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Biography
of
Raymond Lacusta

Raymond Lacusta grew up on his parent's farm in rural Saskatchewan.  His education began by attending the rural schoolhouse along with his older brother Garnet.  Raymond's photographic interests first became apparent at age 14 when he saved his money to buy a Brownie camera.  Many of the family's precious memoirs are photographs captured by Raymond in those early days.

After finishing high school in the village of Calder, Raymond began working at a clothing store in the city of Yorkton, Saskatchewan.  Raymond also had a deep interest in moving pictures, and began saving up his money and purchased a Super 8 movie outfit.  Soon members of the family and friends were subjects of Raymond's projects.  However, wildlife remained a focal interest to the young photographer.

While working and living in Yorkton, Ray met Rose Marie.  They were married and three children became the center of Raymond's photographic interests.  When his wife decided to try artwork, Raymond's own interest was sparked.  His desire to learn enrolled him in local and professional art classes.  In 1987, he attended an Art workshop at Big Timber, Montana.  There he met Robert Bateman, Canada's own renowned wildlife artist.  In 1990, he again attended a workshop at Big Timber with instructors Jack Hines, Jessica Zemsky and John Seerey Lester.  Soon Raymond's paintings were appearing at local art shows, and fund raising dinners like Ducks Unlimited and the Wildlife Federation.

In 1994, Raymond came to realize what a great tool a video camera could be.  He purchased a Hi 8 Pro Cam and soon was taping weddings for friends and relatives.  Of course, Raymond's greatest love and fascination was filming wildlife.  When the camera sustained damage in a car accident, Raymond decided it was time to upgrade.  He applied for a bank loan and purchased digital equipment:  camera, component VCR, computer and editing program.

With his brother Garnet's help, they started to call and film coyotes.  Garnet had hunted and called coyotes for years.  Capturing them on camera became a new challenge.  Soon footage from their excursions began to accumulate.  They decided to take it one step further.  Their calling coyotes turned into hunting coyotes.  There after, their first Lacusta presentation "To Call a Coyote" became reality.

In December of 2001, Raymond registered his video company.  As of January 7, 2002, he was licensed with the Film and Video Classification Act of Saskatchewan.  With two hunting videos under his belt, plans are being made for more hunting productions including documentaries for television.  "Raymond hopes to retire soon from his day job of 27 years with IMC Potash and continue his photographic interests."