About This Unique OnLine Workshop with Michelle Valberg
Filmed & Edited by Joel Haslam
Hey there nature enthusiasts and budding photographers!
Dive into the exciting world of outdoor adventure and wildlife photography with renowned Canadian photographer and Nikon Ambassador as your guide. It throws you into the thick of action, where you'll learn the art of capturing the raw beauty and untamed spirit of the wild. From mastering the technical aspects of your camera to understanding the subtle, intricate behaviours of wildlife, you'll be equipped with the skills to create breathtaking images that narrate the profound stories of nature.
Not only will you get to flex your shutterbug muscles, but you'll also discover the secrets to turning your passion into a meaningful conduit for conservation and storytelling. As you journey through diverse landscapes and come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife, this course will empower you to compose shots that contribute to wildlife preservation, influence public perception and dazzle your audiences. Get ready to transform your fascination with nature into a visually compelling portfolio that can inspire change and showcase the splendour and fragility of our planet.
From Michelle:
What I Teach in Wild Encounters
When Joel and I began building this course, our goal was to create a space where newcomers to adventure photography and wildlife enthusiasts could feel at ease while embarking on their creative journey. I drew from years of firsthand experiences, picking the most transformative lessons to ensure I brought a comprehensive grasp of both the technical skills and the profound connection with nature that photography can foster. We’ve laid everything out in a clear, step-by-step fashion — think of it as your guided trail through the wilderness of cameras and wild creatures.
By the end, not only will you have a solid understanding of gear and technique, but you’ll also possess a fresh and perhaps renewed perspective on the natural world, helping you capture its wonders with confidence and respect. The organization of the sessions is like a well-planned expedition; it's crafted to ensure you're never lost, always engaged, and continually inspired to explore the art of photography.
Course Outline
About Your Instructor
MICHELLE VALBERG, C.M.
Michelle is a Nikon Ambassador and Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence. She has been a professional photographer for 40 years and has dedicated her career to bringing the wonders of the wild to life through immersive learning experiences. Armed with a profound connection to nature and a plethora of expeditions under her belt, Michelle has shaped a unique educational approach that transcends traditional classroom walls. Her extensive fieldwork across varied ecosystems has not only enriched her expertise but has also fueled her commitment to conservation and wildlife education.
As your instructor, Michelle serves as a beacon for curiosity and ecological understanding, guiding her students on a transformative journey through the world's most captivating landscapes, from BC to Sharbot Lake, Ontario. Her teaching style is rooted in hands-on engagement and storytelling, inspired by her own encounters with the majestic intricacies of our planet. Michelle's unbridled enthusiasm for adventure and education converges in this course, inviting students of all ages to dive deep into the heart of the wild, fostering a lasting appreciation and respect for the natural world through each meticulously crafted lesson.
Filmed and Edited by Joel Haslam
Joel Haslam is a seasoned storyteller whose creative journey has spanned close to four decades, earning him recognition as a multi-award-winning broadcaster, producer, presenter, writer, videographer, and editor. Known primarily as a "storyteller," Joel spent much of his career on television, capturing and sharing the extraordinary lives of those who opened their homes and hearts to him.
Through his work, Joel uncovered the transformative power of storytelling—a medium that connects, enlightens, and invites reflection. His stories bridge divides, illuminate life’s darker moments, and offer hope, reminding us of our shared humanity.
Now, with Joel Haslam Creative, he embarks on a new chapter, having recently transitioned from broadcasting to explore fresh avenues of storytelling. Embracing new adventures, Joel continues to find stories that inspire and connect us all.
For more about Joel's journey, visit Joel Haslam Creative.
What Students Are Saying About This Course:
Nothing could make me happier than taking my first wildlife photography course with Michelle Valberg. Of all the many fantastic practicing photographers, she is the only one whose exuberant, optimistic, loving respect of our earth and wildlife infected me with the resolve, at age 68, to believe, that his too, is my ultimate challenge. I do not carry the hubris to even imagine, that I will ever obtain such a stellar level of success, as has she.
However, I do know with certainty, that learning and developing the skills to ultimately share my photographs on some level, will allow me to contribute to promoting increased respect for other species. I started this exploration and mission, having little knowledge of birds, current camera technology, etc, just last November. I can’t wait to learn all that I can through Michele’s teaching, and by the example she sets.
I am honored and grateful to have this opportunity.
Linda Pittman
I just finished the online course. All of you were immensely inspiring and I would love to one day join you and witness firsthand your world. It truly is otherworldly. And Michelle’s insight into her way of working was so inspiring. It was the best online education I’ve seen. Truly. Look forward to joining you one day.
Sue Burke
Michelle’s course is the perfect blend of learning and inspiration. Packed with plenty of instruction that focuses not only on “how to” but also “what’s it like to be a wildlife photographer.” She share insights on how to prepare for your time in the field as well as how to create impactful images and video while showcasing her beautiful images to inspire you. This course is like having looking a mentor guiding you on your journey to become a better photographer.
Leslie Cavaliere
Michelle and Joel brought wildlife photography and expeditions into my home where I could fully immerse myself in the stories and experiences. The videos provided me with a sense of being on the expedition as I could feel the anticipation and excitement in their voices as the sometimes elusive wildlife appeared and the amazing scenes unfolded in front of their eyes. I learned about how to better capture the emotion and precious moments by leveraging my camera’s full capability. I could also understand how the same concepts apply to my art in terms of composition, and the use of background, light, and lines. I look forward to more in-person and on-line adventures with Michelle and experiencing wildlife through her lens. I highly recommend to anyone wanting to improve their wildlife photography!
Diane Groulx
Michelle Valberg’s WILD ADVENTURES course was truly inspirational. It goes beyond the settings, into the realm of what creates magnificent images. While technical aspects and equipment are discussed and often shown in the images, this course took us into the true art of capturing memorable photographs. The diverse environments Michelle covers are breathtaking, and left us motivated to keep aspiring for those unique images.
Mary Ann and Chris Turnbull
I don’t usually write reviews, however this course was so good I wanted to share a few thoughts with others. First this course gives a realistic view of how amazing wildlife photography can be. Unlike other courses, with this course you feel as if you are on location with Michelle. The learning comes from not only technical information provided, but from listening and watching Michelle go through her experiences of being in the field. The gear review, technical information and skills needed to get better with wildlife photography are all here, delivered not as if you are sitting in a lecture hall, but rather as if you were standing at Michelle’s side and learning first hand. I found this course to be comprehensive and beautifully filmed. This is how learning should be.
Freda
Wow! Just wow! Michelle taught me so much with this course.
Bruce G
What a wonderful course! Michelle teaches you how to think like a photographer: how to look at a scene, to pay close attention to the light, and to pay close attention to your subject. Through the delightful BTS clips you learn how to organize for a specific photo and for a photography trip. You learn what can go wrong and the wonders of what you could see, a Spirit Bear, Coastal Wolves. I’m going to watch the course again!
Liz Young
Tom McPherson has been a Captain and wilderness guide in coastal British Columbia for over 20 years. He's safely guided thousands of people in that time, and has an intimate knowledge of the coast and its wild inhabitants. He first met Michelle while guiding grizzly bear and spirit bear tours in the Great Bear Rainforest, and some of his most memorable encounters have taken place with Michelle.
In 2019 Tom founded Seaforth Expeditions with the goal of offering reliable sea wolf tours and herring spawn tours. His unique tours and skill in finding seawolves quickly caught the attention of major productions and he became the go-to guide for filming and photographing sea wolves. His work can be seen on Netflix with Island of the Sea Wolves, Apple TV with Big Beasts (herring spawn), The Knowledge Network with Islands: Nature's Wild Laboratories and Part of the pack. He's also guided multiple BBC shoots with a series slated to launch on NBC in 2025.
He's an avid photographer/filmmaker with a passion for helping people see and understand wolves better. His goal is to put people in the right place to have the opportunity to see and document these elusive creatures, and to demystify the wolf.