michelle valberg

Michelle Valberg’s stunning and at times haunting photographs have been showcased across North America and around the world. Over the last several decades, Valberg has chronicled significant events of national and international importance – from portraits of people living with HIV/AIDS, heroes of the Pandemic and celebrated Canadian women. 

Her conservation work is dedicated to documenting numerous wildlife species at risk such as Canada’s threatened polar bears and arctic wildlife. In 2011, Valberg’s work was the subject of a critically acclaimed three-month solo exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Her latest exhibition at the Museum called WOLVES! runs for a year.  Valberg’s Canadiana landscape and wildlife photography can be found hanging in Canadian embassies and consulates across the globe.  

This iconic Canadian treasure holds the distinguished positions of Nikon Ambassador Canada, and Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence. Her images have appeared in National Geographic magazine, Outdoor Photographer, Lens Magazine, The London Tribune, Reader’s Digest and Canadian Geographic. Michelle’s work is also featured on Canada Post Stamps, on a Royal Canadian Mint Coin, on airplane tails, magazine covers and worldwide marketing literature. 

Devoted to mentoring young aspiring photographers and entrepreneurs, Valberg has remained engaged with her alma mater, Algonquin College. She is the inaugural inductee into the Hall of Fame for photography in the School of Media & Design. Michelle was also named Alumna of the Year in 2005 and in 2018 was honoured with the Algonquin College Alumni of Distinction Award. 

In addition to her achievements as a photographer and entrepreneur, Michelle Valberg is a tireless philanthropist and community leader. She’s the founder of Project North, a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children living in the far north. Since 2008, Project North has delivered over $1.5 million worth of sporting equipment to 30 northern communities.  

Michelle is a featured guest speaker and has shared her talent to benefit countless national and international organizations. Among the many accolades Michelle has received are the Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographers, a gold medal at the World Photographic Cup in Rome (2022), two Premier’s Award Nominations, the United Way Ottawa Community Builder of the Year Award and the Louie Kamookak Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. One of her proudest achievements was being appointed to the Order of Canada in 2022. 

Michelle Valberg has self-published four books and is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society as well as The Explorer’s Club in New York City.