I wasn’t introduced to camping until later in life, but I’m a total convert. I prefer backcountry with long and difficult portages, with everything you need in one bag per person.

We were gifted our a canoe as a wedding gift who we lovingly named Kevin (long story) and she is an absolute dream boat. Days with Kevin are the best days. (Bebe C thinks so too)

Joel has been my pillar and cheerleader since we first started dating. Though the idea of running a business and being a full time artist had occurred to me, I had written it off as fantasy… until Joel gave me the nudge I needed. Frances Beatty Photography would not exist without him.

He keeps my soul and my belly fed, and hugs just as tightly as I do. He’s passionate, hilarious, principled, creative, and so friggin smart. Never compete against him at Trivia or Scrabble. Trust me.

I could not do this without him. Plus he’s a fantastic second shooter!

We wanted to elope, but it was important to our families to be there. I can’t say that I blame them, especially now that I have a child. So we had a small intimate wedding on the shores of Georgian Bay, followed by dinner on my in-law’s deck.

Two days later we had one helluva potluck dance party with all of our friends. See? You can do whatever you want for your wedding.

We welcomed our baby in winter 2021 and I am madly in love with him and being his mama. We’ve nicknamed him Bebe C. He’s brought so much joy into my life and he certainly keeps me on my toes as a curious and energetic toddler.

I don’t share much about him online for obvious reasons, but do not mistake me. This kid owns me. He is the light in our life and I love him fiercely.

This experience has certainly changed the way I see things when I’m photographing other families.

I grew up spending my summers on the south shore of Nova Scotia. I miss the fog, salty air, foghorn, rocky shore, and the people something fierce. It feels like home more than anywhere I’ve ever been.

I would love nothing more than to spend time there again every year. Who wants to get married on Crescent Beach and bring me with you?

You’ll notice on my instagram feed that I am constantly sharing dance videos. I am not a trained dancer in this life, but maybe in another life. It is a constant source of inspiration and a daily activity.

My current artistic outlet outside of photography is pole - which for me is such a brilliant combination of dance + strength.

I grew up in a tight knit family, and feel so incredibly lucky to have them. Especially while we were in Nova Scotia every summer, my sisters were my everything.

As an adult I’ve managed to hang onto those threads of blood family, but I’ve been lucky enough to land in a community where I have developed chosen family too.

This experience helps inform the way I shoot candids of friends & family at weddings. If they’re at your wedding, I assume they’re part of your inner circle. Your family blood + chosen.