Leading up to the Boudoir Marathon I felt a great sense of calm, until Friday, when the vibe around here was one of getting ready for a grand party. Jen, Christine and I arrived at the Kingfisher - with snow coming down outside it was sweet and cozy. We set up our makeup area, the cocktails and got the music rolling - oh and the little giftbags with homemade cupcakes courtesy of our dear friend Rhonda, (who some of you might remember from when she worked for me.) The shooting room was perfection, lots of room for our lighting, a private change area and and beautiful natural light. When the first person arrived we were giddy! The afternoon passed in a blur.. of beauty.
Saturday morning we did a little tweaking of our make-up area, and other than that were ready to roll. Nature brought us something a little different then the day before, sun streamed through the windows as women of all ages and sizes arrived nervous and excited. They left beaming and some even teary eyed, feeling proud for loving and embracing themselves. I truly thing each person gave me goosebumps.
Sunday, it stormed and it poured, which set such a warm welcoming atmosphere. We were expecting a power outage like much of the island, but no such luck, we were actually a little disappointed as we felt proud of ourselves for being prepared for one, as we brought back up studio power. On Sunday we laughed and laughed, often at ourselves, but also at all the funny stories people shared. It really did feel like a party.
I think I can speak for both Jen and I when I say it was a moving weekend. I honestly cried about six times - you all have so much to offer and were shining so brightly.
It was beautiful.
I feel inspired by all the woman I photographed. When creating these photos, of course it is about the images, but just as much, it is about the experience and the process of accepting and loving yourself.
Thank you for coming and thank you to all of you who helped spread the word. Over the next few months look for some news regarding our boudoir sessions.
I just opened my email in box, and I a moved by your kind sweet words. Thank you for affirming my passion.....
I would like to share a few of the emails that are filling my heart right now -
From M:
I have been struggling to find the words to express my appreciation to you. I have written and deleted several facebook posts and emails because my words just cannot do my feelings justice!!!
Thank you <3 Thank you <3 Thank you for giving of yourself to create such a memorable experience in an incredibly safe, trusting environment. I cannot wait to see your creations and it brings tears to my eyes to think about the other women sharing this experience as they too experience their beauty unveiled. Thank you to Jennifer...I can't wait to see what her artistic perspective reveals. Thank you to Crystal for (in a very short time) working her makeup magic in a way that respected and reflected what was important to me. Thank you to Christine for helping me with scheduling so I was able to be there. *Lump in throat*Eyes welled up*
Thank you <3 Thank you <3 Thank you for giving of yourself to create such a memorable experience in an incredibly safe, trusting environment. I cannot wait to see your creations and it brings tears to my eyes to think about the other women sharing this experience as they too experience their beauty unveiled. Thank you to Jennifer...I can't wait to see what her artistic perspective reveals. Thank you to Crystal for (in a very short time) working her makeup magic in a way that respected and reflected what was important to me. Thank you to Christine for helping me with scheduling so I was able to be there. *Lump in throat*Eyes welled up*
From W:
Great day yesterday as I'm sure your whole weekend was - it really added to the whole atmosphere having such a wild, blustery day. You're amazing and I loved your comment on FB "Boudoir Marathon done - finish line crossed - and I feel like I won!". You & Jen are such a wonderful team, professional, yet relaxed & fun - awesome !
From C:
It was such a liberating and, not to mention amazingly fun, experience with the two of you today. With Rachelle's expert hand for the ultimate make-up, it was a perfect way for D and I to have a girl's day together. Kudos to all of you for putting it all together, I'll never forget today.
From P:
The smirk has carried over to today! Absolutely wonderful experience...Crystal and Jen are both lovely...you all put me at ease and it was a pretty darn relaxing, special experience. I felt like an adored and celebrated model in some kind of fantasy (and that happiness and feeling of power has spilled over into real life).Thank you!
Very happy to hear you have some fave pics from the shoot. You and Jen both gave good direction :) and the makeup...oh wow...the makeup...now, that was a bit of a stretch. It was all a stretch but a good one! Thank you!
From J:
I just wanted to thank both you and Jen for the amazing day. You were both so encouraging, and fun. I was so so nervous..but you both put me at ease pretty quickly. It was an emotional day for me. While it was tough initially to be so vulnerable, I ended up feeling really empowered and beautiful. This experience is truly special - as are you and your team! Oh...and I gobbled up my cupcake on the drive back to Campbell River. It was amazing- thank you! Now I just have to be patient...I started to panic this afternoon, worrying about my pictures. But now I am revelling in the day...confident that I will have some damn sexy pictures for my wonderful husband and I. Blessings to to Karen. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!
