Fifty Year Milestone In The Photography Business
This year is a milestone for me as I have been in the photography business for 50 years. In this post I will share some of my photography and a little bit about me.
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 49 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. They celebrated 25 years in business in 2019.
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 was the first photographer 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. Plus gold award for best photography studio 2022.
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
Also known as the Mayor of Lundy's Lane
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.
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
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