A southwest Saskatchewan photographer recently had an impressive showing in a province-wide photo contest.

Colleen Edwards of Herbert won three out of the seven categories in ExploreSask's Photo Contest that was put on by Tourism Saskatchewan.

She was the grand prize winner of the contest that received upwards of 3,400 submissions, while also winning the events and festivals category, and the outdoor fun category too.

"When I first learned of my win, I was thrilled, humbled and honoured all at the same time," Edwards said by email. "There are so many talented photographers in this province, so when the SK Tourism judges chose this one photo over 3,400 other worthy competitors saying 'this photo depicts the spirit of the province,' I can't describe how deeply moving it is."

The photo that was selected as the grand prize winner also won the outdoor fun category too and as Edwards explained the photo came about as she was photographing an event.

"I was behind the chutes photographing the slack events at the Herbert Stampede," she said. "It was time to switch to another location and while I was stepping down, three youngsters climbed up and parked themselves on the 'contestant' stools. The three of them sat there chatting away while watching the event. I loved how they were so focused, but yet so casual. I snapped a few shots of them and continued photographing the remainder of the events. When I reviewed my photos later that evening, I was delighted at how these three looked like such perfect little cowboys."

Edwards won three Visa gift cards from the contest that launched in June and was open for entries until mid-September.