a special engagement shoot at the peterborough lift locks

There’s something pretty special about getting to photograph a session somewhere most people don’t get to fully experience—and this engagement shoot with Jessica and Geoff at the Peterborough Lift Locks was exactly that.

We had the place to ourselves

​Because Geoff works at the Lift Locks, we had access to areas that are usually off-limits, which made the whole session feel a little like we had the place to ourselves. No crowds, no waiting—just time to explore, be creative, and let these two enjoy the moment together.

natural and relaxed photos 

From the start, these two were so easy to photograph. They have that natural, comfortable connection that doesn’t need much direction. We laughed and had a fun time with the result of images that feel real instead of posed. 

special history of the peterborough lift locks

The location itself gave us so much to play with. This massive structure, with the textures of the concrete and steel, and those towering walls created such a cool contrast to the warmth between them. 

But what makes this location even more meaningful is its history. The Lift Lock isn’t just a cool backdrop—it’s actually one of the most impressive pieces of engineering in Canada. Built in 1904 as part of the Trent–Severn Waterway, it was designed to help boats travel between Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. At the time, it was considered groundbreaking—using a hydraulic lift system instead of traditional lock gates.
Even now, it’s still one of the highest hydraulic lift locks in the world, lifting boats nearly 20 metres straight up or down. Standing there during the session, you really feel the scale of it. It’s not just tall—it’s massive in a way that photos barely capture.

​And honestly, that’s what made this session stand out—it had a bit of everything. Big, dramatic backdrops mixed with quiet, in-between moments. It felt adventurous without trying too hard.

​Jessica and Geoff were up for it all—climbing stairs, exploring corners, trusting the process—and it paid off. These are the kinds of sessions that remind me why I love what I do. When you’ve got a great couple and a unique location, everything just comes together.

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