Speakers

Detailed Information About the 2025 Conference is Coming Soon.

Check out Past Events
Alex Noriega

alex noriega

Alex Noriega is a full-time nature photographer and photography educator, with a particular focus on the American West. Alex made the transition from a career in Information Technology to pursue his passion for photography, and now has 15 years of experience behind the camera.

He has a deep appreciation for large format film photography, and this influence is evident in his approach to digital photography. Alex works slowly and deliberately, refining each composition with care. Though he does not do any compositing or use elements not present in the original scene, he is also not concerned with presenting an objective reality. Instead, he blends the timeless qualities of classic film style with contemporary post-processing techniques to create unique, evocative images.

Alex aims for his photographs to convey a sense of mystery, inviting viewers to engage their imaginations. He designs each image to be clean, simple, and immediately accessible, while also offering something more upon closer inspection. To achieve this, he often excludes the ordinary elements surrounding his subjects, resulting in smaller, intimate compositions. These compositions typically highlight overlooked subjects and details, captured in fleeting moments of light that create an atmosphere not necessarily representative of the broader scene.

Racheal Talibart

Rachael TalibArt

Rachael Talibart is a British photographer specialising in the ocean. Her work is represented by galleries in the UK, USA and Germany, is frequently exhibited and has been featured in major fine art publications worldwide. She recently published her fourth monograph, Sirens: The Gallery Edition.

Much of Rachael's early childhood was spent at sea. This has left her with a life-long fascination for the ocean and the coast it carves. For Rachael, nothing beats a day on an empty shore and her work reflects the powerful emotions of curiosity and wonder that the ocean inspires in her. Rachael graduated from the University of London with a Masters degree in Literature and Art and her work draws on themes she studied.  She often works in the tradition of the ‘Sublime’, creating photographs that inspire awe.  The sea is a potent subject for this aesthetic and her Sirens portfolio, critically acclaimed photographs of mighty storm waves named after mythological beings, is a prime example. 

Rachael owns f11 Workshops, providing photography day tours and workshops in the UK, now in its 11th year. She also leads photography tours for international 'fine art' business, Ocean Capture. An experienced teacher and lecturer, she is particularly interested in the creative aspects of photography and nurturing the unique voice of the individual artist.

Jenny Wong

Jenny Wong

Presented by Nikon
Jenny Wong is an award-winning photographer that fiercely advocates for the wild places and creatures that have made her career possible. She is a proud Nikon Canada and Gitzo Ambassador, and fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society - her work has been published at home and abroad, and in a few National Geographic digital media as a long standing Your Shot Contributor. Commercially you might see some of her work in front and behind the camera with brands like Canada Goose. 

Her keen spirit for adventure has aligned her with various territorial, provincial, and federal tourism boards within Canada and while most see just her landscape and wildlife photography online, she is a generalist at heart. Best known for her work in Canada's Arctic and SubArctic regions, Jenny works closely as a photo ambassador for conservation group Polar Bears International. Jenny feels that “photos don't need to be pretty but they must have depth; they should speak to the textures and emotions that lie between the lines of text” and to achieve that often requires a generalist approach; understanding that small details, humans, landscapes, and creatures are all part of the story.

As a Chinese born Canadian, female photographer, creating equity and space for diversity behind the lens is near and dear to her heart, particularly in outdoor and nature photography where diverse representation is still very weak.

Sarah Mathews

Sarah Mathews

Sarah Mathews is an astrophotographer, educator, and former space industry professional dedicated to making space exploration accessible to all. Inspired by a “pale blue dot” perspective, she views astrophotography as a way to connect with the universe and reflect on our shared humanity, inviting us to look outward to the cosmos and inward to ourselves.

With a passion for engineering, physics, art, and philosophy, Sarah blends science with creative expression in her work. On her YouTube channel, she shares practical insights to support both beginners and advanced users. Her teaching guides others through the technical and artistic dimensions of capturing the night sky, focusing on building confidence and fostering a deeper connection with the cosmos.

