Team Canada featured in PHOTO News

Author of the article: PHOTONews
Publishing date: Jan 18, 2022
Photo by: Michelle Valberg

Three Canadian photographers are among the Top 10 in the world and have images shooting for the podium at the 9th edition of the World Photographic Cup. After months of meticulously curating their finest collections of photographic art, 35 nations from across the globe tuned in last night to hear the Top 10 images from each of the six WPC categories announced virtually from Imaging USA in National Harbor, MD. Louis-Philippe Provost, Deborah MacEwen and Michelle Valberg are all Top 10 finalists with a chance to win medals and help propel Canada to the podium at the final awards ceremony to be held in Rome, Italy on March 28th, 2022.

Canada’s first Top 10 went to Louis-Philippe Provost of Gatineau, QC. His Commercial Category image captures the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s striking facade with its stainless steel panels and adventurous curvature. Provost said, “To be Top 10 for a second year in a row is incredible. It’s an honour to be part of this experience with amazing artists from across our nation.”

Canada’s two other Top 10 finalists were in the Nature Category. Starting with Deborah MacEwen of Warman, SK whose striking whale image is set against a background of majestic Alaskan mountains. MacEwen explained, “This day was a day like no other, the lighting, the subject, and the scenery all came together at the same time to create this magical image.” After hearing her name called MacEwen said “My heart was pounding, it took my breath away not only to have my image in the World Top 10 but such a proud moment to be a Canadian.”

And with a stunning image of a Spirit Bear who pulled his head out of water and shook, spiralling droplets around his head, Michelle Valberg, of Ottawa, ON became Canada’s third finalist. Upon taking the image Valberg said, “The photographer in me knew intuitively that it would be a memorable photo.” “I am incredibly proud and honoured to represent Canada and to be a member of this talented team of photographers,” said Valberg. “Collaborating and supporting each other, even virtually, is so inspiring and rewarding.”

WPC Team Canada submitted 18 images to represent Canada at the 2022 World Photographic Cup.
Jillian Chateauneuf, Team Canada Co-Captain, said: “Everyone was thrilled to see our talented photographers be recognized on the world stage, the spirit of our team was evident.”