Canadian Photography
Author of the article: Canadian Association for Photographic Art
Publishing date: March 2026
Photos by: WPC Team Canada
The Six Canadians in the Top Ten
It is an honour to be chosen to represent your country at any time, and in any competition. There is something about wearing that Maple Leaf that reminds us this is a special country in which we live. Having six members and seven images from the Canadian Team in the top ten at this year’s World Cup of Photography (WCP) bodes well for Canada’s chance to earn a place on the podium. While we await the final result, read about the six Canadian photographers who have earned a spot in the top ten, describing in their own words their image, post production work, and what being a part of this amazing team means to them.
Here are excerpts about being on the team:
Manpreet Sokhi “The World Photographic Cup is unlike any other competition. This isn’t just about entering an image—it’s about representing your country. It feels special. It feels like you belong. It feels good to be part of a team that genuinely supports and cheers for one another.”
Jackie Matechuk “Being announced as a Top 10 finalist was a moment of deep gratitude and excitement. Seeing the individual creativity of Canadian photographic artists unite beneath a single flag is a powerful reminder that our strength lies in diversity, not in competition.”
Michelle Valberg “I am excited and honored to be representing Canada on the world stage. Standing together as a team with extraordinarily talented photographers, each of us bringing our own vision and voice, is both humbling and powerful. It is about shared effort, shared pride, and carrying our country into the global conversa- tion of photography.”
Rabih Madi “Every time I get to represent Canada at the WPC. I feel a wave of pride, excitement… and a tiny bit of imposter syndrome (because wow, Canada has talent). Being part of such an incredible team is always an honour. Go Team Canada!”
Andrew Hiorth “Watching each category being announced; I had my fingers crossed, and seeing my images come up made my heart skip a beat! Seeing my teammates’ images come up was even more thrilling. I’m so proud of them. I know how much has gone into what they do, and seeing their work be recognized on a global scale was so exciting. I’m truly grateful to be a part of this team, and I’m so happy knowing that my work is in the finals. It feels like an incredible accomplishment.”
Geoff Gabriel “When I heard my name a being called, a wave of adrenaline ran through my bones. Photographing airshows allows me to combine a lifelong love of aviation with the art of storytelling, and it is a surreal feeling to represent Canada on the world stage.”
The global stage awaits, and Team Canada is ready to leave an indelible mark in Iceland. It’s a podium finish that everyone dreams of, not just for personal glory but to hoist the Canadian flag high. What sets our team apart isn’t just the pictures–it’s the infectious camaraderie that turns this fierce competition into a celebration of shared passion. It’s in the cheers that echo through the auditorium, the high-fives exchanged, and the shared jubilation when one of our own claims a spot on the podium. It’s not just individual victories; it’s a collective triumph for Team Canada.
