challenges and things like that, who can’t get out, but who are able to enjoy some of the wildlife and that’s really special to me. To be able to share some of that with people and hopefully foster an appreciation for some of the nature and wildlife we have in the area.” 

When Osborne first became a parent his interest in photography deepened, as he snapped pictures of moments destined to become precious family memories. Family photography turned into sports photography as his kids got older and joined different activities. Finally, he merged his love of the outdoors and his camera skills, becoming the artist he is today.  

“I really love the challenge of wildlife photography,” says Osborne. “It’s not a controlled setting, so it takes a lot of determination. Some days are great and some days are... I guess, all days are great! I love getting out into nature, but some days are a little more successful in terms of getting the photos. 

“For me getting out into nature is just great for mental health, it’s relaxing, and it’s a bit of an escape from the day-to-day buzz of everything.”  

Of course, with wild animals as subjects, nature photography doesn’t come without its challenges. From the damp marsh lands favoured by muskrats or red-winged black birds, to the crisp winter prairie that attracts snowy owls, the environment in which Osborne practices his craft can be harsh. Additionally, the unpredictability of the creatures on the other side of the lens adds an element of danger to the artform most other artists don’t have to contend with.  

“I think it’s important to be aware of the animals you’re with and not take any unnecessary risks,” explains Osborne. “So that means just being responsible and understanding behaviour. It’s one thing when you’re taking a picture of a chickadee, it’s another when you're standing in front of an elk. So you have to be able to read the signs that the wildlife is giving you. If they’re expressing any discomfort, that you’re putting them at unease, then it’s time to step back and to move away a little bit.” 

Despite the challenges, Osborne is quick to encourage others to pick up a camera and to discover for themselves what’s right outside their door. Though he does advise patience when it comes to wildlife photography.  

“There’s no shortage of opportunity to get out and enjoy nature in the St. Albert area,” says Osborne. “You don’t have to have any kind of fancy equipment or anything like that, it’s just really a matter of going out and taking a minute to slow down and enjoy what’s all around us. For me, that’s what I love—is getting out and doing that. I just hope that if some of my photos encourage others to do that, that’s great.”   

Follow Tim Osborne on Twitter and Instagram or check out his work on this website.

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