Sitting in a room with 30 other nations, the tiny but tough team from Canada sat perched on the edge of their seats, waiting for the results of the World Photographic Cup. Canada, armed with a medal tally surpassing previous successes, was poised for a podium finish. Earning 2 gold medals, 1 silver, 1 bronze and 3 additional Top 10 finishes, the countdown to the World Cup was a nail-biter. Canadians attending the awards ceremony in Dallas, Texas, and those watching virtually, held their breath as final results were announced to the world.
On this night, Canada’s camaraderie extends beyond a shutter click; it’s in the cheers that echo through the auditorium, the high-fives & hugs exchanged, and the shared jubilation as one of their own climbs the podium. It’s more than individual victories; it’s a collective triumph for Team Canada as each Top 10 finish contributes to our success.
The ceremony started with the Commercial Category. Alph Leydon, from Ontario, whose architectural image captures the uniqueness and magnificence of Santiago Calatrava’s Oculus in New York City, captured 10th place in the World. Alph was thrilled to attend the ceremony in person, explaining that “to share this experience and the infectious energy with my team was so unique and beyond memorable. It’s amazing to finish 10th in the world, but even better to be immersed in the team experience.”
Canada’s second Commercial image earned 9th place for Quebec’s Louis-Philippe Provost. His image showcases Montreal’s suspended sculpture “The Ring”. Provost has been on the WPC podium before and is once again honoured to represent Canada on the World Photographic Cup stage.
In the Illustration/Digital Art category, Kari Carter from Alberta, placed 7th in the World for her creative image that symbolizes the intricate layers of expectations placed upon women.“I am so incredibly proud to have been part of this team, placing 7th in the WPC is something I never imagined for myself when starting this journey, but the biggest joy has been watching my teammates succeed,” said Carter.
Then the medals started flowing as Jacquie Matechuk from Alberta won Canada’s first gold of the evening. Her remarkable Wildlife image of a great grey owl moving silently through the air and looking right at her mid-flight also earned a Best of Nation Award as Canada’s top scoring image. “Time behind the lens is our chance to escape the day-to- day grind and rediscover our creative selves, to fearlessly explore all this world has to offer. But tonight was about celebrating each other, recognizing the beauty and power of Canadian photographic art. Tonight, Team Canada laughed, cheered and cried as one.
Each of us is so grateful for this amazing opportunity to represent Canada on the world stage,” Jacquie shared.
Another gold followed in the Reportage/Photojournalism category won by Vancouver’s Craig Minielly for his photojournalistic image of an intense action scene taken on the set during a live filming. Grouped with the other finalists Craig said, “You’re standing there with these amazing photographers as one by one they are called on stage, then the moment becomes very real as I am suddenly standing alone, and it hits me – I have won the gold.”
From Alberta, Kristian Bogner won a silver medal. “It has been an exciting year, and I’m really proud to take home a medal in the new Sports category. My image of Kai Lenny jumping off the Jaws wave in Maui is one of my extreme sports favourites. I trusted my gut to be out there at the right place at the right time to capture this image and this moment,” said Bogner. “The camaraderie and support of our team felt really special this year and I feel a huge amount of joy to be a part of our Canadian success and to connect with so many world class photographers from so many nations at this amazing event!”
Canada’s final medal was in the Wedding Open category where Rabih Madi from Quebec earned a bronze medal. His image on a windy wedding day showcases a sense of movement as the bride’s flowing veil fills the entire frame. “I’m very humbled to have been able to support my team. I’m equally shocked and pleased with the outcome and tremendously honoured to be part of Team Canada.” Madi remarked.
Finally, the heart stopping moment came . . . Canada’s medals and Top 10 finishes paved the way for a 3rd place podium finish for our nation. Our best showing to date.
“We are thrilled that the world witnessed the photographic excellence of Team Canada this year. With the flag waving, and fists pumping, our Canadians went on stage to receive the 3rd Place trophy as a team,” said Jillian Chateauneuf, Co-Captain of WPC Team Canada.
A unique Olympic-style competition, the World Photographic Cup is about fostering a spirit of friendship between nations. For Team Canada, it’s not just about the competition; it’s the volunteer curators, the collaborative brainstorming, and the collective heartbeat of a team bound by a shared vision to bring Canadian photographic excellence to the forefront. Our 30-image submission included 3 remarkable photographs in each of the 10 categories. They can be viewed on the Team Canada website: www.wpcteamcanada.com
Media Contact:
Jillian Chateauneuf, Team Canada Co-Captain Email: admin@wpcteamcanada.com
Mobile: 604-551-9751
