Bio
Michelle Valberg, a renowned wildlife photographer and esteemed Nikon Ambassador, has spent over three decades captivating audiences with her extraordinary storytelling through the lens. Her photographic journey has taken her to the farthest reaches of the globe, where she fearlessly seeks out thrilling adventures and remarkable photographic opportunities. Throughout her work, Michelle’s deep-rooted love for Canada and the Arctic shines through in her breathtaking imagery.
With her portfolio gracing the covers of prestigious magazines, international publications, exhibitions, and embassies worldwide, Michelle Valberg has firmly established herself as a trailblazer in the world of photography. Her iconic images have transcended their visual impact, finding a permanent place on a Royal Canadian Mint coin and Canada Post stamps, thereby solidifying her imprint on Canadian culture.
Beyond her exceptional photography, Michelle is a captivating public speaker, community leader, and a dedicated advocate for animals, the environment, and conservation. Her influence extends far beyond the realm of her photographs as she actively participates in various charitable initiatives, embodying her commitment to making a positive impact.
Michelle co-founded Project North, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of childrenliving in the far north. Since 2008, they have delivered over $2 million of sporting equipment to more than 40 northern communities.
Michelle Valberg’s remarkable accolades and contributions to the field of photography speak volumes. With four captivating books published, she has left a lasting legacy of her artistry. Recognizing her exceptional achievements, Michelle holds the prestigious titles of Canadian Geographic-Photographer-in-Residence, Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, and International Fellow of the Explorer’s Club in New York City. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned her the illustrious Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographers, the gold medal at the World Photographic Cup, and the esteemed appointment as a member of the Order of Canada.
Michelle Valberg’s boundless passion, undeniable talent, and unwavering commitment to conservation make her an extraordinary force in the world of photography. Through her lens, she captures the awe-inspiring beauty of our natural world and inspires others to cherish and protect it.
“Returning to WPC Team Canada is incredibly exciting. Each team member contributes a unique artistic lens, underscoring the depth and richness of our nation’s storytelling. Standing together as a unified team on the global stage, we celebrate and elevate the unique impact of Canadian photography.”
2025 – Nature Wildlife
We found “Barney”, the Spirit Bear, feeding along the shoreline deep within the Great Bear Rainforest. He was taking advantage of the low tide to forage on exposed barnacles. Just as curious about us as we were about him, he paused, sat calmly, and held our gaze, offering a rare glimpse into his untamed coastal world.
2024 – Nature / Wildlife
In that fleeting moment on Vancouver Island, as I lay on the ground of rocks, camera in hand, my heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and reverence. Before me, a coastal wolf named Wink was drawing nearer and nearer. He stood curious, bold and beautiful. Our eyes met, and in that instant, it felt as though time itself had slowed. It was a connection that transcended words, a silent dialogue between two souls—mine and Wink’s. In those powerful eyes, I glimpsed the untamed spirit of the wilderness, the resilience of a species that had endured in these rugged landscapes for generations. Coastal wolves, also known as sea wolves, are a unique subspecies of a gray wolf that have adapted to a diet heavily reliant on marine resources. It was a privilege to capture this beautiful creature within the majesty of its natural world, and to remind us all of the profound connections that exist between humans and the wild.
2022 – Nature (Landscape and Wildlife)
Best of Nation, World Top 10, Gold Medal
One morning, while in the Great Bear Rainforest, I was crouched low at the river’s edge with my knees in the water and 3 Nikon mirrorless cameras ready for all encounters – however, I didn’t anticipate Boss standing 15 feet directly in front of me. He lowered his head into the river and, without realizing it, I too instinctively ducked my head a fraction. I was watching the elusive Spirit Bear through my viewfinder, holding my breath and trying to remember to exhale. He pulled his head up and shook, droplets spiralling around his head. He looked at me for an instant, and plunged his head back into the water. I felt a catch in my throat. The photographer in me knew intuitively that it would be a memorable photo. The human in me felt that, in that moment, I was part of Boss’ life, as he was part of mine. We were deeply connected in a way that is hard to describe.