James Smeaton Photography

6 days ago

A Beach Blessing

The Story:
Featured before you is Malignant Cove Beach in Antigonish County. It may not offer fine sand or a gradual drop-off, but what it lacks in those things, it more than makes up for in so many others.

First, there's the easy access. You can park your vehicle and, within about 100 feet, have your beach gear set up. It's also incredibly spacious, with more than a kilometer of shoreline to spread out and enjoy. The waves here can be more active than at other local beaches that are sheltered by the Northumberland Strait, making it a great spot if you enjoy the sound and energy of the surf.

Although it's only about 15 minutes from Antigonish, Malignant Cove Beach has been a treasured place for our family and friends for many years. If you haven't been, it's definitely worth the visit. Last but certainly not least is the sunset. Here, you get every last drop of solar bliss. ... See MoreSee Less

James Smeaton Photography is at Antigonish Life.

3 weeks ago

Pleasant Paul

The Story:
There are a few folks in this life who seem destined to become your friend. Such is the case with Paul MacDonald.

While I may never recall our full history, it started with Paul hitching a ride toward Heatherton. Since then, we have run into each other regularly at the Tearoom, the Brownstone, a few other times getting him down the road, and through many waves and chats in passing.

Each and every time, he demonstrated a kindness, curiosity, and sage philosophy about life that is easy to take a lesson from.

During this shoot, we discussed what matters in life, and in no time he answered, "Hard work, honesty, and money." Hard to argue with that.

Anywho, he agreed to let me take his photo, and in the series of 20+ images, this gem rose to the top. This composition actually achieves a level of sharpness I have been hoping to capture for years and years, the kind of portrait that removes the lens and reveals a person's genuine nature.

If you have had the pleasure of getting to know Paul, please tell him you saw this photo online. He was joking at the time of the shoot that he was going to be famous. In my mind, he already is. ... See MoreSee Less

James Smeaton Photography is at Margaree Valley NS.

3 weeks ago

Sphere Catcher

The Story:
In many ways a bucket seems a crude device when compared to the beauty of the tamarack needles. I came across these very unique plants during a wet forest romp near Margaree Cape Breton. As a photographer I have had a fascination with droplets where ever I can find them. Just use the search function on my Facebook page for the term "droplet" and you can find 15 years worth of watery passion. A unique fact about the Tamarack also known as the American larch is that it is one of very few conifers that lose all their needles every fall, then produce fresh ones each spring. ... See MoreSee Less

James Smeaton Photography is in Nova Scotia.

4 weeks ago

The Tall Grass

The Story:
Beside the parking lot, alongside the Brierly Brook River there was some unassuming grass that had an intense purple coating along the top. My inquires suggest this is a Meadow Brome grass, perhaps someone reading this knows better? Regardless, it is a humble but beautiful example nature producing a wide pallet of enjoyment in the most mundane of places. ... See MoreSee Less

James Smeaton Photography

4 weeks ago

A quiet moment of reflection for your Father’s Day…

// I took this in my driveway today. A beautiful scene just hiding out which I likely would have missed had I not been taking my son out for some fresh air. Many are the times that my stewardship of others has lead to a beautiful moment. Here’s to that. ... See MoreSee Less

James Smeaton Photography is in Nova Scotia.

4 weeks ago

Just Max

The Story:
With a moustache made of light and a nice evening stick to nibble Max’s strikes a nobel pose to end the day. Shout out to Loretta for encouraging me to make a post about our furry model. ... See MoreSee Less

James Smeaton Photography is at Brierly Brook.

1 month ago

The Back Nine of Brierly Brook

The Story:
Tucked into a tiny pocket of Antigonish County is a corner so cute that even in the last light of an early spring day it various parts become more then the sum. The mirror to the sky, the tracks to the terrain, the homes to the fields. ... See MoreSee Less

James Smeaton Photography is at James River.

1 month ago

Straight Forward

The Story:
I had the drone up today due to the low hanging clouds clinging to the trees. It does wonders for the layers of life and with a solitary straight train track disappearing into the distance there was a base simplicity to this shot that called me to share it. This was taken just above the James River Spring in Antigonish County. ... See MoreSee Less