What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm

http://www.ratchfordphotographic.com/

Ratchford Studio, 208 Commercial Street, North Sydney, NS (2026)

01/14/2026

Meet little Craig Christmas, better known to local authorities as Sticky Fingers. 🚨🖐️

One of our newest Cutest Little Capers, and yes, the nickname is fully earned.

I recognized Craig’s mom, Shanna, the second she walked in. Turns out I photographed her more than a decade ago. Somehow, she hasn’t aged a day. She told me something that stuck. While living away, she watched friends back home post their studio photos and always thought, “Someday, that’ll be me.”
Someday arrived… with curls, skates, and a personality dialed to eleven.

Craig’s uncle is Chad Denny from Esquesoni, who played a year with the Atlanta Thrashers before an injury cut things short. Hockey clearly runs in the family. The moment we put a stick in Craig’s hands and said, “Give us a slapshot,” he delivered. Again. And again. And again. Until we politely asked him to stop. 🏒😄

But hockey wasn’t even the headline.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m constantly losing things. Keys. Phone. Studio remotes. My staff has a running joke about it. So when our heat pump remote vanished the same day Craig was here, nobody believed me when I said, “I swear I put it down right there.”

Days passed. The studio was turned upside down. Eye rolls were deployed.

Then Friday arrived. Shanna came back for her reveal and calmly said,
“We have a confession. Craig loves remotes.”

Somehow, this tiny bandit had slipped the remote into her basket without anyone noticing. She found it that morning. Case closed. Justice served. I laughed so hard I almost framed the remote.

Naturally, I suggested we lean into it.
Cue Craig’s first mugshot.
Charge: Sticky Fingers.
Sentence: Cuteness overload. 🧡

As if that wasn’t enough, I later realized Shanna is eight months pregnant. When she kept asking, “Is that all the pictures you’re going to take?”

I thought she wanted more.

Turns out she physically couldn’t bend down anymore being 8 months pregnant and was hanging on for dear life.

Respect. 😂

There are dozens of photos just as cute as this one. With those curls, how could there not be? Craig is a certified heartbreak kid.

We’re still booking Cutest Little Caper sessions.
💛 $149.95 to enter
💛 $50 goes directly to the Hospital Foundation
💛 Prizes, bragging rights, and a whole lot of local pride

Lots of great prizes from
Mayflower Mall
A&K Lick a Chick
Sunlit Valley
and Heavenly Sweet Creations Cafe Inc.!!!!

If you’ve got a little character of your own, we’d love to meet them.
📞 902-794-8880
Yes, operators are standing by.

And if a remote goes missing in your house this week…
You know who to call. 😏

01/09/2026

This is Eli, one of last year’s Cutest Little Caper category winners, returning for an encore. Only this time, the volume is turned way up.

Music hits the room and his body answers the call. African rhythms, The Beatles, old-school grooves. It doesn’t matter. The kid moves like it’s instinct, like his feet got the memo before his brain did. Watching him is pure joy.

Last year he was tiny and quiet. Sweet, yes. But this year? Personality for days. Silly. Confident. Expressive. The kind of little human who fills a room without even trying.

And poor Rachel… John wanted the studio cozy.

What he didn't account for was a spike in the temperature outside!

He also did not account for a non-stop dancing machine. By the end of it, the adults were melting.

Eli? Cool as ever.

Didn’t break a sweat.

Cool Hand Luke in toddler form.

We’re still accepting entries for our Cutest Little Caper contest, and we’ve extended it because we want this to be our biggest fundraiser year yet for the Hospital Foundation.

• Entry is $149.95
• $50 goes directly to the hospital
• Incredible prizes
• Supported by amazing local sponsors
• Memories you’ll never regret capturing

If you’ve got a little caper at home who can’t help but express themselves, move, laugh, explore, or steal the spotlight like Eli… this is their moment.

Happy New Year, everyone 💛
Call us at 902-794-8880 and let’s capture that magic while it’s still this wonderfully wild.

01/09/2026

The first thing that stands out about Nora is her affirmative energy.

She listens closely, absorbs direction, and then executes with complete confidence. There’s no hesitation. Just presence. At one point I said to her, “You must be very coachable,” and her mother smiled and said, “That’s exactly what the coaches say.” That came as no surprise to me at all.

Nora is a very interesting young lady, and in many ways, she feels familiar. I first photographed her 17 years ago, when she was just a baby!!

It’s one of the great privileges of this job, watching someone grow into who they’re becoming.

