(Chasing Light Along the Atlantic)
There are some places that seem made for photography. Places where every winding road, fishing village, and rugged coastline feels like a painting waiting to happen. Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island are exactly that kind of place that we visited a couple of years ago. With many Canadians choosing to explore destinations closer to home, Nova Scotia and Cape Breton make the perfect getaway.
From the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean to quiet coves wrapped in morning fog, Nova Scotia offers endless opportunities for photographers and travelers alike. So, in this edition of PHOTONews, we’d love to share a few of the beautiful places we hope to explore this October as we lead a photo workshop with a small group of photographers.
iPhone 13; 1/1500 sec.; f/2.4; ISO 32
The Journey Begins
Driving through Nova Scotia is an adventure in itself. The coastal roads seem to invite you to slow down and take everything in. Tiny seaside communities appear one after another, each carrying its own charm and history. There’s so much to explore and we will hope to cover off many of my favorite spots. This photo was taken just down the road from the famous Skyline Trail at a car pull off.
16-35mm lens; 1/30 sec.; f/11; ISO 400; Aperture priority
Peggy’s Cove
Beyond the famous locations, some of the best moments often happen unexpectedly — an old red fishing shack glowing in evening light, lobster traps stacked beside the harbor, or a lone fishing boat disappearing into the fog. One of the first stops we will make is Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. This photo was taken a short walk from the lighthouse. Photo opportunities abound everywhere!
24-105mm lens; .8 sec.; f/4; ISO 100; Manual mode
Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse
The lighthouse standing on smooth granite rock has become one of the most photographed locations in Canada — and for good reason. At sunrise, the soft Atlantic light creates an atmosphere that feels peaceful and timeless. This was a bit of a tricky shot to get. In order to create the milky looking water, I needed a slow exposure with camera on tripod, positioned on the rocks.
70-200mm lens; .8 sec.; f/9; ISO 3200; Aperture priority
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
There are few places in Canada as colourful and photogenic as Lunenburg. Situated along the South Shore of Nova Scotia, this historic seaside town feels like stepping into another era. With its brightly painted buildings, working waterfront, fishing boats, and Atlantic charm, Lunenburg offers endless inspiration for photographers. This shot taken at night was across the water next to the Lighthouse Brewery. You need a long exposure with camera in tripod.
24-105mm lens; 1/100 sec.; f/11; ISO 100, Aperture priority
The Beauty of Cape Breton
The legendary Cabot Trail is truly one of the great scenic drives in North America. Every season offers something different. Summer brings vibrant coastal greens and deep blue ocean views, while autumn transforms the highlands into a tapestry of fiery reds, oranges, and golds. Photographers can spend hours exploring overlooks, hiking trails, and hidden beaches. The famous Skyline Trail offers sweeping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, especially near sunset when the sky begins to glow over the cliffs. We plan to do a short flat hike which will take us right to the edge, like this shot that I took at the top of the steps.
24-105mm lens; 1/50 sec.; f/11; ISO 320, Aperture priority
The Magic of Maritime Light
What makes Nova Scotia and Cape Breton especially memorable for photography is the light. Coastal weather changes quickly, creating dramatic skies, rolling fog, glowing sunsets, and soft diffused mornings. Storm clouds often move across the Atlantic with incredible texture and mood. Then moments later, sunlight breaks through and transforms the landscape completely. It teaches photographers patience — waiting for the right moment when light and landscape come together.
24-105mm lens; 1/100 sec.; f/11; ISO 100, Aperture priority
Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical along the coast. Golden reflections shimmer across quiet harbours while fishing boats gently sway in the tide. Even after the sun disappears, the blue hour can create some of the most peaceful and atmospheric images of the entire trip.
24-105mm lens; 1/40 sec.; f/11; ISO 160, Aperture priority
More Than Just Photographs
While the scenery is breathtaking, the people and culture are equally memorable. The warmth of the Maritime communities leaves a lasting impression. Small cafés, local seafood restaurants, Celtic music, and friendly conversations become part of the journey as much as the photographs themselves. Photography in Nova Scotia is not simply about capturing beautiful images. It is about slowing down, appreciating creation, and experiencing moments that often feel untouched by time. We hope you can join us October 9-15, 2026 😊
The Finishing Touch
For this “Nova Scotia” collection, I decided to use the Hahnemühle Bamboo Gloss Baryta paper. The natural white paper comes in a pleasant, warm shade of white and contains no optical brighteners. Combined with its lightly textured surface, Hahnemühle Bamboo Gloss Baryta offers a natural-looking aesthetic with the look and feel of an analogue baryta paper. The high-gloss premium inkjet coating delivers outstanding print results I love it – why not give it a try!
Happy Shooting & Printing!
Ps – Join us October 9-15, 2026 for this Nova Scotia Photo Workshop:
www.peterdulisphotography.com/photography-workshops
Discussed Items
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peter Dulis is a Canadian photographer and visual storyteller living in Toronto, Ontario. His work has been published in a number of magazines such as Graphic Arts Magazine, Visual Wilderness, Luminous Landscape, Photo News and has been recognized for photography excellence. Peter offers photo workshops in southern Ontario and can be reached at info@photographyAdventures.ca
Peter shares many of his tips and techniques in his monthly newsletter – PhotographyAdventures.ca and PeterDulisPhotography.com
I love to read your stories! More so the descriptions of what you saw and why you took the photo. Then I look at your camera settings. Of course the images are all worthy of “wall mounting”.
What I would appreciate at some time down the road would be an article of how and why, out of the vastness of a scene, you choose the specific part of that scene, to photograph. How and why you frame what you did, out of the greater scene. Does that make sense?
You also seem to shoot a lot of aperture priority. Why is that?
Thanks Ralph for the kind words – I have written a lots of articles on storytelling + finding simplicity on your photos – PhotoNews should have an archive or you can look here – https://photographyadventures.ca/
As a landscape photography, I shoot a lot in aperture priority because I can control depth of field – if something were moving or I wanted intentional camera movement – I might switch to Sutter priority.
I will certainly address future articles to your inquiry + I appreciate your comments 🙂