Budd's Story
Budd's Story
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Preserving and celebrating the work of Budd Watson means honouring the vision of one of Canada’s most evocative landscape photographers—an artist who captured, in exquisite detail, the wind‑swept white pines, bare granite outcrops, and dramatic skies of Georgian Bay. Born in Brampton but rooted in Midland, Ontario, Watson lived and breathed the terrain of the Canadian Shield. Canadian Nature Photographer
Budd in wilderness with his 8x10 negative camera
Freeze Up Dec. 1, 1982 - Indian Harbour on Georgian Bay ©2025 Waston Family
Through large‑format cameras (notably 4×5 and 8×10 Linhofs) and a masterful use of light and composition, he transformed everyday scenes—pines silhouetted against storms, fading sunsets across islands, silent winter channels—into luminous meditations on wilderness, solitude and the vastness of the Canadian landscape. Canadian Nature Photographer His images are not just photographs; they are visual poems that speak to geology, heritage, memory and place.
Yet, as powerful as his work is, much of it remains lesser known on the international stage. Ensuring that Watson’s legacy is preserved—his negatives located, his prints properly archived, his story told—and celebrated widely is more than a matter of art history. It’s about connecting our future with a way of seeing, respecting and loving the land. It’s a call to remember not only what he saw, but why it matters: the rugged beauty of a wild place, the fragile tree on stone, and the ways in which we humans inhabit these realms.
In doing so, we safeguard a body of work that stands alongside the great traditions of Canadian landscape photography—capturing not only a region, but a feeling, a reverence, a shorthand for what Canada can be. It’s time to shine a spotlight on Budd Watson’s vision—and make sure it endures.
Two-story enlarger
Two-story enlarger
Budd operating his custom built two-story enlarger at the gallery 520 Hugle St. Midland, Canada.
First large print
First large print
Budd and Lorne Watson standing with their first large 72 inch print January 1975
Budd applying final finish on photograph using his custom build finish table in the basement of the gallery - April 1982
Budd with his 8 x 10 camera used for many of his iconic Georgian Bay Shore photographs, photo by George Hunter - March 5, 1982
Budd standing on tall ladder to get the "perfect shot" - October 3, 1981
Budd with his Contax 35mm camera, photo by George Hunter - March 5, 1982
History
History
Research:
Research:
April 1997: Case Study by Landon French - M.A. , Canadian Studies, Carleton University
Subject: The Identification of associative cultural landscapes; Eastern Georgian Bay
Quote/Unique point: Study of J.W. Bald, A.Y. Jackson, Arther Lismer, Budd Watson, John Hartman
Awards:
Awards:
EFIAP -“excellence ”- of the Federation Internationale De L’Art Photographique, Berne, Switzerland
Master of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.
Letters of Reference and Support:
Letters of Reference and Support:
January 9, 1968 - Rt. Hon. John G. Diefenbaker M.P.
Subject: Receiving a copy of My Canada.
Quote/Unique point: "your photographs are the most remarkable collection I have ever seen."
October 23, 1972 - Gallery Opening by Robert Crawford, President of Georgian College
Subject: Grand opening of Budd Watson Gallery
Quote/Unique point: "photography as an art for local people visitors."
June 19, 1979 - Professional Photographers of America Inc.
Subject: Award of Excellence
Quote/Unique point: "Few are chosen for this award. You can be justifiably proud"
March 7, 1981 - Dr. Ray Baker, Head Instructor, Confederation College, Thunder Bay
Subject: Budd Watson's seminar
Quote/Unique point: The seminar was sold out
March 7, 1981 - Canada Games photography exhitbit at Conferation College in Thunder Bay
Subject: Exhibit arranged by McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Quote/Unique point: Photos from across Canada
October 14, 1982 - C.W. James M.D.
Subject: Budd Watson's school
Quote/Unique point: "Opportunity to spend 4 days in school"
December 3, 1982 - The Honourable Jean Chretien
Subject: Invitation to Cocktail Reception at Budd Watson Gallery
December 26, 1982 - Barbara E. Williams, Photographic Artist
Subject: Attending Budd Watson seminar of Fern Resort
Quote/Unique point: "A profound impact on my photography."
1988 - Nature Photographer of the year award
Subject: Posthumous Award by David J. Hawke - Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Foundation
Quote/Unique point: First photographer to be invited to display with The Group of Seven
June 7, 1989 - Right Honourable Jeanne Sauvé Govenour General of Canada
Subject: thank you for the Budd Watson signed photograph of Brebeuf Pines
Quote/Unique point: "Brebeuf Pines will serve as a fond souvenir of Budd Watson's beautiful photographs"
November 6, 1997 - Terry Fox Foundation
Subject: Thank you for photo of Terry Fox Monument
Quote/Unique point: "Will be given a place of honour"
Publications:
Publications:
The Canadian Nature Photographer Magazine - Tribute to Budd Watson 2018, buy Robert Berdan
1984 - True Course - Midland Power Squadron
Subject: Budd Watson photo on Cover & Thanks
Quote: "Budd is known world-wide"
1984 - CPAC - Photographic Annual
Subject: Budd Watson photo on cover & EFIAP Award & Advertisement
Quote: "Awarded Excellence by Federation Internation di L'Art Photographique"
1985 - True Course - Midland Power Squadron
Subject: Featured Landscape Photographer
Quote: "known internationally for the work he is doing of Georgian Bay."
1988 - PhotoLife Magazine
Subject: Budd Watson photo on Cover & Featured Photographer
Quote: "Budd Watson Lived His Art"
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