So a quick blog post before I head out and shoot in this stellar photography weather.
A bit more from the Groove 2010 Pantuso Show. They opened up the balcony so there are still some tickets for this evening, which is the last performance.
You don't want to miss this -
I have been very busy shooting and planning, shooting and planning. The kids have been fighting off sickness and John is busy working through his last month of school.
And now it is Dance Week.
And despite the craziness that these few weeks are bringing us, we LOVE it. Really, I am not being sarcastic.
Four of our children take part in Pantuso Dance, and this is recital week. Groove 2010.
It is about my kids experiencing being in something bigger than just them, appreciating the talent of their peers and feeling proud of their personal hard work.
For me, it is about so much more than seeing my family, it is about community. In a small town like this, chances are most of the parents know a bushel of the kids performing and in many cases have watched them grow up. There are tons of children who have been clients participating in the show, and I get such a kick out of seeing all of them bring their own groove and personality to the show.
Pantuso teaches children and adults, so there are levels of experience and comfort with dance and performing. This year, the adult musical theatre class really wowed me - way to go! I am sure some of you are really stepping out of your comfort zone, but you wouldn't know it from your performance and stage presence.
There truly is so much talent happening, on the organizational end of things and within the performers. .
I took a ton of photos which I have yet to go through, but here are few:
There might be a few tickets left for tonight and tomorow's show - totally worth it. If you are thinking of a dance school for your little people, or yourself, I can't say enough good things about the leadership and community of Pantuso Dance.
Great shots Karen - Can't wait to see the rest...You've captured some very cool moments!!
(05.05.10 @ 04:57 PM)Great photos! I really like the top one.
(05.05.10 @ 05:02 PM)I'm in love with the picture of Gig there :)
And being a geek with words more words for epic: monumental, tremendous
Pantuso Dance + Karen McKinnon = fabulous photos:)
(05.05.10 @ 06:06 PM)beautiful! beautiful! beautiful!
(05.05.10 @ 09:01 PM)I love the picture of all the scarves!!!
(05.06.10 @ 12:05 PM)I have had the pure joy of photographing her before (she is the gal in the Cinderella Dress hanging on the studio wall,) and the session was playful and silly.
I caught something a bit different this time ....
Gorgeous Garnet! These are beautiful pictures, love the expression in the top one.
(05.01.10 @ 11:09 AM)Karen you never stop amazing me! She looks beautiful...I can't wait to see the rest.
(05.03.10 @ 08:25 PM)I am not a grumpy person - honestly. Ask my peeps, truly, I rarely get grumpy (maybe don't ask John, okay?)
Yesterday I woke up mean. For no reason. I slept 8 hours, I had everything I needed.I checked in with myself and gave myself permission to do anything I wanted - one of the joys of working for myself.
Did I want to - photograph, exercise, read, watch a movie, clean the office, coffee with a friend?
no, no, no, no, no, no
nothing was going to work.
So, I did what I was suppose to do.
Office work - but I did it at a leisurely pace.
My middle finger slowly came down.
I realized that I have been go, go, go for the last few weeks. Sometimes, because I enjoy everything I do, and I have time for everything I want to do, I don't realize how busy things get.
So, yesterday I gave myself permission to skip the gym, pick up an easy to make dinner, and to ask John for help.
I am going to do it again today and by tomorow I should be back where I like to be.
What do you do to reset yourself? (Selah just has to push her belly button, I need a little more than that though.)
On a funner note, I have succumbed, I am now an I phone user, and it is everything everyone said it would be. If only my whole life could work as smoothly as my phone does.
John gives me 10 months until I break it or loose it - can you hope for a little more for me?
My first I-phone photograph
Here's to a fabulous friday and weekend to follow, that brings you exactly what you need.
I am looking for a new photographers assistant. The job is primarily one day a week, mostly Saturday's from June to October. The ideal person:
- Loves people, laughs easily and can think on the fly
- Physically able to lift a chair, carry a camera bag, bend up and down, jump around on the beach and be on their your feet.
- Is often described as reliable, very reliable
- Clear communicator
- Doesn't get stressed out when asked to do three things at once an multi-task
- Warm, open personality
This position is
appropriate for
a)
Someone who is not or does not want to be a photographer. Loves fashion,
styling, design, creativity!
OR
b) Someone training to be a photographer or building their photography business who lives outside of the Comox Valley (a non-competition clause will need to be signed. ) I have years of experience teaching at Professional Photography Schools and mentoring photographers and would welcome the opportunity to share my knowledge with you.
Please email me if interested letting me know why you would love this position and note that I will only be
in touch with those that are being considered.
Although you might be tempted please do not send photos
you have taken, this is not a photography position.
