CSAP: 22 schools in Nova Scotia
A two-minute informational video for CSAP, Nova Scotia's French-language school board.
Nova Scotia photographer, videographer and audio engineer.
I'm Jonathan Parsons. Since 2001 I've created photos, video and sound for brands, events and artists across Atlantic Canada, from the first idea to the final file.
One studio, three crafts
Most projects need more than one kind of media. Hiring a Nova Scotia photographer who also shoots video and mixes sound means one plan, one point of contact and a finished set of files that look and sound like they belong together.
Photography
A selection from commissions and personal work, from wildlife and coastal landscapes to product shoots in the surf. Select any frame to see it larger.
As a Nova Scotia photographer, I work wherever the story is: conference halls, festival grounds, offices and shorelines. Every shoot is delivered as edited, high-resolution files ready for web, print and social media.
Corporate events and speakers
People, places and live music
Video
Commercials, explainers and short documentaries for brands and organizations. As a Nova Scotia photographer and videographer, I plan, shoot, edit, colour and mix each project myself, which keeps budgets lean and the result consistent.
Each video opens on YouTube. More are on the Dark Matter Studios YouTube channel.
Boxing Rock
30-second advertisement.
NSLC: Coconut Water Mojito
Cocktail recipe video.
NSLC: In the Nick of Thyme
Cocktail recipe video.
Duncan's Cove Climbers
4K drone footage of climbers on the coast near Halifax.
Kate Walker: On-Air Promo
On-air promotional video for Saltwire.
Audio
Post-production mixes, cover songs and a podcast. I record on location, at your venue or office, then edit, mix and master everything in my home studio.
Sound is where many productions fall apart. With formal training in recording arts from NSCC and years of recording and mixing experience, I make sure dialogue is clear, music sits right and every file is ready for broadcast, streaming or the stage.
Pretty Bloody: The Women of Horror
A one-hour documentary on women's contributions to the horror genre, featuring directors Mary Lambert and Katt Shea and screenwriter Karen Walton.
Post-production mix and sound effects
Your Love (The Outfield cover)
Every instrument performed, recorded, mixed and mastered by Jonathan, who also shot and edited the video.
Vocals: Kyle Smith, Jonathan Parsons and Ken Traynor
Drive (The Cars cover)
Another one-person production, start to finish.
Vocals: Kyle Smith
Shit for Brains, the podcast
Short deep dives into things you don't need to know but will want to. Researched, written, recorded and edited by Jonathan. Listen on Spotify.
Trusted by
Brands, broadcasters and public organizations have hired me as their Nova Scotia photographer, videographer and audio engineer.
- Atlantic Lottery
- Bell Canada
- SyFy
- Tourism Nova Scotia
- NSLC
- Saltwire
- Boxing Rock Brewing
- CSAP
I also volunteer as an event photographer for UNICEF Canada.
Hi, I'm Jonathan.
I'm a Nova Scotia photographer, videographer and audio engineer. I started Dark Matter Studios in 2001 as a photography business. Video came next, then audio, and now one person can take your project from the first shot to the final mix.
Along the way I've led creative teams as a creative director and senior digital media manager, including multimedia and marketing at Saltwire and event technology at Encore. That experience means I think about what the work needs to achieve, then plan the shoot around it. I keep the process open, collaborative and practical.
Off the clock I play guitar, bass and drums, and I spend as much time outdoors as Nova Scotia allows. That's usually where the next idea comes from.
Work with meHow a project works
Tell me about it
Send a short note through the form below. I'll reply with questions or a quote, usually within two business days.
Plan it together
We agree on goals, the shot list, the schedule and the budget, so there are no surprises on the day.
Create
I photograph, shoot video or record sound at your location, anywhere from Halifax to Moncton, with all the gear and backups the job needs. Editing and post-production happen afterwards in my home studio.
Deliver
You receive edited files in the formats you need, with the usage rights written into your quote.
Questions about hiring a Nova Scotia photographer
What areas do you serve?
I'm a Nova Scotia photographer based in Cumberland County. I regularly work in Halifax and across the HRM, Truro, Amherst, New Glasgow and Moncton, New Brunswick, plus the small towns in between. Work further afield is welcome, with any extra travel costs quoted up front.
How much does a Nova Scotia photographer cost?
It depends on the length of the shoot, how many final images or minutes of video you need, and how the work will be used. Events and portraits are usually priced by the hour, while commercial photography and video are quoted by project. Send a few details and I'll reply with a clear, itemized quote.
Can you handle photo and video on the same day?
Yes. Many clients book one Nova Scotia photographer and videographer to cover events, product launches and brand days. Planning both at once saves time on location and gives you stills and footage that match.
Do you have a studio I can visit?
My home studio is set up for editing, mixing and post-production rather than client visits. Shoots and recording sessions happen at your location, whether that's an office, an event venue or outdoors, and I bring everything needed to capture great results.
Can you edit footage or audio I've already recorded?
Yes. Post-production is a big part of my work as a Nova Scotia photographer and videographer, including video editing, colour correction, audio cleanup, mixing and mastering. Send your files and a short brief. Because the final result depends on the quality of the original recording, I can't guarantee outcomes for footage or audio I didn't capture. I'll review everything first, tell you honestly what's possible, and get the best result your material allows.
How long until I get my files?
Turnaround is agreed before the shoot and written into your quote, so you know exactly when to expect your photos, video or audio. If you're working to a hard deadline, mention it in your first message and we'll plan around it.
Who owns the photos and footage?
Your quote spells out how you can use the work, whether that's your website, social media, advertising or print. If you need broader rights or a full buyout, ask and it can be included.
Why hire one Nova Scotia photographer for photo, video and sound?
One creative lead means a consistent look, fewer handoffs and a single invoice. The person who planned your shoot is the one who edits it, so nothing gets lost between teams.
Let's make something.
Tell me about your project and I'll reply within two business days. Whether you need a Nova Scotia photographer for one afternoon or photo, video and sound for a full campaign, the first conversation is free.
Prefer email? Write to darkmatterstudios@proton.me. Your details are only used to reply to you, as explained in the privacy notice.