Walk through the halls of an Adventure Canada expedition ship en route to the Arctic, and you’ll inevitably see the name “Michelle Valberg” beneath dozens of eye-popping iceberg and wildlife photos. Head out on an Antarctica expedition cruise with Abercrombie & Kent in the coming years and — more likely than not — you’ll see this renowned travel and wildlife photographer on the boat right alongside you, snapping away and enjoying the sights just as well.
But, unlike other expedition adventurers, Valberg’s not out there simply for fun (although she has her fair share of it). Valberg is a seasoned travel and adventure photographer. She’s made a name for herself in the world of travel photography. So much so that famed travel brands like Abercrombie & Kent hire Valberg to photograph for them onboard their expeditions.
Abercrombie & Kent is a world leader in luxury adventure tours that reach the far-flung corners of this planet. Valberg is on these trips capturing wildlife and landscapes, photographing guests, teaching guests how to photograph these beautiful destinations, and sharing photos during gatherings and pre-planned photo-review sessions to help guests reflect upon the day.
Sound like your dream job? You’re not alone. As pandemic travel restrictions ease and spring and summer travels are on the horizon, more creators are trying to find ways to make the world their office and their passion a full-time career.
While everyone’s journey is different, we sat down with Valberg to learn how one gets started on this wild and wondrous travel-photography career path. Here’s what she had to say about becoming a travel photographer for safari and expedition outfitters. She also shares some tips on how you can get out there too.
Where to Start
Going from newbie photographer to getting paid to photograph in places like Antarctica was a long journey for Valberg.
“I’ve been a professional photographer for over 30 years, and I’ve been very lucky to do this profession,” she said, noting she’s been running her own business since university.
“I’ve never said no to any kind of job in photography but, of course, travel has always been an important part of my life.”
While travel was always a passion, she didn’t start out jet-setting around the globe with camera in hand.
“I did everything from weddings to portraits,” she said. “I’ve never said no to any kind of job in photography but, of course, travel has always been an important part of my life.”
Pursue Passion Projects
As she navigated through the twists of a photography career, Valberg’s instincts brought her closer to this ultimate goal of travel and adventure photography — the kind of photography that includes dramatic landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife, and the human emotion that comes with visiting and admiring these grand, larger-than-life destinations.
A lot of her own career progression came through taking risks with personal projects. Valberg created several photography books that really helped get her name out there.
“I put my heart and soul — and money — into every single one of them,” she said. “When I was done with my first few, I said, ‘OK, I’m going to do a book on Canada,’ and this is where I can see if I can showcase Canada by fusing my photography and my storytelling with travel.”
She created a book idea, it was showcased in Canada, and then she knew she had to go to the Arctic. That pursuit of getting to the Arctic was one of the biggest turning points in Valberg’s career. She asked a friend for advice and he shared contacts, including a Canadian tourism bureau and the company Adventure Canada. Adventure Canada is an expedition cruise outfitter that specializes in northern Canada, Greenland, and Iceland.
Soft Skills are Key
As Valberg began working with Adventure Canada, more doors opened for her. This was both with future jobs photographing on Adventure Canada excursions, and with other outfitters such as Abercrombie & Kent. Abercrombie & Kent coordinates luxury small-group trips across the world — from the plains of Africa down to Antarctica.
“It’s not just about being a good photographer. It’s networking and working with people, and sometimes you have to prove yourself,” she said. “People can have a good camera or take good photos, but that doesn’t mean you can rise to the upper echelons of the photographic world in a nanosecond. It’s a process.”
You Have to be Committed
You have to really pour your heart into it — especially in the competitive industries where you get paid to travel around the world pursuing your passion.
“If you want to make it as a photographer, you have to be all-in.”
“If you want to make it as a photographer, you have to be all-in,” she said, noting there are more and more photographers taking photos with their smartphones or enjoying the craft as a hobby. This is fine but to really be a master in the field, you have to go beyond a pretty photo.
“Paul Nicklen didn’t become Paul Nicklen just by taking good photos,” she said. “There’s almost no one in the creative industry who’s successful who hasn’t had to do the chase — to do the work. And the commitment and passion, everything has to be in place in order for you to do this kind of work.”
Photographing on Expedition Cruises and Safaris
If you’re captivated by the idea of photographing with, say, Abercrombie & Kent, here’s what the process looks like:
“It’s a full day — all day — from the time you wake up. You’re part of the team as a photographer, so you’re out on the excursions in the morning. Then, when you’re not on the excursions, you’re giving lectures. You’re giving private photo-advice consultations to people with their cameras. Then, you have lunch and you go back out,” she said.
Somewhere in that day, Valberg has to deliver the photos, and show her work every day in recap sessions. She also uses this recap session as a time to give photography advice to guests — and she loves seeing how often they take her wisdom to heart.
“One time, I showed people how to pose better for their photos and it was really fun because they all started doing it the next day!” she said.
Editing on the Fly
One key skill that’s helped Valberg manage the sheer volume of work on these trips is learning to edit quickly.
“I never process an image the same — ever.”
“It’s about being quick and decisive,” she said, noting it’s important to hone your style and really understand what makes your images unique. That said, she’s not one to use blanket filters or presets to expedite the editing process. Her speed comes from years of practice.
“I never process an image the same — ever,” she said.
She does minor edits but typically gets the photo finished, then moves on. She said working in the wedding industry actually helped her with this in-the-moment speed.
“Weddings are a perfect way to learn how to think, act, and create quickly,” she said. “Everything happens instantly, and you don’t have time to just sit back and let the moment go by.”
Remember Why You’re There
Getting paid to travel is by far one of the most enviable career perks, but those on the outside don’t realize all that goes into a job like this. Valberg isn’t simply on an expedition ship photographing gorgeous sunrises or sunsets. She’s working harder and her subjects aren’t always surreal penguin encounters or ice-laden landscapes.
She’s photographing the people on the trip itself, providing guests with memories of their trips, and the client with imagery they can use for promotion. While photographing is her main job, she’s part photographer-part team member.
“You have to be willing to not just take pictures, but if you’re called upon to do roll call or lifejacket duty, or stand in a pile of penguin guano [waste], you have to do it,” she said, laughing at a recent Antarctica memory of the latter.
“You need to be a team player in this space, and you have to be a people person. Be willing to put yourself out there,” she said. “These people are paying, and it’s your responsibility to make sure they have the best trip.”
To be Clear: Yes, This is a Dream Job
While the work is hard, these experiences are perhaps more magical than Valberg could’ve ever imagined. In fact, on one of her most recent Abercrombie & Kent Antarctica trips, she had a fellow photographer friend give her advice that made one of the excursion’s most incredible moments even more special.
“He told me, ‘When you get in the Zodiac [boat] the first time in Georgia, just breathe and take it in. Don’t immediately start taking pictures. Let it absorb you. ;et it all come through you,’” Valberg said.
This advice is relevant to travel photographers no matter the scenario. Photographers are often quick to pull out their cameras and want to start creating, but there is a benefit to taking the scene in first.
Inside Michelle Valberg’s Kit
What does a travel and adventure photographer like Valberg bring with her on trips? As you can imagine, it’s a lot. Here are the gear highlights for this Nikon Ambassador. You can view her full gear list here.
Want more photography career ideas or inspiration? Check out our features on how to break into winter sports photography or how to break into destination wedding videography!