Her mom, Susan, is someone many of you already know. If you’ve ever been into the cozy, welcoming coffee shop in Baddeck, Bean There Cafe, you’ve felt her work ethic firsthand. Susan has run that business for two decades, year-round. That alone tells you everything you need to know. It’s not hard to see where Nora gets her drive.

Interestingly, instead of working in the family business, Nora chose to take a job at the Inverary Inn.

I completely understand that. Sometimes carving your own path is part of learning who you are.

When Nora and her mom came in for the consult, I was encouraging her to wait until she had her prom dress. But then she started talking about her dog, Rollie, and everything shifted.

It was immediately clear that these two are deeply bonded. She’s had him since she was little, and even though there are others in the house, those two are very much joined at the hip.

Rollie is getting up there in years, and we didn’t want to risk missing this moment.

This shoot is something Nora had been waiting for a long time.
Rollie is a sweet dog, maybe a little skittish. The pop of the studio lights made him tremble at times, likely reminding him of fireworks or gunfire, things he’s definitely not fond of!

So long as he had a view of Nora he was ok!

Nora is also a violin player, and that fiddle carries real meaning.

It bought by her grandfather, and it was played played by well known local fiddler Charlie MacCuspic. (I actually knew Charlie as well and had a ton of respect for him!)

His family held on to the fiddle, waiting for someone who would appreciate and play it. It was make by another Cape Breton icon Clay Carmichael.

So rather than posing her as if she were performing, I wanted her to embrace it. To hold it with intention. With respect. With memory.

And then there’s another side of Nora altogether. She’s a hunter. She loves the woods. I absolutely love the images of her in camouflage outfits!

They feel authentic.

Grounded.

True.

It makes perfect sense that she’s heading to the Maritime School of Forestry to study Environmental Sciences in Forestry, with her sights set on a career in conservation. She looks like she’ll be right at home there.

The best part of what I do is getting to know young people like Nora and seeing what makes them them. Those qualities, the confidence, the calm, the connection to family and nature, are the things that carry people exactly where they’re meant to go.

Good luck, Nora. It was an absolute blast having you in the studio.

Happy New Year, everyone 🎉

01/09/2026

A sense of humor and not taking ourselves too seriously.

I honestly think that’s one of the best qualities a family can have. And I really got to see that with this blended family of Matthew and Amanda.

Back in the fall, I photographed Amanda’s son, Jesse, for his grad photos. That day gave me a small window into who they are, and I could tell right away that something special was there.

When I later found out that Matthew had two girls who would be home from Manitoba for Christmas, I suggested we turn the grad session credit into a family portrait.

It just felt right. I certainly didn’t mind putting in the time over the holidays for something this important.

Matthew struck me as such a genuinely kind guy in the fall, so I probably shouldn’t have been surprised that his two girls came in with a likability factor of about 10 out of 10.

Actually, I could say that about the entire family. You could tell they genuinely enjoy being together, and they don’t take themselves too seriously. That kind of ease can’t be faked.

We photographed them on the 23rd and planned the reveal for Boxing Day. But Lexie and Jocelyn let me know they already had family night planned with games and fun.

That told me everything I needed to know.

When people protect time together like that, it says a lot.

So we pushed the reveal to the 29th, and it was worth the wait.

The girls were absolute sweethearts. The first thing they did when they walked in was compliment the studio and the jacket I was wearing. Very affirming, especially since it’s usually my job to do all of that.

Their boy Dallas is a character in the very best way. He’s talkative, curious, and at just ten years old, you feel like you’ve known him forever. That’s the kind of kid he is. And you can tell the girls adore him.

Jesse, the oldest and the grad this year, is a little quieter but always present. He’s also the guy who fixes computers and figures things out. A pretty handy fella to have in your life, right?

I’m really happy they did this. I hope it’s the first of many portraits for this crew.

Happy New Year to Amanda, Matthew, Jocelyn, Lexi, Jesse, and Dallas. And Happy New Year to everyone else reading along. Thank you for trusting me with something that matters this much.

Oh, and the “random guy with the pretty blonde”? That’s Jocelyn’s boyfriend, Devin. He’s been around for seven years, he’s a lifer, and he fits right in. How could he not? 😄

01/09/2026

Nadine was excited to have her grad photos done with us…
but if I’m being honest, I think I was even more excited.

There’s something incredibly humbling about knowing someone wants your work badly enough to wait, and not just wait, but wait until they’ve come all the way home from Labrador to do it. That says everything.

