Buchanan came to Saskatchewan in 1893 and worked on a farm north of Forget. Here he and his brother Jim did the first breaking in the area using a large Case steam engine. In 1900 he returned to Manitoba to the town of Holland, where he worked in the photography studio of Bernie and Co. learning photography. In 1904 he moved some of the equipment and furnishings from the Bernie Studio to Arcola, Assiniboia N.W.T. Here he purchased the studio of Earnest Dahlquest. He took pictures from this studio situated where the Arcola Town Hall was later built. He moved from that location and built a new studio on Railway Avenue. The studio faced south and had large skylight type windows in part of the roof. From here he practiced his photographic art producing many memorable pictures.

Like most artists he loved his work. It was not uncommon for him to take family portraits on Christmas and other holidays. Sunday - being the day that parents had events such as "first Communions" and "christenings" - was a working day too. Buchanan was a deeply religious man but he was happy to take pictures for people on these days when the family was dressed in their best.

When not busy in his studio he often took people for an outing in the country where he recorded everyday events that were taking place. Some early photo artists took models with them to play the parts but Buchanan only used the genuine article. He used the common everyday people, places and events that occurred around him. Many of the images that he captured on are unequaled, one of a kind activities that would otherwise be lost in the past.

His transportation for these trips was his faithful horse "Black Bess" hitched to a top buggy. When the machine age arrived he retired Bess and purchased a shiny new Model "T" Ford. This reliable machine served him for the rest of his life (1960). The top buggy or car were often included in the pictures thus dating them before or after 1913.

His artistic talent and eye for beauty enabled him to take pictures that were not only sharp and clear reproductions of the person's features and dress but a reflection of their character and soul along with their hopes and dreams. When taking pictures of the area's striking public buildings, elegant homes or impressive farmsteads he was able to capture and enhance the appearance of all. He thus left a legacy to all those interested in the history of the pioneer Saskatchewan.

Some who used his talent were those civic minded people and business entrepreneurs who sent out advertising brochures to prospective customers. Buchanan's pictures were reproduced in these pamphlets to show South Eastern Saskatchewan and its people at the finest.

Buchanan like many great artists never received much in the way of monetary compensation for his work. Those who knew him say he and his wife and one son lived very frugally. He kept bees and sold or traded any surplus honey. Also, he kept a few Jersey cows for milk, cream and butter and kept a large garden.

His work like that of many artists was not fully appreciated during his lifetime. It is only now that it is being recognized.

Buchanan was talented in many forms of art. When the depression of the 1930's made it financially impossible for him to continue to express his artistic talent through photography, he turned to creating art with wood, using Caragana and other local wood.

Note: Buchanan's works on this website are too many in number to show at one time here, you are by default looking at the portion of his work which belongs in the 'Arcola' theme. They have been arranged by theme in the menu to the right. Click on a theme at the right to have it displayed on the left.