Frederick R McDonald

Of the Fort McKay First Nation in Alberta

event photography

Event Photography Specialties

Young indigenous men in traditional regalia holding flags.

Aboriginal Events

Fred was brought up in the traditional hunting and trapping lifestyle of his parents and he is an active member of the Fort McKay First Nation.

Golf Tournaments

A deep love of the game informs Fred's golf photography. Every tense moment, every win - he feels the game and brings that to his photos.

Community Events

Fred has long been a familiar face at community events, whether he's behind the camera or in the thick of the action.

Event Photo Galleries

Aboriginal Events

As a member of the Fort McKay First Nation, Fred photographs cultural events with an insider's perspective. He is sensitive to the gravity as well as the joy of documenting and celebrating traditions and achievements. This is clear in his photographs of these events.

Fred has also served as the event coordinator of Treaty Days for the Fort McKay First Nation and for the Athabasca Tribal Council Regional Gathering. He is aware of all you are juggling as you pull together a great celebration.

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Indigenous woman, fancy shawl dancer.Indigenous children dancing in traditional regalia.Young indigenous men in traditional regalia holding flags.Indigenous drummers.Women walking in their traditional indigenous regalia.4 people standing in front of a tee-pee, including the Fort McKay chief.Men dancing in traditional indigenous regalia.A traditional indigenous meal being cooked outside over an open fire.Photo of a traditional indigenous tee-pee being erected.Man and child in traditional indigenous regalia.Teaching a drumming class.Indigenous man in traditional regalia, down on one knee.Young indigenous women playing a game.A circle of indigenous people at a traditional event.

Golf Tournaments

Fred doesn't just photograph golf, he doesn't simply know the sport...Fred LOVES golf. He loves golf so much it has even been his muse for several of his paintings. So, of course he can  bring his artistic mastery to photographing your next golf tournament, just as he has for these events.

Fred has also served as the event coordinator for several golf tournaments: the CCAB, the NAABA, the NABA, and the Metis Nation Awards. He has been in your, very busy, shoes.

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Two rows of golf carts full of golfers.A golfer swinging out of a sand trap.Group of golfers on a green.Golfer taking a shot.Golfer taking a shot.Group of golfers walking across a green in the rain.Golfers on a green.Large hotel next to golf green.A golfer has made the shot.A golfer swinging out of a sand trap.A golfer has just made a shot.Golfer taking a shot in the pour rain.

Community Events

Fred has long been a familiar face at local community and fundraising events, albeit a face behind a camera. His photography can help to communicate your event's mission, story and achievements.

While serving as the annual campaign chair of the United Way Fort McMurray, Fred's fund-raising broke records. He cares about his community and has served as a director on many boards - and he understands the needs of community organisations and those individuals in charge of planning the events.

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Indigenous man in tux standing in front of a Christmas tree on a stage.Two men dressed in silly red Christmas tuxedos.Santa Claus proposing to soon-to-be Mrs. Claus.Female contortionist on stage.Indigenous band performing on stage.A drummer at his drum set on stage.Two young indigenous male rappers on stage.Two young indigenous male rappers on stage.Indigenous band performing on stage.Hockey players on the ice.A charity race of people in shopping carts.Man pretending woman's leg is a guitar.A stage lit up at night with a concert.
A headshot photo of Frederick R McDonald; older indigenous man smiling and wearing a camera around his neck.

About Fred

Frederick R McDonald is an international, award-winning artist - a painter, poet and photographer - and a member of the Fort McKay First Nation. Fred was born in Fort McMurray and raised in the bush along the Athabasca River, brought up in the traditional hunting and trapping lifestyle of his parents.

Although he has travelled far and wide, Fred’s heart is still with his community and he continues to be an active member of the Fort McKay band. He keeps himself grounded through his family; his children and his grandchildren are his inspiration for everything he does and they are ultimately his greatest creation.

In addition to his mastery of painting, Fred is an accomplished intellectual, with multiple degrees and awards to his name.

  • Bachelor's of Fine Art, University of Calgary
  • The Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund, 2001 Edmonton, Alberta
  • Regional Aboriginal Recognition Award, Wood Buffalo
  • Global Public Voices Fellow, Cornell University
  • Masters of Fine Art, University of Calgary