Usually when I work I am in a bubble that keeps me so much in the moment and focused on the relationships and beauty of the people I am photographing.
Last week, as I went though the gates to a gorgeous home to photograph three very special families, the Janzen's, Beausoleil's and Mangles'. I was very cozy and content in my bubble.
These three families bit for my services at the YANA auction, and we put together a marathon portrait session. These families have been best friends for years, their children are best friends, they are like family to each other - and it was a beautiful thing to be around them on thanksgiving day. It made me want to call all my pals and tell them how much I love them.
My assistant Jen and I felt very thankful for these clients. Not only did they donate generously to YANA, a charity very close to my heart, but they were happy, themselves, laid back and somehow managed to keep the impending rain away.
I know a few of them from around town (okay, well if truth be told, from my love of shopping at Cherry Wine, and Uranus) and a few I have had the sincere pleasure of photographing before - meeting the rest of their crew was great fun.
Last week, as I went though the gates to a gorgeous home to photograph three very special families, the Janzen's, Beausoleil's and Mangles'. I was very cozy and content in my bubble.
These three families bit for my services at the YANA auction, and we put together a marathon portrait session. These families have been best friends for years, their children are best friends, they are like family to each other - and it was a beautiful thing to be around them on thanksgiving day. It made me want to call all my pals and tell them how much I love them.
My assistant Jen and I felt very thankful for these clients. Not only did they donate generously to YANA, a charity very close to my heart, but they were happy, themselves, laid back and somehow managed to keep the impending rain away.
I know a few of them from around town (okay, well if truth be told, from my love of shopping at Cherry Wine, and Uranus) and a few I have had the sincere pleasure of photographing before - meeting the rest of their crew was great fun.
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Dream Thanksgiving Session
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For many of my loved ones this month has brought unexpected loss and challenges. Grey days, murky times
We all have them.
I was going through some files yesterday and found this photo of a hidden rainbow. When I look at it I can connect to the silver lining that sometimes is hard to see or takes it's sweet time to emerge.
Our questions can't always be answered and in these times we sometimes just have to put one foot in front of the other and have faith that the silver lining will show itself and the color will come back.
Sending out some love today to some pretty special people.
We all have them.
I was going through some files yesterday and found this photo of a hidden rainbow. When I look at it I can connect to the silver lining that sometimes is hard to see or takes it's sweet time to emerge.
Our questions can't always be answered and in these times we sometimes just have to put one foot in front of the other and have faith that the silver lining will show itself and the color will come back.
Sending out some love today to some pretty special people.
Jennifer Dodd:
Love and Hugs!
(10.18.09 @ 10:40 AM)
melia:
aww i love this one! look at all the hotties! this is what i want for Christmas
(10.19.09 @ 09:57 AM)
melia:
are you kidding me? this one of Oli is unbelievably cute!
(10.19.09 @ 09:59 AM)
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Silver Lining and a little color
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Blogging this session actually pained me. Why?
1. Too many favorites
2. Too many favorites
3. Too many favorites
4. Too many favorites
5. Too many favorites
6. Couldn't decide what to blog. Why you ask?
7. Too many favorites
8. Too many favorites
9. Too many favorites
10. Too many favorites
Scott and Kim were one of my first wedding clients in the Comox Valley and their family holds a very special place in my heart.
Love, love, this shot of mom and Hannah, makes me want to hug my kids even after they lie to me about brushing their teeth. 
And really, between these two how do you choose what to blog?
Also, Kim has given me permission to share some exciting news. She has recently joined the team at Impact Visual Communications, where I know she is being warmly welcomed and is going to do an amazing job. We have the opportunity to work with Impact often and always welcome the experience. You should check out their portfolio on-line.
Teneille:
I do love these shots. Isn't Autumn a wonderful time for pictures? The bottom one is so great!
(10.15.09 @ 10:58 AM)
Tia:
These are great. I knew Scott from his job....glad to see he's still kicking and has such a perfect family. Your the best photographer Karen....you better still be in this when Morgan is older!