Nadine and her family are Cape Bretoners through and through. She and Jason met back in the 90s at what many of us still call the Old Sydney Pub (now Simeon’s). Jason’s from Richmond County, and while I don’t know if it was love at first sight, I do know this: they built a life together.

They married, moved to the Valley, welcomed Donovan, and later headed off to Labrador for work in the mining industry.

And now, like so many stories that start here, the plan is to come home again. Back to the Valley. Back to where their roots really took hold.

Donovan is one of those quiet, mysterious types. The strong, silent kind. Movie-star handsome, the kind of look that belongs in one of those Twilight-style films. He doesn’t say much, but you can tell there’s a lot going on behind the eyes. I enjoyed photographing him immensely.

They also brought Charlie.

Charlie has been part of this family for a long time. Donovan practically grew up with him. Including a family pet in a session like this isn’t just a nice touch, it matters. I still dream about the dog I had as a child. No matter where I was, he found me. Always wanted to be near me. That kind of bond doesn’t disappear.

I have my own little way of talking to dogs to keep their attention, and I noticed Donovan smiling when I did it.

So later, when I was photographing him, I used the same voice. It earned a chuckle, even if he prefers the strong, silent approach.

This was one of our Christmas sessions, and I actually came in on Boxing Day to finish it. People often ask why I don’t take more downtime, why I don’t worry about burnout. The truth is simple.

When you love what you do, an hour or two on Boxing Day doesn’t drain you.

It fills you up.

Serving people who want to be here, who value the experience, who trust us with their memories, that never leaves me tired.

It leaves me energized.

That’s how this family made me feel. And honestly, that’s how all of us here at the studio feel. We love people. We love making them happy.

And right now, we do have a Grad Special running this month.
$100 off, bringing the grad session and package together for $299.

We always start with an in-person consultation, so there are no surprises and everything is tailored just for you.

If you’re interested, give us a call at 902-794-8880.

Happy New Year, everyone.

01/07/2026

There are some stories that come full circle in the most delightful ways.

When Michelle stepped back into our studio to book her daughter Sophie’s photos, she was amazed that I remembered her own photoshoot from 1989—right down to the off-the-shoulder fuchsia top.
(Michelle is like a fine wine, she is even more beautiful now!)

She thought she was going to surprise me with that story!

It’s incredible how these memories stay vivid, and it felt so good to be here with her daughter Sophie!

Now, Sophie is so special!

Completely Sweet.

Wonderful sense of humour

Focused and talented too.

I love how she put so much into this shoot.

Sophie is a planner.

I suggested we do dance, grad, prom, family and outfits....all in one day.

But Sophie had other plans, and dance was a major thing for her.

Lots of outfit changes and I love that she came with her own ideas!

Although I was a force on the dance floor back in the day, ballet is something different!!

Prom and the other things, that is for another day!

With a President’s Scholarship from Cape Breton University in hand and a heart set on becoming a French teacher, she’s waiting to hear from Université Sainte-Anne. (maybe they are romancing her!)

Having immersed herself in French since grade six, Sophie’s ready to inspire future generations with the same dedication she brings to everything she does. Maybe as a french teacher!

And let’s not forget the family portrait we captured that day, with her dad John joining us for a picture-perfect fall afternoon at Dalem Lake.

John drove out with me...super nice guy, and certainly loves to gab, there was not a dull moment!

We can’t wait to see where Sophie’s journey leads next. Whether she’s dazzling on the dance floor, shaping young minds in the classroom, or creating new memories with her family, she’s proof that every detail matters. And yes, prom photos are on the horizon—another chapter we’re all excited to capture.

Stay tuned, because with Sophie, every frame is a work of heart. 💖 (she loves old people too, so who knows what her heart will be drawn to)

01/06/2026

Check out our January Grad Sale!! Buy now, use anytime this year! Don't miss this chance to get your 2026 grad, and to get $100 off the regular grad package price!! Call (902) 794-8880 to book!

01/06/2026

I have known Molly since she was in high school.

She took part in our Next Top Model experience back then and finished second or third runner-up. That result never surprised me. Some people just carry something extra. Molly always did. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

It was during the pandemic and I was praying for my very sick friend Kelsey that year and I will go on line every night to pray for her amongst other people. Molly often joined and I always love seeing her name come up , just to see her presence there was lifting !

That Christmas she came into the studio with a small ornament for me. A simple gesture. A lasting one. You don’t forget things like that. They tell you exactly who someone is.

Fast forward five years.

