Ratchford Studio

09/11/2025

💙🌟 Taylor Rose –Once you meet her you will never forget her! 🌟💙

(And yes we have a HUGE HALF PRICE GRAD SALE TOMORROW ONLY!)

Every once in a while, someone comes into the studio who makes such an impression that it is unforgettable. (Even our makeup artrist Wren Fraser said the same thing!)

That’s Taylor Rose.

Dynamic.

Blunt (in the best way).

Funny.

The kind of young woman who says exactly what’s on her mind—but never in a rude way. She’ll tell you the truth, she’ll make you laugh, and she’ll remind you not to take yourself too seriously.

At least that's how it was with me!

What a day for her grad/prom photos! (her mom couldn’t make it that day so she brought her best friend!).

We laughed.

We joked. Her honest appraisal of life is both interesting and refreshing

We captured the many sides of who Taylor is.

But, until now I didn't realize Taylor is insanely smart.

Like Harvard smart.

✨ Taylor had been accepted into Astrophysics at the University of Toronto. (only about 3% of applicants in the country get in. We’re talking Harvard-level odds—and she did it at just 17 years old!)
(Although she is waiting a couple years for that and opted to stay closer to home for now at St FX)

✨ She’s been awarded the Queen’s Medal for Academic Excellence (Grades 9–12) and another medal for community involvement. She even won the Lieutenant Governor’s Award.

✨ Her dad laughed and called her “school smart”—not sure what he is getting at there lol.......

Taylor has poured herself into her community of Ingonish:
▪️ Serving food at countless funerals.
▪️ Volunteering at the parish hall, nursing home, and fire department.
▪️ Serving on her church vestry, reading and helping in services.
▪️ Rolling up her sleeves at Cabot Day and family events.
▪️ Pitching Nourish NS with an idea to teach young people basic cooking skills—winning a $5,000 grant and using every cent to buy equipment and food for her school.

And if that’s not enough—she started working at 12 in the local pharmacy, managed the Lighthouse ice cream parlour, fishes now and then with dad, and even handles the office work for the whale tour in Neil’s Harbour.

That’s who Taylor is: grounded, authentic, hardworking, and one of the sweetest souls you’ll ever meet. She even messaged me one day to say how much she enjoys watching my nightly Prayers for the Sick on Facebook Live. I had no idea she was even watching. That meant the world to me.

Now, despite being super blunt (again—in the best way possible), she has the courage to step out of her comfort zone. She’s considering putting herself out there by joining our Ratchford Next Top Model program—and I’d love nothing more than for all of us to cheer her on.

Taylor Rose isn’t just unforgettable… she’s inspiring. Let’s celebrate her together. 💙

09/10/2025

💙 A Day of Discovery and Unity 💙

Our half price sale is on Friday, but I couldn't resist speaking about Kale and Lynnaya.

Sometimes the most powerful part of a photo session aren't the portraits....
..it’s what people say when they stop long enough to notice each other.

When Amy (Lynnaya’s mom) talked about her daughter, she called her the kindest person she knows. She teared up as she described how Lynaya is the peacekeeper in their family of four kids—gentle, kind, "but strong enough to stand her ground when she needs to," her father said!

Her boyfriend Kale added something that told me everything about her character: “I love how she treats everyone the same. Rich, poor, clean, dirty—it doesn’t matter. She treats everybody with dignity and respect.” That kind of answer tells you a lot about who someone really is. (Lynnaya said pretty much the same about Kale, and who doesn't love his smile!)

Kinda cool they both work at Canadian Tire in Glace Bay too!

And then came Ashley—Kale’s mom—she said: “My absolute favorite thing about Kale is his heart. If you’re lucky enough to be loved by him, it’s something pretty special. He has the sweetest soul of anyone I’ve ever met.” Then she said, "as tears roll down my cheeks"

What struck me most was how both families—together—insisted on being photographed as one. Just like at our gala, they showed up for each other. Two families, united by kindness, love, and respect.

And here’s the part I’ll never forget: both sets of parents admitted they learn so much just by watching their kids. Imagine that—parents learning life lessons from their children.

It was more than a session. It was a day of unity, of hearing things that had never been said before, and of celebrating love that runs deeper than words.

📸 At Ratchford Studio, this is what we live for—not just portraits, but moments that remind us how short life is and how important it is to celebrate family now.

That Saturday will always stand out in my mind as a day of discovery, love, and connection.

And it happened because I had a grad sale on!

—John Ratchford

09/10/2025

Buy Now Use Anytime This Year!!!

09/10/2025

09/09/2025

When I asked Shelby what her favorite thing about her grandmother was, she didn’t hesitate:

“My grandmother was hard on me, but she taught me how to be independent—and I’m so grateful for that. I don’t have to take s%* # from anyone.”

Now, that’s honesty. And it says everything you need to know about Marlene.

I tease Shelby that her grandmother (who adopted her) is basically the mayor of North Sydney. She’s in the lobster business, she’s tough, kind, and to the point. With Marlene, you always know where you stand.

During our photo shoot, I asked Marlene what she loved most about Shelby. She couldn’t get the words out. Tears welled up in her eyes and all she could say was, “I’m so blessed to have her.”

Sometimes words fail us.

Often they do with me, I am a softie too.

But the look on her face said it all.

Shelby is a self-starter—so much so that when she came for her consultation, she came alone. Grandma was away on a cruise, and Shelby showed up with sunglasses hiding a black eye and a concussion from dance practice.

Nothing was going to stop her from keeping that appointment.

That’s who she is. Independent. Responsible. Driven.

Oh by they way, in case you haven't noticed ....really pretty too!

Marlene told me, “I never have to wake her up. I don’t need to tell her where to be or what time. She takes care of everything.”

We had the best Saturday afternoon last spring, capturing Shelby’s portraits inside and out. That’s the best part of my job—getting to know people like this.

Yes, maybe parents today are softer. Maybe there’s a balance. But one thing’s for sure—Marlene’s old-school approach shaped Shelby into the strong young woman she is today.

Marlene has faced her share of heartache. She lost Patti, the love of her life, a few years ago. But she looks to her grandkids to keep her purpose alive. And just recently, she booked her other granddaughter Isabella for a shoot. I can’t wait to do this all again.

As for Shelby—well, take a good look. CEO. Billboards. Big dreams. Whatever she chooses, I wouldn’t bet against her.

And if you ask her, she’ll tell you why: “I have my grandma to thank.” ❤️