Shar, a classic beauty, who smiles so sweetly, shares so easily and manages to be both a calming presence and an energizing one

Just saw this in the beef and bouquet section of the paper and feel a bit shy about sharing but am also kind of beaming at how fortunate I am (and know this will make my mom proud when she trolls the blog.)


"NO WORDS TO EXPRESS how absolutely incredible Karen McKinnon and her assistant Christine Morgan are. Thirteen ladies won the bid on a Karen McKinnon photography session at this year's YANA auction. She suggested that we do a Bella Session. This is a large number of women to handle for a single night of photography, but Karen didn't cut a single corner when handling each one of us. It was 7 solid hours of shooting. She photographed each of us with enthusiasm, creativity, and love. YANA is so fortunate to have such a generous spirit on board, and all of us ladies were so fortunate to have had a rich, meaningful, and fun night at Karen's studio. The topper? We all have BEAUTIFUL photographs! We love you Karen."

 I love creating meaningful images and through it I really meet amazing people such as yourselves. That combo encourages me to do always do my best and for that I am the one that is grateful. 

There's some families around town that will always be a little extra special.  When I first moved to the valley these families where my cheerleaders. They were excited about what I was doing, they inspired, they encouraged, they told their friends. I connected easily with them and care deeply about them.

The Patrick Family is part of this crew.

About seven and half years ago I was shooting a bride getting ready and in the corner sat a stunning and very large bridesmaid, eating a subway sandwich, like it was the first time she had ever had white bread goodness. We looked at each other and smiled, then compared our very pregnant bellies. Right then, I knew I adored her.

We next saw each other in the elevator around the maternity ward, then again when they brought their lovely son Braydon in for photos. She later joined me on a Chicks who Click class.

It was around this time that I started my crusade for her to become my neighbour. Of course, there are logistical problems, like their jobs in Campbell River, and loving their house. So, I have moved on to another way to snag them permanently.

Arranged marriage. I figure with all the gals in this house Brayden is sure to steal one of their hearts. It won't be hard. He has already overcome numerous obstacles that will give him a rare strength, at seven years old Braiden is working on getting close to walking without aid, and this is just the tip of what he has had to overcome.
However, the magic is, that none of it seems to phase him. He told me the kids at school call him the King.  He is confident, he is charismatic, whip smart and adorable.

Now Jenna has told me that Braiden already has plans to use E-Harmony to find a wife, but I am pretty sure we can work around that, there is lots of time.

Kevin, Jenna, Brayden - you are awesome.

and kind of fierce....

Here are more images from the epic Bella Party.

Mel, our leader, without her we wouldn't ever see each other so I had to blog two photos of her.
Thanks Mel, for making us happen.

Mel's eyes are full of  stories and sincerity, it is like she has lived way longer than her years - she is timeless. I am confident Mel could live anywhere, in any era and she would make it her home, she would fit right in, find her tribe andshe would live her life fully and make a difference. Mel, this photo has so much in it that I adore about you.





Marcie, whose laugh could take away your bad day in moments and then she would follow it up by saying something wise, (Marcie, why don't I have you on speed-dial?)

 
Sarah, at home fishing in gumboots or diva'ing it up. That is when she isn't cooking, growing food, teaching, crafting, reading or sewing.

At the 2010 YANA auction I got lucky. Something really awesome happened.  A bunch of my friends chipped in and bid on me for a Bella Party.

Bella Sessions are our own spin on what is typically known as boudoir. Our sessions can go in any direction depending on what you want - they can be pretty, flirty, outside, inside, sexy, sophisticated.
Bella Parties are when you get a group of girlfriends together and you head to the studio where you each receive professional makeup, courtesy of our favourite gal Crystal from Roots the Salon. You are treated to catering, you relax and have a glass of wine and then the fun begins.  Each person has their time in front of the camera.
Yes, the obvious objective is for everyone to have stunning photos of themselves - because really everyone woman should! However, the Bella Party is about much more than that. It is about the experience, of being with your gals, and having a fabulous unique and memorable night, that leaves you celebrating your fabulousness. It's something really special for yourself.

Honestly, these parties have even more wow factor than we could have expected when we launched them.
Generally we recommend that the parties include 6 to 8 people. However, on the YANA auction evening, (after a few glasses of wine,) we agreed to 13. And I am so glad. A memorable evening it was.

I got a little emotional at the beginning of the Bella Party. In my studio stood 13 funny, beautiful woman, and I was getting the chance to photograph them and document how pretty and sexy they all are.

Near the end I was having trouble shooting as I was laughing so hard.

Thank you 

Here are three of the 13 Bellapalooza gals.

Jenn, who I get goosebumps when I photograph because she has survived so much, yet just seems to get funnier and softer. 


 

Arran, who I patiently waited years to get to know, and the wait was sooo worth it

 

Andi,  a true beauty, whose eyes are always smiling




If you are interested in information on Bella Parties or Sessions, please contact Christine or I at the office.