(10.16.09 @ 02:35 PM)
Jennifer Dodd:
I love the colours!!!
(10.18.09 @ 10:41 AM)
Deidre:
Awesome Pictures Kim!!!!! Hannah is so charming :)
(10.23.09 @ 06:26 PM)
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Kim, Scott & Hannah Courtenay Family Photographer
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We have known for some time that we need a little help around the house. I am not quite sure why I haven't gotten around to looking for someone - that is probably why I need the help.
We are looking for a parent's helper/nanny/childcare provider.
The ideal person might help with: laundry, meal prep, dishes, light housekeeping, driving to activities and supervision of four children under the age of 11 who are very independent, easy going and extra loving.
Their skills and attributes would be: friendly, helpful, flexible. We would prefer someone with no children, who is mainly retired or a student who is looking for some part time work.
Ideally the person would be available for approx 10 hours a week. They need to be available Tuesdays late afternoon and early evening and ideally one or two other days or early evening. HOWEVER, if I found an awesome person who could just do Tuesday's I could maybe work with that.
Please email me at info@mckinnonphotography.com
Blog readers, please spread the word.
We are looking for a parent's helper/nanny/childcare provider.
The ideal person might help with: laundry, meal prep, dishes, light housekeeping, driving to activities and supervision of four children under the age of 11 who are very independent, easy going and extra loving.
Their skills and attributes would be: friendly, helpful, flexible. We would prefer someone with no children, who is mainly retired or a student who is looking for some part time work.
Ideally the person would be available for approx 10 hours a week. They need to be available Tuesdays late afternoon and early evening and ideally one or two other days or early evening. HOWEVER, if I found an awesome person who could just do Tuesday's I could maybe work with that.
Please email me at info@mckinnonphotography.com
Blog readers, please spread the word.
nicky:
I would love to do it, but sorry in Anaheim, California they are wonderful children.
(10.20.09 @ 05:45 PM)
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Help Needed - do you know anyone?
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As part of a series for Benino Gelato I headed out with this handsome. Nicola is one of the amazing women in my book club, and I always feel a little extra pressure when I photograph a friend - but I am happy to report that one of these series is a favorite this year - hands down!
We had such a good time on this shoot, the kids were amazing and Mike and Nicola had me laughing the whole time. I know Nicola is traveling right now, so hopefully this brings a smile to her face.
We had such a good time on this shoot, the kids were amazing and Mike and Nicola had me laughing the whole time. I know Nicola is traveling right now, so hopefully this brings a smile to her face.
Aline:
Amazing as always!! Love the cone noses...whoever thought of it, genius!!
(10.13.09 @ 12:10 PM)
Marcie:
Gorgeous, lovely family! Great shots!
(10.13.09 @ 03:01 PM)
Edna & John Chapman:
Fantastic photographs but we are very biased as they are our grandchildren,
daughter and son-in-law!!!
Melanie P:
OMG I love those two! Very cute (and the two in the back are pretty great too!) Amazing shots again Karen.
(10.14.09 @ 07:01 PM)
Karen M:
Thanks - they are SO cute, we had TONS of fun
(10.15.09 @ 10:42 AM)
Mike and Nicola:
We had an awesome time, fab photos thx Karen
(10.15.09 @ 09:08 PM)
bevin:
Love the shots. Love the Norths. xo
(10.15.09 @ 10:02 PM)
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Abbie, Morgan, Mike & Nicola
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Thank you for sharing your wonderful family get together! It was amazing to see such a wonderful large gathering - it really showed what Thanksgiving is all about!
(10.18.09 @ 10:39 AM)Thank you so much Karen and Jen. You guys were amazing and the photos are too! That was a lot of people to organize and you did it with such spend and creativity. We all had SO much fun, it was a great way to spend the day and we can't wait to do it again. I just have one thing to say about the picture of Tyler and Nicole, "Aaaawwwwwwww".
(10.19.09 @ 09:12 AM)Awesome pictures Karen. You and Jen did a wonderful job of organizing all of us and creating lots of wonderful keepsakes. Many thanks.
(10.22.09 @ 08:33 AM)