Kristopher Andres

Kristopher Andres

Presented by Offbeat
Based in the Canadian Rockies, Kristopher considers the mountains (along with everywhere he travels) to be his second home. Kris is always up for endless adventures with a smile—no matter how “atmospheric” the conditions are. He will be overly excited in almost everything he does in life, capturing each story with the click of a shutter, in any and all genres—from adventure to landscapes to portraiture to food and more! When he’s not out creating, Kris is a full-time yogi working to refine himself every day.

Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones

Presented by Offbeat
Curtis is an adventure, landscape and portrait photographer from Newfoundland and Labrador who considers Nunavut his second home. Never tiring of seeing the sun rise from a new horizon or watching a contagious smile grow on the faces of friends and strangers alike as they step out of their comfort zone, Curtis seeks to tell stories with his photographs as he lives out his own. Throughout his career, he has had the pleasure of working with world-class athletes, artists, and production teams while shooting in some of the globe’s most raw, wild, and challenging locations. Equal parts adventurer, artist and clown, he is never far from a camera, a tent or a good punchline.

Dee Webb

Dee Webb

Dee Webb is a wildlife photographer whose deep-rooted connection to nature began in the remote wilderness of Australia, where her family often cared for orphaned and injured animals. Her love for nature runs deep, and she sees wildlife photography as a form of therapy—a way to stay grounded and connected to the world around her.

Dee’s journey in photography took off four years ago, as she approached it like a degree, learning and growing each day. Now, she works as a guide in Wildlife Photography Guide in Waterton, spends part of the year guiding in Costa Rica, and serves as Assistant Coordinator for Women in Wildlife Photography. This role allows her to share her passion globally, including leading a Women in Wildlife tour to Australia in 2026, along with plans for Iceland  and beyond.

Dee’s personal life story is one of resilience, having found solace in photography during her husband’s struggle with mental illness. As a proud mother and grandmother, she’s dedicated to showing her children and grandchildren that life is what you make it, and following your dreams is a journey worth taking.

Lee Nordbye

Lee Nordbye

Lee Nordbye is a landscape photographer, speaker, and teacher based in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. An award-winning and published photographer, Lee is known for a bold photographic style that highlights the intimate details and nuances of the natural world. Call him a fine art photographer with an adventurous spirit, Lee enjoys spending time in the outdoors and immersing himself in his subject in order to capture scenes in the moment. His elegant and soulful approach to photography is matched by a passion to challenge himself, explore wild places, and have fun while doing it.

A recovering accountant, Lee retired in 2016 after 26 years of number-crunching and now dedicates his detail-oriented mind to scanning the landscape for elements often lost in grand, sweeping images. Growing up in Slave Lake, he explored Northern Alberta on motorized vehicles and had an early introduction to camping and hiking in the Rockies. Lee has now shifted his focus to primarily exploring off the beaten track and using his two feet to get there. The result is the creation of a body of photographic work that showcases the landscapes and involves a process that is as rewarding creatively as it is to Lee’s passion and well-being.

Nick Parayko

Nick Parayko

Nick Parayko is a wildlife photographer and trained biologist driven to capture the beauty and complexity of the natural world. By combining his experience as a biologist with his artistic vision, Nick strives to create images that showcase wildlife in their natural habitats and include compelling stories or themes (be it interesting behaviour, cryptic patterns, or conservation success stories) about his subjects. Nick hopes his images and process taken to find and photograph elusive animals can offer viewers insights and glimpses into a species life history.

Marci Segal

Marci Segal, MS

Marci Segal is a seasoned creativity and innovation expert who has dedicated her career to unlocking human potential to foster innovation. With a Master of Science in Creativity and Change Leadership, Marci has worked with countless organizations worldwide, inspiring leaders and teams to freshen their thinking, solve problems effectively, and drive positive change.

As a sought-after speaker, facilitator, and consultant, Marci likes to share practical tools and techniques to free people’s thinking so they can create new futures. Her engaging presentations and interactive workshops enable individuals and teams to embrace new ideas, overcome challenges, and achieve extraordinary results.

A decade ago, Marci traded the bustling city of Toronto for the serene beauty of Canmore, Alberta. Continuously inspired by stunning landscapes, she challenges herself to make images of natural delights.

