Our 2025 Key Note Speaker
Michelle Valberg CM
“Over the past 40 years, my journey in photography has been driven by patience, resilience, innovation and hard work. Starting with video, commercial work, portraits and weddings (anything I could do to make a living at photography), I faced numerous challenges, especially as a young woman in a male dominated industry (WAY back then). I have had to adapt to technological shifts (like everyone) and I have always had to stay ahead of the curve (or at least tried to). Despite the ever-changing challenges and changes in the world of photography over the years, I believe being adaptable and resilient have turned some of my setbacks into opportunities. Mentoring upcoming photographers and contributing to community and international initiatives have been immensely rewarding aspects of my career. Looking ahead, I envision continued growth and innovation in my business and I’m always happy to share my insights and advice with fellow photographers. My story is one of sustaining a long-term, successful career in photography and making the transition from a studio photographer to a full-time wildlife photographer – my true life passion.”
2025 Guest Speakers
The Business of Photography:
Legal Edit
Jaime Bell
Business lawyer, and founder of the Contracts Market
After working as a Canadian business lawyer for almost a decade, I realized there was a serious gap in the market.
On the one hand, I saw entrepreneurs DIY’ing their contracts or worse, not using contracts at all.
On the other hand, I saw business owners spending thousands of dollars on custom contracts by lawyers who didn’t really understand the nuances of their niche or online businesses.
The Business of:
Sports Photography
Jacquie Matechuk
In 23 years, Jacquie Matechuk has earned a reputation for capturing ‘the moment’ with images that speak to the journey & successes of her subjects, it’s her profound love for storytelling that gives her subjects a voice to be heard. Always striving to produce visuals that are both thought-provoking and emotionally relatable. “Our inherent connection to the natural world reveals our complete dependence on the health and biodiversity of this complex planet. And I believe as creatives, it falls on us to generate content that is relatable and engaging for those who may never experience firsthand, the places and things we do.”
Whether she’s focused on epic scenery, iconic architecture, wildlife conservation, or professional sports, Jacquie’s goal remains the same. Put the viewer in the moment and set their mind free.
Today, Jacquie shares her passion for photography as a Canon Canada Ambassador, anxious to teach other creators how to nurture and grow their passion. Whether she’s mentoring a small group of photographers in the pristine wilderness of the Canadian coastline or working with the CCPC (Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective) to partner with organizations leading the fight to protect what we have.
The Business of :
Newborn Photography
Tara Graham
Tara Graham is an award-winning and accredited photographer focusing on newborn, maternity and family photography just outside of Toronto, Canada. She graduated from Creative Photography Program with Highest Honours, and jumped into wedding photography right away, while also working for a high-end portrait studio and a commercial studio in Toronto. Soon she found her calling and started her own business photographing babies and families. Tara is now proud to be an Ambassador with Imagen, Sprout Studio, and Pixellu, as well as APNPI, serving on their judging panel and as an educator in their online Academy. Though an introvert at heart, Tara loves the opportunity to teach and help other photographers simplify, automate, and elevate their business and their images.
Stop Leaving Money on the Table:
Shoot and Burn to IPS
Kim Evans
Hey you!
Yes, the photographer who is burnt out, overworked and underpaid! The photographer who is hustling and is stuck working furiously IN your business without any time to work ON your business. That’s where I come in!
I’m Kim Evans, the business, systems and marketing side of Gary Evans Photography and the educating team of Gary and Kim. It’s my goal to help photographers align their ambition with a strong foundation of achievable business practices to make sure they’re creating a profitable and sustainable career. It’s not always sexy but together we can make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth and can grow your love of photography into a sustainable business giving you the freedom to live the life you’ve dreamed of.
How PPOC Competition Changed My Business and Client Base
Ariane Desbiens
Ariann photographer is a French Canadian photographer based in St-Georges, a small town near Quebec City. After having a carer in communication and advertising, she decided to step up into the photography world. After completing her studies at the Marsan College of Photography in Montreal, she moved several times across Canada, allowing her to broaden her horizons and discover various perspectives that would color her works.
Smiling and authentic, she specializes in commercial and portrait photography; his favorite subject is therefor always humans in all her work. Her background in advertising allows her to deeply understand the use and meaning of images in a campaign and how to use emotions to sell.
Selected commercial photographer of the year in 2023 at the national PPOC competition, Ariann always wants to elevate herself and create emotionally charged images with storytelling that will be more breathtaking than the next. She has been a proud PPOC member since 2013.
She is the mother of three beautiful children that inspired her with their authenticity.
The Business of:
Fine Arts Photography
Jim Brompton
In my presentation on the business of Fine Art Photography, I will explore the creative and business aspects of this artistic genre, focusing on the key income streams that support photographers in this field. I will delve into how gallery representation plays a critical role in establishing a photographer’s credibility and expanding their reach, offering opportunities for selling prints, participating in exhibitions, and gaining collectors. Beyond galleries, I will discuss additional revenue sources such as licensing, commissions, and selling limited-edition prints online. Additionally, I will highlight the educational side of the business, from offering workshops and courses to mentoring aspiring photographers, which not only generates income but also builds a strong community around the artist’s work. Through this presentation, I aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how fine art photographers balance their creative passion with practical business strategies to sustain their careers
Cinematic Wedding Portraits:
Take Your Photography To The Next Level
Gary Evans
Gary Evans is the founder of Gary Evans Photography, known for his exceptional ability to capture authentic, emotional moments with technical precision. With over 20 years in the industry, Gary has earned a reputation for his award-winning wedding and portrait photography, creating images that tell powerful, timeless stories that his clients are proud to display as artwork in their homes.
Ranked #1 Canadian Wedding Photographer globally by OneEyeland for the past four years and #8 in the world overall, Gary’s accolades reflect his mastery of the craft. His work has been featured in major publications and continues to set new standards in the industry.
Gary (along with his wife Kim Evans) are sought-after speaker at international photography conferences, known for their signature “no gatekeeping” style as well as hosting their own educational retreats and workshops for photographers. Together they passionately share their knowledge through workshops, empowering photographers worldwide to refine their
skills and find their creative voice. Their commitment to education and their dedication to the art of photography make them leaders in visual storytelling and education.