Michael Van der Tol was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

His formal education has been separate from his art interests; he holds a master’s and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering. His interest in photography he claims is genetic; his maternal grandfather was never seen without a still- or movie-camera in his hand. This left a lasting impression. “ during my late teenage years I always the one with a camera at family events and holidays … through middle- and high-school I started to do work with water colors and oils, but as I entered engineering school I had to set all of that activity aside”. Michael’s interest in photography was rekindled about 20 years ago when single-lens-reflex cameras became affordable and he purchased his first.

He is primarily self-taught in photography. He has worked most of his career in senior and executive management in the wireless semiconductor business.

His work has been published in The Stittsville News, Ottawa Sun, Due West Magazine, the Ottawa Citizen, Photosho Magazine, Photolife Magazine, Canadian Camera, Diffusion Magazine and JPG Magazine and his art is held by private collectors in Canada and the USA. In 2008 Michael's work was recognized by Photolife Magazine and he was named as one of Canada's Emerging Photographers of 2008. His work is represented by Arts & Architecture in Ottawa, Ontario.

“The greatest compliment I have ever had on my photography came from a colleague who said “I can’t tell if this photograph was taken 100 years ago or 100 seconds ago.” The greatest thrill I ever had was giving a photograph to someone who admired it and seeing their reaction. There's a saying that goes - Love what you do – do what you love. Well I love photography.”

Michael makes his new home in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada