Unacceptable

 I find it highly unacceptable that in this day and age where we can capture the sights, the sounds, and the texture of a place, we are still somehow still unable to collect that smell...

First of All

Everyone knows Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, for the Fortress. We've all toured it with our class as schoolkids, interacted with the costumed actors with our families, and driven by the gates on our way to Kennington Cove. Just across the harbour, though, is another gem that the history books don't talk about nearly enough: the pride of locals and the joy of the tourists who find their way there; the Louisbourg Lighthouse.

Construction of the original lighthouse on this site began in 1730 and was the very first lighthouse built in Canada. That building survived a fire and multiple sieges as control of the nearby fortress and town shifted back and forth between the French and the British until it was destroyed by fire in 1922. The current structure is the 4th installment, but the original foundations remain visible and documented at the site.

The skies were dramatic that day, providing polarized moods just minutes apart.

...and the sunset, though ominous, made for a spectacular backdrop worthy of this piece of our history.

 

Call To Arms: Peyton

In August of 2020, I put out a call to arms of sorts to some local friends: "Who wants to get their picture taken????" I was looking for families with small-ish kids that I'd never shot before, and Roberta and Peyton were down to deliver.

They were absolutely PERFECT.

Peyton's a naturally photogenic girl and a ham for the camera, but this was my first time meeting her and she was a bit shy. We were able to get some great stuff as she clung to her Mama...

...and then it was time to just let her run.

She stopped at the water's edge to feed the ducks. When I called her name and she turned and flashed me this smile, I knew we were onto something.

Just like that: giggly faces, monster faces, and the pure unadulterated innocent glee that puts photographing children near the top of my very favourite things to do.

This kid though...

...and her mom!

It was so liberating to have the opportunity to photograph people again after being out of the portrait game for the most part for so many years. The connection these two have is so strong, it made my heart soar just watching them interact, much less being allowed to capture such an exceptional relationship.

Groves Point

 A swim in the Bras D'Or Lakes, an otherwordly sunset, and a few hours with an old friend.

Within Reach

 "Reach for the stars," they say. And I, being me, reached for the biggest one out there.