Thanks, Karen
You are a community-minded person who is effectively refusing to offer these classes and jobs to your local for community for fear of competition. I find it extremely frustrating as a working mother of 3 school aged children who doesn't have the time nor the money to study full time for a year or travel out of town in order to learn skills that may or may never be profitable money-wise. It seems like nobody wants to just pass on the craft anymore, they are too concerned about putting themselves out of business or somebody stealing their ideas. It's disheartening.
(04.30.10 @ 08:42 AM)Dear anonymous, sorry that you feel this way and thank you for recognizing that I am community minded. Loving thy neighbour is a huge part of who I am professionally and personally. I don't feel I have to justify my professional decision, however I would love for you to understand it better. I currently have three local people working with me, two whom I am mentoring in photography. I have three other photographers that I mentor, one in Powell River, one in Vancouver and one in Victoria. They are able to call me to talk about their clients, photography challenges, business issues and more - we have no conflicts of interest and I can therefore give to them 150% and go out of my way to support their endeavours. On another note, I feel now more than ever, photographers are actively working to pass on their craft and to share their knowledge. Locally the photography community supports and encourages each other in many different ways - it is healthy and positive competition. If you wish to have a deeper understanding of my policy, I am happy to chat with you about it - so give us a ring.
(04.30.10 @ 09:42 AM)So I'm wondering then, would the same situation happen with any other type of business? If someone was to open a new hair salon/coffee shop/shoe store, would they expect to learn from the existing businesses how to run their business?
(04.30.10 @ 10:35 AM)If I were closer and weren't in bed with another awesome photographer, I'd be the first to apply for this position! As a photography studio on the mainland, we have benefited greatly with our relationship with you and your team. You have generously shared a wealth of information and encouragement with us. We would not be where we are today if it wasn't for your willingness to share your craft and passion with us! We love you and deeply appreciate our friendship with you.
(04.30.10 @ 12:13 PM)I'm not sure of any professional who would want to train their competition (especially not in a small town!!!), and I don't imagine that those who have in the past have lasted very long! Karen is the most generous "giver' I have ever met in my life. Her whole life and business is about "giving", and she does it without a thought in her mind. To suggest otherwise is extremely shortsighted.
It's unfortunate that "anonymous" doesn't have the time, money, or availability to devote to researching a career in photography. If you aren't sure if those elements are going to be profitable in the long run, then the profession probably isn't the right fit - it's definitely not the "easy money" side career that many Moms think that it will be... (speaking from experience!). I would suggest researching some of the great forums available and starting there.
As for those who are interested in this position, it is an amazing, fun experience! You get to experience the best day of people's lives every weekend - there's something super special about that!
(04.30.10 @ 02:06 PM)A non-compete is standard procedure when working for any one who does something special, creative, and lucrative. I have both signed them in the past, and had employees sign them when working with me. An artist must trust those she's working with, and that develops over time. You take a chance any time you "let some one in" and give up your trade secrets, not to mention your client list! I say, good on ya Karen!
(05.02.10 @ 05:56 PM)Thanks folks, it is a policy I thought about deeply and I appreciate the understanding
(05.02.10 @ 08:56 PM)I did not mean to insult or offend, my comments come from frustration. I just want to learn from people who are good at what they do and I am tired of asking for help from photographers and being ignored. I don't have the luxury of taking university courses or going out of town. I do read forums, magaziines, blogs, books etc. I have no plans to become professional but what happens if that changed? I'm sorry, again, my intention was not to offend.
(07.07.10 @ 04:12 PM)
Awesome pics Karen - I love the tech picture (last one) very cool feel to it!!
(05.06.10 @ 11:56 AM)The ladies are gonna love theirs!! Great "Pinball" shots!!
And of course a great shot of the Dads doing their thing...but where's Tina??
didn't want to let the cat out of the bag Jeff, but here are lots of good ones of Tina
(05.07.10 @ 12:40 PM)Where can I see the rest of the pantuso dance photos 2010 ?
(05.07.10 @ 08:06 PM)yeah were can I find other Pantuso pics????
(05.07.10 @ 08:12 PM)Sit tight folks, I do the photos in a "volunteer" capacity and like last year everyone will have them complimentary. However, you need to be a bit patient.
(05.07.10 @ 09:14 PM)first off thank you sooo much for taking the photos of pantuso groove 2010, i realize that you are a volunteer and the photos will take a while to be put up, but once they are , where can i view them ?
(05.15.10 @ 01:57 PM)an email will go out to all Pantuso families, via Lindsay. Let me know if you have other questions. They will be up by next monday at the latest - we have just been extra busy around here these last few weeks.
(05.17.10 @ 12:40 PM)an email will go out to all Pantuso families, via Lindsay. Let me know if you have other questions. They will be up by next monday at the latest - we have just been extra busy around here these last few weeks.
(05.17.10 @ 12:42 PM)