About Me

Hello and welcome to my photo blog. I am Karen McKinnon, a Vancouver Island based photographer - a gal fortunate to be living my passion. The blog is where you can see recent sessions, keep in touch with what is new around here (and I promise you it is never dull) and get a better sense of who I am, what I love and how I show it. 

Thanks for visiting. Please leave a comment and let me know you were here - it really does make me smile! 

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We are thrilled to be one of the sponsors for the Oh Spa mother's day make-over contest and I can't wait to spoil the winner.

Check out their website for all the details and while you are at it join their Facebook Page to be kept in the loop of all their specials and more.



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Okay, well it was already a pretty good day, but when Arlene and I connected for her session it got a whole lot sweeter.
Arlene came in for a BELLA SESSION, which was a gift from a family member. I am so excited about these type of sessions, moms are often the least photographed person in the family, and it drives me crazy that women don't have photos of themselves. I have been photographing all types of women and all types of BELLA SESSIONS - and I am buzzed about it!

Arlene shone throughout her whole session, she is absolutely stunning,and stylish to boot! Half way through the session her hubby joined us for some photos - but I wanted to make this post all about her.

She has such a stunning relaxed way about herself, she laughs and smiles easily, and it is contagious.
Thanks Arlene, for being the icing on a fabulous day - you are gorgeous!

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Carol:

Beautiful Photos - what a nice thing for her to have

(04.26.10 @ 02:02 PM)
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They make me laugh. Trish and Ryan, I love you for that. You make me laugh, not just because you are funny, which you are - but because your love for each other, they way you make each other laugh and blush, spreads joy, joy so grand that it makes the people around you giggle.

I can't look at your photos without smiling and feeling happy.

Thank you.

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And yes, they are both gorgeous aren't they?!

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Yes, I know, lots of photos, but really, how could I choose?
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christine:

That can't be the Ryan I went to high school with?! Awesome job with the photos, you two...Karen tells me great things about you, Trish! Wishing you the absolute best in your life together. (cue the tears now...)

(04.22.10 @ 09:23 AM)
Trish:

Thanks Christine! I'm so excited to see the photos! It was such a great day, and I've been checking the blog ever since...waiting patiently (or not so much). It's so exciting to look at these and think forward to the wedding; July is just around the corner! Hope that we have the chance to meet before then, and I'm super excited to see the rest of the photos! (Don't let me catch you with any tears though - cause once they start I'm in trouble ;) I'm a bit of a sap that way)

(04.22.10 @ 06:48 PM)
Al Pullin:

Mightygood looking couple. Don't you think he looks a lot like me?????????

(04.22.10 @ 08:54 PM)
Donna Fraser:

The smile on Ryan's face in picture number 3 leads us to believe he is up to no good, but no not Ryan!! The pictures are great guys and can't wait to see the rest of the pictures and the wedding day pictures - no tears allowed!!

(04.22.10 @ 10:25 PM)
Rod Fraser:

Awesome pictures guys, captures the feeling of the moment!

(04.22.10 @ 10:31 PM)
Robyn:

great photos guys! :) love the smirk ryan! ;) and the curls and the shoes too trish ;)
love em love em love em ! :)
xoxo

(04.22.10 @ 10:55 PM)
Allison:

PERFECT!!!!

(04.23.10 @ 08:53 AM)
Kaylia:

You Guys look awesome! I love all the pics there beautiful, especially the last one..but I do like the third one as well..its so you two! Can't wait to see you in July!

(04.23.10 @ 11:52 AM)
Deana & Gary:

Awesome pictures!

(04.23.10 @ 03:16 PM)
Maureen & Glen:

Great shots. Beautiful couple! Were these photos taken where the reception is to be held???

(04.24.10 @ 07:43 AM)
Linda Miller:

Love the pictures Trish, see you soon

(04.25.10 @ 11:52 AM)
Andi:

Great pictures of Ryan and Trish!

(04.27.10 @ 12:43 PM)
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Hello Handsome! Pepin, although very new to this world, is already full of personality - he had us laughing the whole time, look at those lips, those eyes, and those delicious forehead wrinkles. With folks like Lisa and Curtis, this little man already has a leg up in this world, creativity and humour are in his genes - watch  out!
He came into the studio super relaxed and was a happy little fella throughout the session and so were we - thanks Pepin! So glad you are here.
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Lisa:

Awww... Karen, these are great! Well done on capturing these signature 'looks'. Looking forward to seeing the rest of them! Thanks so much.

(04.19.10 @ 02:50 PM)
Phebe:

look at the little guy. He is the best. Way to go Curtis and Lisa. You made a really cute one. I heart Pepin.

(04.20.10 @ 06:21 PM)
Jenn Z:

OH my, hello beautiful. So so so sweet. xoxo

(04.22.10 @ 07:57 PM)
Cheri Matkin:

He's absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! Congratulations Lisa and Curtis

(04.26.10 @ 05:07 PM)
Cheri Matkin:

He's BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!

(04.26.10 @ 05:09 PM)
Karin Williamson:

adorable little fellow - welcome to the family - love you lots aunt Karin and Opa Ludwig.

(05.09.10 @ 05:26 PM)
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April 18, 2010 // news / portraits
 - I have a post Camera Confidence Glow
 - I am getting a few hours alone this morning
- I am going to put together a bed in a child's room and pretend I like putting IKEA furniture together
- I am going to be really hopeful it doesn't rain as I have a top secret super stylish afternoon shoot
- I am going to drink a coffee savouring every sip
- I am going to wrap up the day by getting my exercise groove on
-  I am going to be very, very happy
- I am going to start my day with something I love - my clients.

Indroducing Cheryl.

I am so pleased Cheryl decided to have a Bella Session created. We met at a beautiful spot and played amongst the grasses, rocks and river. We laughed and chatted and were totally in the moment. I feel so pleased that she now has photos of her, yes they are a gift for her partner, but they really in my mind, are for her. Women should have photos celebrating themselves - they deserve it.
Thank you Cherly, It was pure joy and inspiration just being with you!

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Chris Patterson:

Hi Karen, I missed you at the Pantuso Gala night last night. I bid on your Creative Portrait Session and won! Love to set up a time to get together. Er---good luck with the whole IKEA furniture putting together thing. Sounds like a nightmare...*grin* Thanks,
Chris

(04.18.10 @ 09:38 AM)
Karen :

Fantastic Claire! Can you email me all your contact info so we can start making our plans with you! I am so excited, I just was on your blog, and I also just bought a cute yellow cardigan - but am kind of crushing on yours!

(04.19.10 @ 12:12 PM)
Karen :

Fantastic Claire! Can you email me all your contact info so we can start making our plans with you! I am so excited, I just was on your blog, and I also just bought a cute yellow cardigan - but am kind of crushing on yours!

(04.19.10 @ 12:48 PM)
Cheryl Levine:

Wow! I have tears in my eyes! I can't believe it. THANK YOU KAREN! And you are so right, these are for me too. What a wonderful experience and you captured not only me, but the very essence of out time together. Easy, fun and beautiful!

(04.19.10 @ 06:53 PM)
christine:

Yow-zah!! What a stunner, beautiful photos, my dear. Looking forward to seeing you on Friday!

(04.21.10 @ 09:20 AM)
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