And a few more thank you's...
To the fabulous Kingfisher. When I first approached them they blew me away with their enthusiasm and as I planned it their support was unwaivering. Throughout the weekend they were so attentive to any needs we add. The only problem is now I always want to stay in in the fanciest room at a hotel - I am already planning a get away back to the room we used.
To Tamara from Purely Flowers for the beautiful fresh flowers.
Our amazing make-up artists who understand my vision so perfectly and set the stage for a great shoot. Crystal-Lee from Roots the Salon and Richelle Newsom who came from Vancouver (and is available for make-up on the Island.)
My dear friend Rhonda for the yummy cupcakes.
And to my cohort Jennifer Dodd - I am so fortunate to have a photographer friend that can read their mind, put up with my verbal processing, and take such beautiful photos. I am so thrilled that Jen will be taking on an associate photographer role for any of our Boudoir events. xoxox
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How to sum up a weekend like that... the Boudoir Marathon
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The session has been planned on and off for months, for those of you who have ever lived in renovations or built a house, you understand, time and completion schedules are not what you expect them to be. It was worth the wait though, because despite the weeks before, the week after, and the weather forecast we had beautiful light streaming through the window. We photographed the Robertson's as a "lifestyle session". The session was planned to be in their home, that deserved its moment in the spotlight. This house was meant to be, it has been quite an ordeal for them to get to a point where they could put their feet up in their home and I am sure they would say it was definitely worth it. The house screams peace and modern at the same time - I fell in love with their kids, and loved playing with them on the great staircase that as well as being a fabulous design element seems to be a play focussed area of the house.
Matt and Monique, you have give your kids a beautiful home to grow in, and obviously it is filled with love, joy and creativity - what a pleasure it was to document your beginning under this new roof.
Myra Wilson:
Loves these! A great house for pics, and the adorable kids help too!
(01.23.12 @ 04:07 PM)
sheila petersen:
Love it! Perfect ending to a long year of building your dream home! So happy for you all!
(01.24.12 @ 06:15 PM)
corrie:
Fun family !! Cute shots Karen !
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Meant to be.. the Robertson's
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It could have been the beautiful art on the wall, the warm, welcoming and cleanly designed house, but chances are it was what happened when they opened the door. When I went to check out their home in preparation for shooting I was greeted by the warmest smile. Mom Lauren radiates warmth and cuteness, then behind peeks out Sophie who with a smile equal to her mom's led me around for a tour. In the background was Charlotte who watched us carefully giving me the occasional smirk.
When I came back the next day for the session hubby Aaron, also charmed me right away with his easy kind demeanor and the attention he paid to his gals.
The Clarks opted for what I call a "lifestyle" session, one that isn't about looking "just so" but has a more casual feel. I love the chance to document a family relating, and we did just that, the family together, the girls together, the gals individually and even some of just mom and dad.
It really was the type of session that the kids will look back at years from now and be able to get a sense of how much in love with them their parents are. Thank you Clarks for sharing with me.
Here are a few of my fave of all four of you.
There is buckets of love -
Lauren:
love...
(01.21.12 @ 11:48 AM)
margo:
fantastic photos!!
(01.23.12 @ 11:30 AM)
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A family full of magic - the Clarks
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Seriously! At three weeks old this adorable bundle was just a joy to work with. Yes, I said work - because it was like she knew she was coming in to "Get-er done!"
She came in and charmed me with her fine pretty features and beautiful skin, then she happily played along throughout the session. I think she is the first babe in a long time to not even have an "accident" in the studio.
Her baby sweetness definitely gave me goosebumps and made me all mushy ....
Gerlinde:
Awe she's sooo cute! Love the big eyes! Can't wait to meet her :)
(01.20.12 @ 12:22 PM)
Tash:
What a little princess! Love her!!!
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Talia at 3 weeks gets the job done!
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At some point last year it was suggested to me that I share a photo of the week. I didn't go for it because I don't like to be tied down in that way. However I realized a photo of the week doesn't have to be every week, I can set the rules here!
This morning. Kids running outside of the school.
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Photo of the week
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