Hay River photographer's 'iconic' northern shot to be featured on commemorative coin

A photo by a Hay River, N.W.T., photographer will be featured on a coin to commemorate Canada's 150th anniversary.

Adam Hill captured a shot of float planes on the Mackenzie River in Fort Simpson under the northern lights last fall.

"For me, I knew it was something very iconic for the territories," Hill says of the photobut he never expected this honour.

"I found it very surprising when I learned it was going to be on a coin. I don't think it's something any photographer ever thinks about. You always dream about getting your work in a really nice art gallery or together in a collection of books," he says.

"I have never once said, 'oh I really hope I get it on a coin.' But here I am!"

Hill says he tried a different technique to get the shot.

"I usually don't sit around in one location and wait for a specific composition," he says. "I really waited that one out."

The Royal Canadian Mint is partnering with Canadian Geographic on the series. It's releasing 13 coins, each of which is inspired by a photograph featured in the magazine.

The $10 coin featuring Hill's photo will be released in December at Canada Post counters.