“Sweet success! A photojournalist is born” wrote Henry Gordillo about Brenda Castonguay in PHOTO LIFE Magazine in the early ‘90s. She had recently photographed Billy Two Rivers, chief and high profile participant in the Oka crisis.

“Spend all of your life on the real thing” he advised her in his “Images” column.

It has been fourteen years since the Oka crisis and a dozen years since the article was published. Gordillo, it turns out, had an eerie ability to predict Castonguay’s future.

Castonguay’s passion for photojournalism caught fire near the Oka barricades. Working in a mini-lab, processing film, she got to know a group of elite photojournalists from around the world. They urged her to pursue an education in photojournalism.

Enrolled at Dawson Institute of Photography at the time, Castonguay was soon accepted at Loyalist College with advanced standing and earned the Southam Award for academic excellence in her first year of photojournalism.

Hard work ensued. On top of her full-time Loyalist studies, Castonguay worked 20 hours a week as a darkroom technician and photographer at a local weekly newspaper. She also held a part-time job at a mini-lab and worked thirty hours of course-required duties at the campus newspaper. This was incredible training for an entrepreneur-to-be.

Read more about Brenda Castonguay by clicking here.

“The Wine Collection” is a series of black and white photographs inspired by wine country.

Rolling hills of linear art, landscapes formed by the ocean’s fog and humidity. From California’s great oaks in all their majesty, to the 70-year-old cherry trees of Hillside Estate Winery in the Okanagan, that still blossom with great showmanship every spring. And Mission Hill Winery’s architecture, worthy of the setting sun and the beautiful graphic shapes they celebrate together.

This collection of photographs is best enjoyed with a glass of your favorite wine in hand…enjoy!

Array of Lights is a unique look into the surreal beauty of light and how it is seen in the changing seasons. Photographs by Brenda Castonguay depict a different array of lights from Coastal Oregon to northern rainforests of British Columbia, and the Rocky Mountain National Parks. Brenda Castonguay Photography concentrates solely in black and white, with the exception of color for the sake of striking color.

For more information on print prices, contracted location shooting or stock images click here or contact us by phone at 403-714-9252. For a unique view in the field of landscapes and travel photography.

From the time you arrive you will be pampered, entertained and involved in the creative process of your look.

Hair and Makeup Design Team: Morgan & Want design are a highly qualified team with a combined 25+ years experience in their field.. and a blast to boost, expect to have fun!

Munchies: As a part of your experience you will enjoy a high quality assortment of Hors d'oeuvres, wine and cheese.

Photography: Your experience will include:

• 3 outfit changes (some clothing & accessories are provided).
• A minimum of 3 hours of shooting.
• 5 rolls of film will be shot and contact sheets are provided for your viewing.
• A choice of three different looks: Modern, Natural/Sensual or Retro Hollywood style 40's glamour.
• A professional photographer with 10+ years of experience in all aspects of photography.
• A highly qualified photography assistant who provides extensive technical support and artistic support.

What To Bring: A friend, a comfy bathrobe, any clothing or accessories you feel great in, and a smile.

What To Take Home: A sense of assurance that you were treated with dignity, elegance and style.

A proud winner of Calgary's Child Magazine Parent's Choice Award 2001 and 2002, Brenda Castonguay Photography is known for her ability to capture Intimate & Interactive portraits of newborns, infants and children in a casual and fun atmosphere.

What to expect:

• An extremely non structured non posed environment!
• Kids are allowed to be kids – rough-housing, tickling and cuddles are strongly encouraged. Airplane rides and piggybacks are an almost must.
• Parents are strongly encouraged to participate and instigate!

What to wear:

• Families: simple, comfortable casual is strongly recommended. Jeans and bare feet simple t shirts, stay away from black or any dark solid color.
• All babies are always treasured for their rollie pollies and dimples so diapers are best.
• Stay away from tight clothes on the way to the studio (i.e. socks on babies and pants on prenatal moms) as they leave elastic lines- we want to photograph those incredibly cute little toes and incredibly awesome expecting bellies!

What not to bring:

• Snacks and toys – unless the toys are sentimental (cuddle bears and blankies are more than welcome even if they are old and showing their mileage!)
• The grumpies – most children are happiest in the mornings, expect to be scheduled before noon! Yes we are open on weekends.
• A cold – it is understood that kids can get sick overnight, rescheduling at the last minute is A-OK & strongly encouraged.

Photography:

• Shot entirely and exclusively in Black and White, all film is processed the old fashioned way, by hand and printed by hand, to allow for any customized cropping – at no extra charge. (Sorry no color or digital)
• Sessions are one hour in length.
• Two rolls of black and white film (36 exposures) are shot in studio, plenty of film to allow for all types of family combinations – the hour is yours!
• Yes, we do framing too!