CHRIS STAMBAUGH MPA, SPA, HLM

Chris Stambaugh has been a professional photographer for his entire adult life. He graduated from the NAIT photography program in 1989 and opened his own business in 1990. Over the years he has earned a reputation as a leader in the photographic industry and as one of Edmonton’s top ranked photographers.

Chris has been an active volunteer in his industry and has served as President of the Alberta Professional Photographers association and as President of the Professional Photographers of Canada. In 2017 & 2018, he was named “Team Captain” for Canada’s entry into the World Photographic Cup. worldphotographiccup.ca. In 2024, Chris was selected as the jury foreman for the Canadian National Image Competition where he moderated a panel of 7 qualifies judges to curate and select awards for the best in Canadian Photography.

Chris is accredited six times in various specialties of photography and has earned the Master of Photographic Arts designation from the Professional Photographers of Canada and an honorary fellowship in the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers of the United Kingdom. The professional Photographers of Canada have also awarded Chris with the designation “Service of Photographics Arts” and “Honorary Lifetime Member” for his hard work and dedication to his profession. He also has been awarded 4 bars to the Master of Photographic Arts in recognition of his ongoing excellence in his craft.

His work has been recognized worldwide and has won numerous awards for individual images both provincially and nationally. Most notably, he is a five time finalist for Alberta Portrait Photographer of the year and was once a finalist for Canadian Photographer of the Year. Twice he has won the award for “best wedding album” in Canada.

One of Chris’ new passions is that of an educator. Chris owns and operates the BURWELL SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY. Chris currently offers instruction at or has taught at The Burwell School of Photography, Edmonton Public Schools – METRO Continuing Education, NAIT Continuing Education and the University of Alberta – Faculty of Continuing Education (ELLA PROGRAM). Through the Burwell School of Photography, he also offers private lessons on a varitey of topics.

Chris has always believed that a person should work to improve the world around them by volunteering time to work for a worthwhile cause. In that spirit, he has done volunteer work for the Stollery Children’s Hospital foundation, The Edmonton Christmas Bureau and Catholic Social Services. Chris also spent 8 years as an active member of the Oliver School Parents Advisory Committee, where he has helped to raise nearly $400,000 for this school.