Marci's commitment to fostering a more creative and innovative world has earned her global recognition. She is the founder of World Creativity and Innovation Day, celebrated annually on April 21st, an initiative recognized by the United Nations.

Shane Turgeon

Hosted By Shane Turgeon

Shane Turgeon is an award-winning nature photographer and the founder of the Lightchasers Nature Photography Conference. His work is primarily focused on the night sky, storms, landscapes and wildlife but he also enjoys his time working as a concert and event photographer. His work has been featured by Canadian Geographic, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards, PhotoLife magazine, the F-stop Collaborate and Listen podcast, the CBC and in 2022 he was short-listed for the prestigious Astronomy Photographer of the Year award from the Royal Museums Greenwich in London.

While pursuing nature and landscape photos for his own personal pleasure are his primary focus in photography, he also has a keen passion for sharing both his art and the mental health benefits of nature photography and passing on his experience and knowledge to other photographers. 

Shane is a proud ambassador for f-stop gear and McBain Camera.

Michelle Valberg

Michelle Valberg

keynote speaker

Presented by Nikon
Michelle Valberg is a true luminary in the world of photography. With over 38 remarkable years behind the lens, she has captured some of the world's most significant moments with an unparalleled finesse that has earned her numerous accolades and esteemed positions.

As a Nikon Ambassador and Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence, Michelle is a trusted name in the world of photography.  With each click of her camera, Michelle crafts a narrative that transcends the boundaries of time and space. Her photographs are more than images; they are moments frozen in time, infused with emotion and meaning.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Michelle was awarded the prestigious Order of Canada in 2022, a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her commitment to making a positive impact.

Among her many accolades, Michelle's crowning achievement was winning the wildlife gold medal at the World Photographic Cup in Rome in 2022. Her ability to capture the essence of wild creatures and unimaginable landscapes is a testament to her artistry.

Michelle's work is not just about capturing scenes; it's about encapsulating the soul of our world. Through her lens, Michelle takes her viewers on a visual journey, allowing us to experience the world as she sees it - in all its splendor and complexity. Her photography is an invitation to connect with the world's most significant moments, and through her work, she shares her profound love for the art of storytelling.

In Michelle Valberg, we find not just a photographer but a maestro of light and emotion, a storyteller who reveals the hidden narratives that surround us. With every click, she reminds us that a photograph is not just an image; it's a glimpse into the heart of humanity and the beauty of our planet.

Paul Zizka

Paul Zizka

Paul Zizka is an award-winning mountain landscape and adventure photographer based in Banff, Canada. A prolific adventurer, Paul’s journey to capture the “under-documented” has taken him to all seven continents, as well as to each of Canada’s provinces and territories. He is frequently published in some of North America’s top magazines and has four coffee-table photography books: Spirits in the Sky: Northern Lights Photography, Summits & Starlight: The Canadian Rockies, Aloft: Canadian Rockies Aerial Photography, The Canadian Rockies: Rediscovered, which won the 2019 Banff Mountain Book Competition - Mountain Image category. Paul enjoys life in the mountains with his wife Meghan and their two daughters.
TJ Thorne

TJ Thorne

TJ Thorne is a US-based photographer whose lens captures the profound beauty in life's simplest moments. Raised in the rustic landscapes of rural Pennsylvania, TJ found his artistic home in Oregon over two decades ago, where the diverse and abundant scenery of the Pacific Northwest honed his photographic vision.

As a self-taught artist, TJ cherishes the art of experimentation and rule-breaking, using these techniques to engage with a diverse range of subjects and light. His work, with a particular emphasis on water abstracts, explores the world's gentle complexity.

In April 2023, TJ unveiled his first monograph, 'Ebb and Flow,' an intimate collection of water abstracts that tell the story of his search for serenity. His workshops and educational materials reflect his belief in photography as a tool for personal growth and the creation of enriching experiences.

Shaped by gratitude for life and the journey to sobriety, TJ's photography holds deep personal significance. His unique and vulnerable artistic philosophy beckons students seeking to rediscover their inner artist and create work that resonates from within.

