What a south shore staycation did for my creative brain

Around this time last year, I realized that over five years of photographing beautiful brand work for clients, my own portrait bank had quietly gotten out of date. Planning came easily. I knew who I wanted shooting me, what I wanted to wear, how I wanted to feel. Finding the right location was harder. I wanted lots of light, a warm palette, access to nature, somewhere off the beaten path. Enter Step House.

Overlooking a rocky Nova Scotia shoreline, Step House feels like a part of the landscape that’s always been there. Designed by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, the residence incorporates quintessentially Nova Scotian materials and textures. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living space offer views of the coast. Spring is a beautiful time to visit, still cool enough for a fire in the morning but warm enough to open the patio doors in the afternoon and let the sea breeze in. The right environment has a way of setting the tone for branding sessions. These photos, taken by my friend Janelle Connor, are some of my favourites ever: a prime example of how space and light work together to shape a portrait.

Arriving at Step House, I knew I’d be busy with my camera while Janelle and I shot brand portraits for each other but I didn’t expect to be glued to my camera for the next two days. With a full editing docket of client work, I had planned to use my remaining time in this quiet sanctuary to get as much editing done as possible, but inspiration had other ideas. Over two days, I got to know the rhythm of sunrises and sunsets at Step House, noticing how dappled light kissed certain areas at the right time of day, soaking up the sun in the barrel sauna, meeting the cool ocean air at sunrise for a better wakeup than any cup of coffee could offer. My camera was with me every step of the way but I feel like I only scratched the surface of this beautiful property. Note to self: visit for longer next time.

Something about a beautiful place always gets my photographer brain turning. Branding portraits were fun but my mind kept circling back to weddings, we can probably blame being on the South Shore at the cusp of spring for that. Getting ready is my favourite part of a traditional wedding day, and with so many outdoor destinations and venues nearby, Step House would set the scene perfectly for an intentional, relaxed morning ahead of the bustle of a wedding day. As someone who loves sidestepping tradition, the rocky coastline also spoke to me as the perfect secluded elopement destination. For couples who want to get married their own way, Step House offers a shared getting-ready space, outdoor elopement backdrop, and honeymoon retreat all in one. Yes, this is me trying to plan your elopement for you but when creativity calls, I answer.

I might also just be selfishly trying to find my way back to Step House sooner rather than later, and with views like these, can you blame me?