When I was first starting, the amount of weddings you had booked was thrown around like a badge, the idea being the more you photographed the more successful you were.
This idea never sat right with me.
I realized early on that only I could define my success and mostly it wouldn't be labelled by a number. Instead it is defined by my relationships with my clients and what I am able to give them.
Am I able to be present with them in their moment? Am I 100% with them on their day? These are questions I have continued to ask myself as my business grew and as I listen to my answers I tweaked things to make sure I can always answer YES.
So, how many weddings am I photographing this year? Just the right amount.
The right amount so that I can connect with each couple, enjoy their day through my camera, and support them in other ways as they embark on a memorable and somewhat intense day.
I am much more than a photographer on many of my weddings. Leading up to the day I am a sounding board on time-lines, a resource for all things wedding, a friend to throw ideas around with. On the day my assistants and I have been known to fix hairpieces, call in a last minute car-seat, provide snacks, play taxi driver and bring along the cake. We have fixed dresses, calmed brides, reassured moms and even dressed a wound.
What does this have to do with photography?
Everything.
My assistants and I do these things because we are right along side our bride and groom. We are with them 100% and this allows me to be not just A photographer but THEIR photographer.
This year the couples I am working with are incredible - they are a witty, funny, and warm bunch and I feel honored to do my best for them.
I wish more couples would take the time to have some photos created of just the two of them, whether they have children or not, together they are the foundation of their family. Together they will change and grow. What a wonderful way to celebrate all they have accomplished as two people living thier life together.
Nate and Jaimie are a gorgeous, stylish, relaxed couple and made my work pretty darn easy...
Karen, you did such an amazing job! Thank you for putting us at ease and making the session that much more enjoyable! We love these shots.
(05.24.10 @ 01:20 PM)Wow!! Beautiful pictures! Brought a tear to my eyes!
(05.24.10 @ 01:37 PM)She shows up in yellow, the sunshine pouring out of her is just as infections as the yellow glow from the sky. She looks at him, and they laugh... and so it went on and on for our engagement session. They beamed, the cuddled, they giggled. Yes, giggled, it's true Mike, when she is in your arms, you kind of giggle.
On top of all the sweetness and joy, Kelsey pulled out an outfit that matched each location we stopped at - can't beat that!
I can't wait to shoot your wedding, thinking about it makes me feel like the luckiest photographer out there!
Karen the photos are fantastic!!! We feel so fortunate to have found such a truly gifted photographer. Your locations were great and we had so much fun with you. Great job on hiding the cast in these ones, I cant wait to see the rest!
(05.23.10 @ 11:39 AM)These look great :-)
(05.24.10 @ 08:46 AM)Amazing photos! You really caught the moment. It will be hard to pick a favourite
(05.25.10 @ 09:59 AM)These are great! Kelsey and Mike you have made a wonderful choice with Karen. Karen you caught some great moments - looking forward to meeting you in July. Janice
(05.26.10 @ 08:30 PM)Karen - what stunning photos of Mike & Kels. You have certainly captured the love they share!! Can't wait for the big day!
(05.27.10 @ 10:58 PM)Over the last three years, I have seen her in her element as she taught dance to my children at Pantuso Dance. I have learned that I am just a wee speck in the crowd that adores this woman. She is a dedicated teacher, a true talent and a wonderful friend to many.
Liv's dance company True Colors is putting on their annual show this Saturday, if you don't have plans it is sooooo worth going to - we have always been wowed by the talent and choreography. You can find more info here.
So, you can imagine my intrigue when I found out I was going to meet her other half - Ryan - what would he be like?
He is kind, graceful, warm and funny and he adores both Liv and their new addition Ella.
With their first child:
Meet the stunning Ella, she is absolutely gorgeous, considering the genes she was given, it comes as no surprise.
Holy smokes Karen, I am completely speechless! Not only are the photos AMAZING but your words are so kind. I am so unbelievably grateful for the moments you captured in these photos! I am soo excited for the viewing of the rest. Thank you, Thank you , Thank you!!!
(05.20.10 @ 05:47 PM)Congrats Livea & Ryan on your little Miss Ella, she is beautiful!! such an exciting time enjoy your first summer with her. and well done again Karen, pics are stunning as per usual ;-) love the bikini pic, soo sweet~ and Cheers, Sean McDowell & Sarah Leakey
(05.20.10 @ 08:40 PM)Wow! These are beautiful, Karen! Congrats Livea! What a gorgeous family!
(05.20.10 @ 10:30 PM)Excellent shots. Real keepers. Jen & I really enjoyed the meet and greet. Ella is so beautiful. the future is bright.
(05.21.10 @ 07:22 AM)Oh my goodness! These photos are absolutely stunning! Karen always succeeds in catching the moment as well as the love and passion that lives within it! Beautiful.....
(05.21.10 @ 08:45 AM)Thanks forsharing with me with these wonderful pictures-you have every right to be a proud grandma!!!
(05.21.10 @ 11:31 AM)I'm in tears, karen captured such loving in these shots and spoke so beautifully on behalf of herself towards liv, ry and ella- i couldn't share her feelings more. love you guys. xox
(05.21.10 @ 02:06 PM)Thanks Liv and everyone else! I am just looking at the photo on the bottom right and it makes me happy.
(05.23.10 @ 09:52 AM)The Comox Valley Doulas are hosting this fabulous event. The list of who is going to be there and the events throughout the day are going to be fab! It will be super informative and a fun, very well run event. On top of that it is free! So mark your calendars and pass the info along.
Of course Christine and I will be there and it we would love for you to pop by and say hello. We might even have a little something special we will be offering attendees.
We were honored to be able to provide a photo for the event poster. You might remember Reese and her mom and dad from a blog post last month.