Jacquie Matechuk

Jacquie MatechUk

Entering the world of photography 24 years ago, Jacquie was first swept into a life of speed and excitement as a sports photographer for the Canadian Superbike Series. Her determination to grow and develop her skills, catapulted her into new opportunities with companies like Yamaha, Suzuki, Scott Industries and Monster Energy. The experience taught her the value of knowing her subjects, ethical practices and being ready for whatever beautiful chaos unfolded.

These days Jacquie’s time behind the lens is divided between her love of sports action and deep appreciation for the world we live in. Regardless the genre, Jacquie adopts a photo-journalistic approach to help her viewers connect with the stories she presents to her viewers. So, whether she’s hiking the tundra of Alaska or scaling the canyons of the Ecuadorian Andes, she pushes herself to see and share the beauty in this world. Teaming up with organizations such as the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective, Adventure Canada, Polar Bears International, or the Jane Goodall Institute, she’s been able to give her subjects a real voice.

2021 was a pivotal year for Jacquie, highlighted by a feature debut in Canada’s installment of the Canon R3 global launch. A bronze medal at the World Photographic Cup, earning a CPA (Craftsman of Photographic Arts) and becoming a certified bear guide. The hard work continued in 2022 when Jacquie became a Canon Ambassador. She accepted a role as a Mentor for the Canon Futures Incubator Program and earned her MPA (Masters of Photographic Arts).

Most recently Jacquie was awarded the prestigious Nature Photographer of the Year award for 2023 from the Nature Talks Photo Festival in the Netherlands!

Jacquie remains focused on sharing her passion for wildlife and the environments they call home. By coaching and presenting to creatives around the world, she eagerly embraces every opportunity to help her fellow others improve their skills and nurture their inspiration. Challenging each one of us to accept the responsibility of capturing a moment, THE moment, that might otherwise just slip away unappreciated. Jacquie may be renowned for her photographic diversity, but guided by her passion for the world we live in, Jacquie’s goal remains unchanged. Put the audience in the moment, set their minds free and leave their hearts full.

Kyle Brittain

Kyle Brittain

Kyle Brittain is a Calgary-based storm chaser and freelance weather reporter, documenting nature's fury in all seasons across western Canada and beyond. He is the former Alberta Bureau Chief for The Weather Network and during his time as a weather professional, he has shot and filmed numerous tornadoes, wildfires, and other high impact weather events. He is passionate about breaking down the science behind the weather as well as risk communication to the public. 
Tracey Halladay

Tracey Halladay

Tracey Halladay is a photographer based in the Southeast Rockies of British Columbia who uses photography to share her unique perspective of the world after being given a second chance at life after receiving a kidney transplant.

By sharing the natural beauty and mystery of the wild places and faces surrounding her, Tracey encourages people to be mindful, curious, and compassionate towards themselves, others, this Earth, and all its creatures.

Tracey believes that life is not all sunshine and warm weather. It’s sometimes about being uncomfortable, pushing your mind and body to the limit; the desire to live forcing you to go on.

Her creativity and photography are a conduit for emotion, connection, and passion - because life truly is a gift. She looks forward to sharing her images and stories of life as she wanders this Earth with her eyes wide open.

Eric Seemann

Eric Seemann

Eric Seemann, the Wildlifer, is a professional wildlife photographer whose work has been featured by Canadian Geographic, BC Outdoors Magazine, Cowboy Country and was recently featured in the Canadian Geographic Top 100 Wildlife Photos of 2021 and in their 2022 Wildlife calendar. 

Growing up in British Columbia inspired Eric’s boyhood dream of becoming a professional wildlife photographer. BC’s natural bounty gave Eric endless opportunities to hone his craft. His unique blend of patience, passion, expertise and dedication is evident in the artistry of every shot and his lens is able to capture the drama and beauty in every moment. Many years, and hundreds of thousands of photos later, Eric’s dream continues to grow and evolve, as he travels the world to capture the spirit of nature through his camera lens.

In pursuit of the wild, natural and unique, Eric has traveled through every uninhabited corner of British Columbia, the magnificent Rocky Mountains, the untamed Amazon rainforest, the lush jungles of Mexico, and the vast savannas of Southern Africa. Nature’s story is told in his stunning images of North American wildlife — wolves, grizzly bears, big cats, elk, owls and raptors — as well as the leopards, lions and elephants of Botswana, South African penguins, and so many more fantastic creatures. The Wildlifer’s world is always expanding, and every animal he encounters is like a new friend he could not be more excited to meet.

