Bio
Michael Winsor is an award-winning photographer, author, and photography educator based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Raised in Pool’s Island, Bonavista Bay, he has a deep connection to the province’s rugged coastlines, wildlife, and coastal communities. His photography reflects that connection, capturing dramatic landscapes alongside quiet moments that reveal the character of his home province.
His photographs have been featured on Canadian postage stamps, and he is the author of Lost in Newfoundland, Volumes 1 and 2. A Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Michael represented Canada at the World Photographic Cup in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Through Newfoundland Photo Tours, his teaching, and his Newfoundland Lens podcast, he shares his passion for photography while helping others discover the beauty and stories of Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Photography often begins with a personal moment—something you see or feel and hope to share. Having one of those moments chosen to represent Canada gives it a whole new meaning. Returning to Team Canada makes me even more determined to keep growing as a photographer, and I’ll be cheering for every image on our team.”
2027 – Reportage / Photojournalism
Humpback whales are among my favourite animals to photograph. I spend much of my summer capturing them breaching and feeding off Newfoundland’s coast, so hearing that one had washed ashore dead was heartbreaking. I went to see it for myself and noticed rope still wrapped around its tail, suggesting an encounter with fishing gear. Using my drone, I photographed the scene from above, showing the whale’s immense size beside the vehicles along the road and two onlookers standing at the railing. The rope remains visible—a troubling detail in an already devastating scene. Having photographed wildlife from lions to polar bears, I still find few experiences as moving as being near a humpback whale. Seeing one lifeless on the beach was a stark reminder of the dangers these animals face and our responsibility to better protect the oceans they call home.
2025 – Reportage / Photojournalism
Heroes are often celebrated in various forms, but nothing quite compares to the extraordinary bravery I witnessed firsthand with the Canadian Coast Guard. Capturing an image of a Search and Rescue (SAR) technician descending from a helicopter highlights the heart-pounding reality of their work. These individuals risk everything, diving into the unknown to save others, embodying true heroism in every sense. I feel privileged to provide a glimpse into the lives of these dedicated professionals, sharing a moment that reflects the incredible courage it takes to be a true hero. Through my lens, I hope to honor their commitment and inspire others to recognize the sacrifices they make daily.
2024 – Sports
I stumbled across this scene by chance while chasing icebergs on a sunny spring day along the coast of Newfoundland. Surfing near icebergs can be dangerous, but these surfers were safely keeping their distance in open water. The hardest part was waiting nearly three hours for one to catch a wave in just the right spot in front of the iceberg. Worth every minute.
2023 – Nature / Landscape
A 10,000 year old iceberg traveled the North Atlantic ocean for two years to rest upon the shores of Newfoundland. Viewing this colossal glacier dwarf the historic lighthouse provided a sense of wonder and amazement. Creating this image during blue hour next to the warm glow of a lighthouse provided that colour palate that most artists strive for in their artwork. While the rugged coastline and massive icebergs provide a sense of beauty yet fear to all the people that temp to enter the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.