Here we are celebrating Molly’s graduation from Cape Breton University with her Bachelor of Arts. She’s heading into the teaching world next and also has her Bachelor of Education, but this degree meant something deeply personal to her. That’s why she chose to wear the Arts hood. It mattered. And it showed.

She came with her boyfriend Justin, a genuinely good guy with a great sense of humor. Her mom Nicole was there, along with her sister Bailey, whom I got to know much better this time around. There was a lot of laughter that day. The good kind. The kind you remember.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Molly shoot without capturing some truly cute photographs. She was getting her hair cut afterward and wanted to remember it long. I’m glad she did.

The fur coat deserves its own paragraph.

It belonged to her grandmother, who passed away. I knew her as well. She officiated many of the weddings I photographed over the years. The coat came from Vogue Furriers in Sydney, dated 1972. That kind of history doesn’t just hang on a hanger. It carries stories. Wearing it that day created a connection I’ve never quite experienced before. It was meaningful. Deeply so.

And finally, I ran into Brian Purchase from Schwartz Furniture, where Molly has worked throughout her studies. I mentioned I had just photographed her.

He spoke glowingly about her as an employee and as a salesperson. Nonjudgmental. Thoughtful. Able to anticipate what people need before they even say it. I’m paraphrasing, of course, but the message was crystal clear.

None of it surprised me.

Molly will do wonderful things in the teaching world. The kind of teacher students remember long after they leave the classroom.

The final photo is from when she came in to pick up her portraits. New haircut. New coat, a Christmas gift from Justin. Still the same Molly.

Still thoughtful. Still kind. Still adorable. ✨

01/06/2026

How many people do you know who get to call their doctor Dr. Precious? 😄
That was always my favorite little joke with this wonderful couple.

This is the third… maybe the fourth time I’ve photographed them. It honestly feels like more, simply because of how warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind they are. They’re just good people. The kind you remember.

This year marks 25 years of marriage. That alone deserves a pause. A breath. A moment to mark it properly. Precious wanted to celebrate it in a meaningful way, so she planned a photo session and even brought along a bridal dress for the first portraits. Twenty-five years later, and she still wanted to wear white for him. That says something.

Her husband, Ifejika, and Precious are a sweet couple who’ve clearly held on to something essential over the years: humor. They laugh together. They tease. They give each other space and grace. If I had to bet on one ingredient that’s carried them this far, that might be it.

What I remember most about this day is gently encouraging Ifejika to slow down and stay awhile. Life was tugging at them, kids needing pickup, schedules colliding, real-world stuff knocking at the door. But they made the arrangements. They chose to stay. And once they did, something shifted.

What followed was a beautiful, unhurried two hours in the studio. Not rushed. Not transactional. Just a couple settling into a moment that was theirs.

I was having fun with them, calling them Denzel and Beyonce!

Wren Fraser worked her magic with Precious’ makeup, and as always, she brought more than brushes and skill. She brought calm, confidence, and that quiet reassurance that makes people feel like themselves before they ever step in front of the camera.

It was one of those days that reminds me why I love this work. Not for the photos alone, but for the privilege of witnessing love that’s been tested, shaped, and still chooses joy.

Here’s to many more years for this beautiful family.

So let me ask you this: who is your forever?

We’re getting ready to launch a Valentine’s special for whoever that person is in your life.
Watch for details. ❤️

01/05/2026

Introducing Melody our newest Cutest Little Caper!

She is a force to be reckoned with for sure!

What I loved about her is this...Melody is all in in whatever she is doing!

She came in for the first shoot in a super good mood!

Laughing, dancing and having fun!

Second outfit, was a pivot, and well let's just say how happy we are she rocked number one!

Caileigh had Ryder here in May of 2017 as a little boy, now look at him!

Super handsome boy and a sweetheart, and good to his little sister you can tell.

Cailiegh makes the most beautiful kids that's for sure!!!

I have been coaxing her since she was a baby to bring her in!

Gorgeous little girl!

Feisty, and full of zest!

We are still accepting Cutest Little Caper entries if you would like to take part in this call us, (902) 794-8880!

$50 of each session goes to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation Patient Care Fund!

Lots of great prizes from Mayflower Mall, A&K Lick a Chick, Sunlit Valley, and Heavenly Sweet Creations Cafe Inc.!!!!

Plus a 20x24 Gallery Wrap Canvas from us and an 11x14 yearly framed portrait from our studio of your caper winner!

(onus is on the winner to do the yearly portrait!)

Just $149.95 to enter!

Ratchford Studio

01/14/2026

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

01/07/2026

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

01/05/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm