2026 / Canada Places 6th with 2 Medals

It’s the podium finish that everyone dreams of, not just for personal glory but to hoist the Canadian flag. And that’s just what two Canadian photographers did at the World Photographic Cup awards ceremony on April 25th in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Michelle Valberg and Geoff Gabriel were part of a talented group of Canadian photographers, led by co-captain Jillian Chateauneuf, that travelled to Iceland to attend the WPC ceremony in person. Canadian cheers echoed through the auditorium, high-fives were exchanged, and flags flew in shared jubilation as seven of Team Canada’s images received Top 10 honours. It’s not just the two medals but every victory that makes a collective triumph for WPC Team Canada, which placed 6th in the World Photographic Cup competition.

Gold Medal – Michelle Valberg, Ottawa ON – Nature Wildlife
Michelle’s winning image is an intimate capture of a mother polar bear and her cub, standing on the stark volcanic rock of Scoresby Sound in Greenland. The bears pause, noses lifted, catching the scent of another female who has wandered into their territory. The deep contrast between the bears’ white fur and the dark basalt creates a powerful visual tension, a story of survival, instinct, and tenderness unfolding against one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. “I am honoured to win the gold medal. To be in Iceland to receive it with Team Canada was even more special because my grandparents were born here” said Michelle whose also earned the Best of Nation Award as the top scoring Canadian image.

An acclaimed Canadian wildlife photographer and Nikon Ambassador Michelle Valberg’s images reveal the profound connection between nature and humanity. She previous won a WPC gold medal in 2022 and that same year was appointed to the Order of Canada. Through her lens, Michelle inspires conservation awareness and a deeper appreciation the wild places that shape our world.

Bronze Medal – Geoff Gabriel, Toronto ON – Reportage/Photojournalism
Geoff’s winning image balances the intensity of military aviation with a glimpse of the human side of the people who fly these incredible machines. Inside the cockpit, two aviators are visible under the jet’s canopy. The pilot in the front seat is focused on precision flying, while the WSO in the back seat adds a touch of personality and fun by giving the viewers two thumbs up. It’s a fun playful moment that stands out against the serious, high-performance nature of the aircraft. “I never thought I would be representing Canada on the world stage in any capacity so to bring home a bronze medal at my first WPC was just the cherry on top of an amazing trip to Iceland” said Geoff.

Specializing in airshow photography, Geoff captures the power, precision, and emotion of flight with a distinctive cinematic style. With a deep passion for aviation and visual storytelling he continues to push creative boundaries in both motion and still imagery. Through his lens, Geoff seeks to share the beauty, intensity, and human connection behind aviation bringing viewers closer to the skies that have inspired him since childhood.

Canada’s entry in the 2026 World Photographic Cup featured 30 images by Canadian photographers. The follow seven images earned Top 10 honours:

• • GOLD / Best of Nation Award – Michelle Valberg, Ottawa ON – Nature Wildlife
  • BRONZE – Geoff Gabriel, Toronto ON – Reportage/Photojournalism
  • 6th Place – Andrew Hiorth, Vaughan ON – Wedding Open
  • 7th Place – Andrew Hiorth, Vaughan ON – Portrait Natural
  • 8th Place – Madi Rabih, Laval QC – Wedding Open
  • 9th Place – Jacquie Matechuk, Cochrane AB – Nature Wildlife
  • 10th Place – Manpreet Sokhi, Burnaby BC – Portrait Illustrative