There are so many incredible places in the world but just in Nova Scotia alone, the beautiful locations are endless!
I want to be proactive this year and create a list of ‘dream locations in Nova Scotia where I would LOVE to photograph other couples or people at'.
So, here is the start of that list!
For travel/ distance to these locations, I am using Halifax proper (downtown) and Kentville in the Annapolis Valley as my points of reference!
Black Rock Lighthouse, Annapolis Valley
This is just one spot in the valley of many that I want to photograph couples at (there are sooo many and lots more that I have yet to discover)! This spot is along the same coastline as Hall’s Harbour. It is a 27 minute drive from Kentville and a 1 hour 36 minute drive from Halifax. I am a sucker for lighthouses (my goal is to see 5 new ones in 2023) and this spot has been so close to where I grew up but for some reason I had never heard of it until we moved back in November 2021. The lighthouse is very accessible but with the beach being rock, it may not be the easiest to move along if you have trouble with mobility. The coastline is gorgeous with a rocky beach (if the tide is out) and a beautiful tree line to give you best of both worlds - the oceans and with a hint of woods! 10/10 would recommend this spot to couples or families for their sessions!
Terence Bay Lighthouse, Terence Bay
Another lighthouse.. I told you like them, haha!
My first visit I got to experience it on a dreamy foggy day - I am all for all-weather sessions! It gave so much and made me eager to go back. It is a a 35 minute drive from Halifax and 1 hour and 22 minutes from Kentville in the Annapolis Valley, but to get to the lighthouse you will need to have your adventure shoes on. It is a walk in and there may be an easier route but I am not sure if that route is along private property or not, so we just stuck walking along the rocks. So, if you are looking for somewhere accessible, I may not suggest this location but there is a beautiful little beach next to where you park that is accessible to all that offers more than enough beauty if you are wanting to incorporate this area into your session!
Polly's Cove
This area… WOW! Polly’s Cove is never talked about because she lives in the shadows of her sister, Peggy, who is down the road and where most people go and never drive past. Well, Polly is just a short drive down the road from Peggy and she is not a sister that should be overlooked! When Mark and I went to Polly’s Cove, it was heckin’ busy and we parked down the road a ways and just ventured on our own a ways from trail but you can still get the same landscape and beauty no matter where you walk in this area - it’s absolutely stunning every step you take! And although it was busy, we hardly saw a sole because this area is HUGE - not like Peggy's Cove.
I pictured some shots that I would to get here of other people - one (or like 10) from where I took this shot looking over at where the actual Polly’s Cove trail is ->
I have been here a lot since and each time I discover new locations that would be stunning for photos! I've also done first year anniversary shoot here that is one of my favourite shoots to date!
It is on uneven terrain so this may not be for all mobility types but if you go in where the groomed trail is you can get in a bit and it would be stunning no matter where you shot!
It is a 40 minute drive from Halifax and 1.5 hours from Kentville - but I promise it is totally worth it!!!
Prospect Trails (Tanner Gun Rock, High Head Trail + Tanner’s West Point)
This is a great spot for those wild at heart - the wind here can get crazy and I LOVE it! I didn’t get to walk this entire trail (my husband was hunting for boulders to climb but this day was not ideal for bouldering next to a raging sea) so I don’t even know what other gorgeous spots it has to offer but the ~1km we walked in was breathtaking!
This area is a 1 hour and 22 minute drive from the Kentville in the Annapolis Valley and a 35 minute drive from Halifax. It is along the same side of coastline as Terence Bay but looks quite different. Parking is pretty simple and it wasn’t busy when we went. The walk in, again, is a bit uneven but the trail is easily identifiable and not too bad to walk along, though it may be for some. I would suggest this location to people who are okay with wind (it got quite windy there) and are up for climbing on some rocks - don’t worry, the rocks that we climbed on were not wet but you did get a nice misting in some spots!
Blomidon Provincial Park, Annapolis Valley
So, I have actually photographed people here but not enough! Everyone who lives in or visits Nova Scotia MUST have their photos done at Blomidon Provincial Park! The stunning red sand gives the feel of PEI without having to drive to PEI (although, I do HIGHLY suggest that you do because it is a GORGEOUS province!). The cliffside is stunning and I grew looking across the water at Blomidon from my family's cabin in Evangeline Beach, Grand Pre! If you are up for a swim, the water can get pretty warm but we are still in Canada so don't expect it to be like the water somewhere downtown south.
This is a 30 minute drive from Kentville and 1.5 hours from Halifax.
Whether you want beach or woods, this has it all for it and the lighting is phenomenal!!
There you have it! The start of your journey to find the perfect location for your engagement, couples, anniversary, family or maternity session!
Nova Scotia is overflowing with stunning landscapes so the options are endless. I will definitely be making a part two and sharing sessions that I would love to shoot (and may be offering either for free or for a heavily discounted price!)! So keep your eyes peeled for that :)
Also, let me know if there are any locations that you are curious about or that you'd like me to check out and share photos of to give you a better idea of what to expect. I am always up for an adventure and an excuse to see more of this beautiful place we call home :)