James Smeaton Photography

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

A Parent’s Love

For my final sneak peek of the Union of Lexie and Pat, I wanted to feature some of the unsung heroes of the day: the parents.

At this cherished intersection of love, some very tender feelings rise to the surface. A lifetime of caring, protecting, guiding and loving your child leads to this moment, when you watch them begin a new chapter with the person they have chosen.

There is something profound in knowing that your child has found someone who will share both the privilege and responsibility of standing beside them through thick and thin, and loving them completely, just as you have.

You can see all of that in the faces in these photographs. The emotion, the memories, and beneath it all, a deep and steady pride in who their children have become and where they are going next.

08/28/2026

In The Arms of An Angel

The Story:
This is my second sneak peak from the Union of Lexie and Patrick. Suffice to say this tender moment blew me away. Lexie's smile, the little girls nervous fingers in her mouth but with a look in her eye that shows the comforting hug is so so appreciated. A photographer is wise to stay nimble during such long shoots, these moments are fleeting but so powerful to tell the story of the day. I often use the expression BIG LOVE, of the many things it points to is that we are always part of a bigger connection, that the sum is more then the parts.

08/24/2026

The Gentlemen’s Game

The Story:
This is a sneak preview from The Union of Lexie and Patrick MacMaster. The boys were amazing to work with, it was not long before I was a fly on the parlor wall and all kinds of really candid moments came to life. * No ci**rs were harmed in the creation of this moment.

07/30/2026

Visiting An Old Friend...

The Story:
It's a funny thing as a photographer to develop relationships with entities that have little to say but yet say so much. This time around she had lots of energy, and was sporting her summers finest... a rich green dress of moss and leaf that was sure to make any who saw her blush. All who visited were conservative in their motions around her and as such her cold and fast lower pool did all the hosting. Which worked out well for me as I was able to get a proper portrait of her from top to bottom with little to distract from her magnificence.

In case your are wondering her name, it tis a mouthful, Uisge Bàn Falls just outside of Baddeck. There is a really easy trail for 90% of the hike but the last bit requires some carefully maneuvering over slippery rock. You will also get to see the most splendid trees that did not get the message that one needs soil to grow tall.

07/13/2026

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.

06/30/2026

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.

06/25/2026

Did this powerful little video almost 11 years ago.. time to get back in that saddle.

06/25/2026

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 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.

06/23/2026

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.