It was a golden sweep for freelance photographer Jennifer Gauthier at the British Columbia and Yukon Community Newspaper Association (BCYCNA) Ma Murray award show April 20.
Gauthier's work for the Burnaby NOW and New Westminster Record won first place in three categories.
Her portrait of young Burnaby skateboard champ Oli Ward mid-hand plant won the category for best portrait/personality photo.
The best spot news photo went to Gauthier's shot of the "gas bomb" fireworks finale at the end of Burnaby's Central Park Canada Day festivities (photo featured above). Her photo captured the fireball at the moment of explosion.
New Westminster's second annual Car Free Day festival featured a break dance battle snapped by Gauthier, who won best feature photo for the effort.
The BCYCNA Ma Murray Awards recognize the achievements of more than 90 member newspapers in B.C. and Yukon.
Last year, Gauthier won a triple silver sweep for spot news, sports and photo essay.
Check out our 2023 year in photos in Burnaby and in New Westminster.