Craig Hilts

Craig Hilts

Presented by Living Sky Tours
Craig Hilts, is a self-taught photographer with a passion for capturing the raw essence of nature. For over the past 15 years, Craig has dedicated himself to the art of photography, transforming moments into timeless works of art.

Growing up in Saskatchewan, Craig has cultivated a deep connection with the ever-changing beauty of the Canadian Prairies. His journey as a photographer began as a personal exploration, a quest to understand and document the extraordinary moments that nature presents. Craig's passion for photography extends beyond the mere act of capturing images; it's about immersing himself in the experience. For him, each photograph is a testament to the joy found in seeking out and witnessing the raw power and beauty of nature. It's about the thrill of being amidst a storm, feeling the energy in the air, or gazing up at the stars on a quiet night. Craig shares not just the visual splendour but the emotional resonance of these incredible moments.

With over 15 years of experience, Craig Hilts has honed his craft, developing a unique style that captures the essence of the Canadian landscape. His portfolio reflects a keen eye for composition, a mastery of lighting, and a deep understanding of the natural world. Whether it's the dance of the Northern Lights or the drama of an approaching storm, each photograph is a testament to Craig's dedication to his art. His work has been featured in numerous publications including Canada Geographic and his work has been on display at The Biosphere Museum in Montreal Quebec. He has won numerous photo competitions including the Lightchaser Photographer of the Year in 2023.

Josh McGarel

Josh McGarel

Presented by Fujifilm
Josh McGarel is a British Columbia-based commercial Photographer and Creative Director specializing in sports, outdoor lifestyle, and tourism. Originally from England, Josh made the move to BC ten years ago for mountain biking and photography and continues to be inspired by the ever-changing landscapes and outdoor industry on the West Coast. With past clients such as Lululemon, Pelican, Motorola, and FujiFilm, Josh’s skills range from concept creation through production to final asset delivery.

A career highlight was his time as Resident Photographer aboard small expedition ships on the East Coast of Canada, South Georgia and Antarctica, where he shot landscapes and wildlife photography while sharing his passion with guests. For Josh, photography is a gateway to learn about new subjects and meet different people. Combined with his love of concept development, he can often be found cooking up a new project that expands his technical knowledge and creative muscles.

Past personal projects have included a cycle trip to the most remote pub in the UK, exploring First Nations-led trail building in BC, and other unique perspectives on traditional outdoor imagery. His photography and writing from these experiences have been published in various editorial outlets including Freehub Magazine and Mountain Life Media.

Rachel Jones Ross

Rachel Jones Ross

Presented by Sony

Rachel Jones Ross, of the House Sony. First of Her Name, The Unslept, Queen of the North, Khaleesi of Coffee, Breaker of Rental Cars, and Mother of Teenagers…

Rachel Jones Ross is an astrophile, powered by caffeine, with a strong affinity for winter. You can typically spot Rachel in the wild anywhere clear skies can be found, but she will linger for sunrise and sunset when conditions are favourable. Rachel is a member of the Sony Alpha Imaging Collective, and teaches photography workshops both online and on-location at her home in the Canadian Rockies, and Norway. 

Jim Brompton

Jim Brompton

Presented by Kase Filters

Jim Brompton has over 44 years of experience as a professional and award-winning nature photographer. He has owned a photography business since 1978 and over the years has been featured by Outdoor Photography, Canada Magazine, Photo Life, Nature Canada, Outdoor Canada, Canadian Sportsman, B.C. Outdoors and more! In May of 2018 Jim received the prestigious Master Fine Art designation from Master Photographers International and is among less than 100 photographers in the world with this title.

The Launstein Family

The Launstein Family

John, Jenaya and Josiah Launstein are part of a family of internationally awarded wildlife photographers and artists from the Pincher Creek area in southwestern Alberta. Their work has been exhibited in more than 70 countries in national museums and galleries including the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. and the Natural History Museum in London, U.K.

