On a bitterly cold day with a driving wind, Brian Atkinson met three generations of the Williston family of Hardwicke and went out onto the ice of Miramichi Bay to take photos of them smelting. He was looking for story ideas for Canadian Geographic. Something in the character of this family and its patriarch, 75-year-old Theodore — a survivor of the Escuminac Disaster of 1959 in which 35 fishermen lost their lives, piqued Brian's interest.

Many river folk, photos, stories, and adventures later, a book had taken shape: Miramichi: River of Character. This richly illustrated volume brings the character of the Miramichi to life, revealing in images and text the determined originality and vibrant spirit of the people of the Miramichi.

Brian Atkinson is one of Canada’s finest photographers. He has worked as a professional photographer for over fifteen years with magazines such as Equinox and Men’s Journal. His work has taken him to over forty countries including Guatemala, Ethiopia, Kosovo, and Mozambique. He lives near Fredericton and is the author of a photographic book on the city, Fredericton, republished in 2011.

Brian Atkinson's profile page

Joanne Cadogan is a third generation newspaper publisher. She has served as editor of the Brunswick Business Journal, The Miramichi Leader, and The Miramichi Weekend.

Joanne Cadogan's profile page