Here is a little about Jacq Baldini who is also my wife. J. R. Baldini, IPAP, M.Photog.,Cr. Master Photographer, Craftsman, Signature member IPAP image ©J R BaldiniArtist-in-Residence J. R. I has a varied background in the Fine Arts as professional visual artist. She is a PPA Master Photographer, which means she stays updated on currents trends to help you look the best in your portraits, either as your Photographer or through her artistic finishing of your Fine Art Portraits. Her images have won many International Awards and have been published in many books and professional publications. She teaches creativity workshops worldwide, including Monhegan. Niagara Falls Arts and Culture Wall of Fame. Awarded her Craftsman degree in Photography from the Professional Photographers of America, Awarded her Master degree in Photography from the Professional Photographers of America, American Society of Photographers 'Regional Medallion Award ,The Professional Photographers of America awarded Lifetime membership 2014 . Owner of Baldini Vandersluys Photographers, Niagara Falls Ontario, and Niagara Falls Wedding Chapel on the Lane.

2024 Winner for the Best Artist in the Readers Choice Awards

2024 Winner for best Wedding Planner Readers Choice Awards

She is also Executive Director of International Plein Air Painters Organization a worldwide group. www.i-p-a-p.com
Lawrence C. Goldsmith was one of her Monhegan mentors. She loves Neil Diamond music.

About Charles Vandersluys Master Photog., Cr. 

Born May 14, 1952 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Charles Vandersluys has been capturing the heart and soul of Niagara in photography for 50 years. Unlike many of his photography friends and organizations, Charles has survived the transition from film to digital. When Charles was employed at other jobs, he would go to PPA's (Professional Photographers of America) Winona School outside of Chicago for five day workshops. During one photography workshop in Upstate New York. Charles met his life partner Jacqueline Baldini. In 2024 they will celebrate 30 years in business, and Charles himself 50 years this year. 

Charles developed an interest in professional photography when his sister-in-law suggested joining the St Catharines camera club. He attended photography workshops there and up in Toronto with instructor Tibor Horvath. He told Charles about the Professional Photographers of America and how it would advance his photography. Charles joined the association and eventually was awarded his Masters and Craftsman degree. The only photographer in Niagara to do so.

Vandersluys owns a very successful, popular portrait studio, plus indoor and outdoor wedding chapels, with Jacqueline, an extremely accomplished fine arts painter. She is on the Arts and Culture Wall of Fame. Charles service are not only in demand by the locals here.

He has photographed Nik Wallenda and the late Jay Cochrane (both tightrope walkers, and former Prime Minister Joe Clark, Superstar of Illusion Doug Henning, Justin and Margaret Trudeau, Jay Cochrane, Nik Wallenda, Wolfgang Johannes Puck-Austrian-American chef, restaurateur, and actor, Buffalo Sabres goalie and author Clint Malarchuk, Christopher Allen Lloyd actor writer/producer, LIEUTENANT-GENERAL THE HONOURABLE ROMÉO A. DALLAIRE, as well he has taken hundreds of wedding, family and children's portraits. (Photographed wedding in Hawaii, and in Jamaica). 

Charles Vandersluys has been published in the Professional Photographers of America loan collection books. He and Jacqueline were the first photographers to conduct a accredited photography workshop sponsored by them, held outside of Canada and the United States, held in Saint Lucia. Charles was awarded the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce Outstanding business achievement award.

Photographed the building of the Scotiabank Convention Centre for a couple of years as it was being built. 

Worked on both of the Casinos as they were being build. 

The first Canadian to be elected President of the Professional Photographers of Buffalo Niagara (a division of the Professional Photographers of New York State).

He is a three times winner of the International Day Photographers of the Year Award, a photo Competition, between the Professional photographers of Ontario, and Professional photographers of New York State.

Plus the Reader's Choice award for the best photographers in Niagara Falls, several times, including 2021 and 2022, 2024.  Plus gold award for best photography studio 2022, 2024

Diamond Award 1st Place – Favourite Photographer Charles Vandersluys 2023
Diamond Awards 1st Place – Favourite Photography Studio/Services 2023

There is two page article about Charles published in, The Heart of Niagara-Life Stories and Sights, book by Stephanie Nielsen.

Volunteer photographer  for summer games Niagara 2022 

Received a bronze award from the Summer Trillium Recognition Program 2022

Received a silver award from the Summer Trillium Recognition Program 2023

Received a silver award from the Summer Trillium Recognition Program 2024

Also known as the Mayor of Lundy's Lane 

Helped in getting trash cans on Lundy's Lane

Helped in getting the speed limit lowered from 60km to 50km, and making a area around there business a community safety zone. 

Helped in getting photo radar to the city. 

A cancer survivor.

Helped out with the 2023, and before covid.  Niagara Falls Camera Club, and Project Share, family portrait project. 

 Charles and his wife are community oriented through their activities with the Rotary Club, Project Share, and the United Way.

In 2023 did photos for Sunset at The Palms, Negril Jamaica.  This resort is rated in the top 5 resorts in all of the Caribbean. 

Received a Niagara Region -Niagara Impact Award in 2024

A long time advocate on trying to get people to slow down their driving in Niagara Falls. 

Has a group called Everything Monhegan  on Facebook with over 6500 members. 

Charles is also represented by the Lupine Art Gallery on Monhegan Island Maine.

Just published photo book Monhegan Maine-a timeless island

Charles also loves Classic Rock, the Ocean, and travelling. First three concerts were 1. Jimi Hendrix 2. The Association 3. Creedence Clearwater Revival