The Launsteins' oldest daughter, Jenaya, became only the second young woman to be named the international Youth Photographer of the Year at the age of 15, and her younger brother Josiah is clearly following in her footsteps! By age 13, he had twice been named the Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year, and both have gone on to receive numerous other awards. They are delighted to share their love of wild animals and wild places with fellow nature and art lovers through their Fine Art Prints, calendars, greeting cards and giftware. The family opened the Launstein Imagery Wildlife Art Gallery in 2016 in the beautiful Crowsnest Pass, and a second gallery in Waterton Lakes National Park in 2020.

When the Launsteins are not in their galleries, they are usually found on the trail somewhere in their beloved Alberta mountains in search of a quiet moment with the region's wildlife, or occasionally presenting moments from their time in the field with like-minded photographers and nature enthusiasts. A quote from Jenaya accompanying her work in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History sums up the family's passion for what they do: “I hope my pictures help people care more about the animals I have the privilege of photographing.”

Shane Turgeon

Hosted By Shane Turgeon

Shane Turgeon is an award-winning nature photographer and the founder of the Lightchasers Nature Photography Conference. His work is primarily focused on landscapes, the night sky, storms, and wildlife but he also enjoys his time working in concert and event photography. His work has been featured by Canadian Geographic, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards, PhotoLife magazine, Black Rapid, the CBC and in 2022 he was short-listed for the prestigious Astronomy Photographer of the Year award from the Royal Museums Greenwich in London.

While pursuing nature and landscape photos for his own personal pleasure are his primary focus in photography, he also has a keen passion for sharing both his art and the mental health benefits of nature photography and passing on his experience and knowledge to other photographers.

Shane is a proud ambassador for f-stop gear and McBain Camera.

Special Appearances By:

Monika Deviat

Monika Deviat

As a photographer, Monika Deviat is best known for her distinctive and award-winning nightscapes. She is driven to capture unique scenes under the night sky and inspire a sense of wonder, especially in those who cannot see the stars where they live. Monika's photography does not fit into a single niche, though. She is also a concert, portrait, and commercial photographer, a dynamic workshop leader, speaker, and writer based in Alberta.

Monika's start in photography began with her love of heavy metal. On the world's largest heavy metal cruise, she has had the opportunity to photograph many of her favourite bands, from local shows to many festivals across North America and even to international waters. While travelling in 2014, Monika had the chance to try photographing the Milky Way, and in 2015, night photography had hooked her in. This passion for night photography led her to the outdoors, and she has become an avid mountain explorer in the Canadian Rockies.

Joe Desjardins

Joe Desjardins

For nearly three decades, Joe has been immersed in the world of photography. He began his career as a studio photographer in Northern Ontario, Canada. Growing up in this remote area afforded him the opportunity to learn his craft while exploring the outdoors, making nature photography a perfect fit. Today, Joe works as a professional photographer out of Calgary, Alberta, focusing on wildlife and landscape photography. He loves to share his knowledge and enthusiasm of photography with others through teaching, workshops and speaking engagements.

“There is nothing more rewarding than when a fellow photographer (student) comes away with an image they are proud of,” says Joe.

Joe is an award-winning and nationally published photographer who has earned multiple national accreditations in a variety of disciplines including equine,landscape, nature, wildlife and more. Joe has also garnered the designation of Master Photographer (MPN) in Nature Photography with MPIO, Master Photographers International, is Kase Filters Pro Team member and an Ambassador for f-stop.

Mark Jinks

Mark Jinks

Mark Jinks is an award-winning nature photographer and educator based in Leduc, Alberta, Canada.

His main photography focus is on capturing beautiful landscapes and wildlife, the energy of severe weather, and the mystique of the night sky.

Mark's work is highly regarded and has been featured by Travel Albereta, The Globe and Mail, CBC, Westjet Magazine, Canadian Geographic, Outdoor Photography Canada, and many more. He has won numerous photography competitions, and his imagery has been licensed by agencies all over the world.

Each and every speaker were absolutely amazing! When working on composition I now have a plethora of voices in my head giving me inspiration! The whole conference was a positive experience.
Bea Kachmarchyk
GET YOUR TICKET

Stay Tuned for More Exciting Speaker Announcements in early 2023!