Bio
For over a decade, Kelly VanderBeek professionally threw herself down mountains at speeds over 145km/h. Today, this Olympian & World Cup Medallist makes her living as a sports broadcaster, content producer, and photographer. Among other things, she’s Hosted the Olympic Games; the Calgary Stampede; and guest-hosted The Good’s variety show. Behind the lens, Kelly’s an award-winning photographer and SONY industry advisor.
Internationally, Kelly is best known for her sports photography which has graced newspapers around the world, book covers, and national ad campaigns. However, her photographic journey started with weddings and portraits which continues today as a large focus of her boutique business in the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
Utilizing a variety of platforms and tools, Kelly continues to push herself as both an artist and storyteller. “As an Olympian and World Cup Medallist, I know firsthand what it means to represent the Maple Leaf. However, after transitioning away from being a pro athlete, I didn’t anticipate I’d once again represent my country on a global stage. Being named to Team Canada for the World Photographic Cup is a great honour and one I don’t take lightly.”
“This marks the third time I’ve been selected to represent Canada at the WPC, and this honour inspires me to keep pushing my creative boundaries, refining my craft, and reaching new heights as a photographer, artist, and storyteller. As a former professional athlete, I once made a living wearing the maple leaf. I’m incredibly proud to continue building on that legacy through my passion for photography and in connecting people to stories that matter.
2027 – Sports
The weather was awful—every bit as wild as this image suggests. Most athletes took it easy, and many photographers and reporters did the same. But the best kept showing up, honing their craft when conditions were anything but ideal.
For Canada’s veteran Brendan Mackay, it paid off. He went on to win Olympic bronze in a discipline where Canada had never before medalled.
2025 – Sports
The women’s Triathlon at the Paris Games was like an Olympic version of a war zone. Athletes pushed to the limits, enduring bloodshed, sickness, and sheer exhaustion in their fight for a coveted spot on the podium. After crossing the finish line, these women who fell to the ground with total fatigue, would soon rise to have medals draped around their necks. It was truly inspiring to witness and capture such a level of human achievement.
2024 – Wedding Open
For years this couple’s custom outfits, designed specifically for Canada’s Rocky Mountains, which took months to complete the beadwork, sat in a closet. Then, after cancellations due to COVID, family events, and travel restrictions, their day in the Rockies arrived. Adding artistry to my work always excites me but especially in moments when, even as I click the shutter, I know I’ve captured something special. And, in doing so, helping a couple feel it was worth the wait.