My mom is my role-model and my best friend, hands down - so I am always sentimental about a mother daughter portrait.
When Cathy and I planned her session she asked that it be casual, a little funky and with a bit of beach beauty thrown in.
We headed off to a favorite tucked away spot of mine and then hopped down to the beach.
I was fascinated by Erica and her strong sense of who she is, her style and her smarts - and inspired by Cathy's respect for who her daughter is.
Thank you Cathy and Erica for hanging with me and sharing so openly - it really was a special evening!
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Cathy and Erica-Mom and Daughter
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Cheryl and Barry are well known by many in the valley as the proprietors of Comox Valley Clothing and as being incredibly nice. When I mentioned to some people that I was photographing them, everyone said, awwww.. .they are so nice.
They recently retired (good for them, not for me and my wardrobe) and I look forward to seeing what their next adventure is.
After many years of marriage and children, these two decided to have a session all for themselves, and you know I love that.
John often reminds me that eventually our children will be grown and gone, and when I look at Cheryl and Barry and how connected they still are, I am inspired to remember, despite the children, the schedules, the budgeting, the household duties, that him and I must always remember to take time for each other.
Cheryl Foster:
Thanks so much Karen ,for the great visit down by the pier, the other day.I say visit, because you made the photo shoot feel relaxed ,effortless, and so much fun!!! You are a lady of many talents.Your amazing gift of photography, becomes a true and memorable gift for us, to treasure for a life time.Thanks again Karen.You are awesome,and we appreciate you very much.
(08.10.11 @ 10:56 PM)
Karen McKinnon:
thank you so much Cheryl - really, it was such a sincere pleasure to have that time with you two
(08.22.11 @ 06:38 PM)
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A few years ago I began limiting the amount of wedding commissions I take, it was a tough decision, business wise and personally, as I love photographing weddins. However, my vision has always been to truly be able to form a connection with wedding clients - like I always tell them, "I will be at your wedding, and chances are I will be spending considerable time with you."
The rewards for my decision have been sweet. I feel like I truly get a sense of each couple I photograph, I think they also get to know me, which helps them feel comfortable on the day and makes the experience that much greater. A big part of getting to know couples is the engagement session, if clients live here, if they are able to visit or I am able to go to them, I srongly encourage these sessions. They are a fabulous way to get used to being in front of the camera, they are relaxed and show off a part of your life that you might not be able to capture on your day.
For Lauren and Brendan's session we headed out on the water and created some truly remarkable romantic images. They were fabulous as we hollered directions from a nearby boat. These two are stunning and adorable together, and I am so looking forward to their 2012 summer wedding.
Thank you Lauren and Brandan, for the super fun, lovely evening - I loved having the chance to get to know you both better and can't wait for your wedding!
Tough to to decide what to blog on this one....
But I love the intimacy here:
and the relaxed nature here:
and the moody feel here:
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Brendan+Lauren's harbour engagement session
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It is always around this time of year that I begin to consider homeschooling. I am a much better mom in the summer, when I don't say "hurry up" six times before 8:30, when I can let the child work on their own rhythm of late nights and long sleep-ins. I feel like I am more loving, more consistent , a better watcher and a better teacher and guide in the summer. When I can pull over on the side of the road to look at the sheep in the field, or spend hours in the library looking at photos of Egypt.
So the thought of homeschooling hits me at some point during the summer. Yesterday it happened after a hour long bike ride in Campbell River, where we discussed birds, feminism, healthily choices and how they relate to patience and effective planning - all while exercising. On our way home the light was stunning, so we ran home, grabbed some cameras and headed out again.
I felt 100% present, and I could tell she was 100% relaxed and receptive.
Now, as for homeschooling, those of you that know my busy life, no need to panic and stage an intervention, just allow me to play with the idea in my dreamy summer state, don't worry I go through this every summer and no rash decisions have ever been made.
Selah captured the image of me on the right tonight, I see she has my eye for strong foregrounds and breaking compositional rules, the photo cracks me up...
Our dog Utah hasn't made a blog appearance in some time, she had a hair-cut today and is sporting what I call the Cugly, ie. Cute-Ugly-Do, she was along for the ride with us last night -
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I'm better in the summer
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It typically goes down like this -
Once you book a session, you and I chat and talk about feel, environment, and vision for the session. Well, when I talked with the super stylish Erin, she just kept telling me "I just want a nice family photo," - she was so open to the feel and vibe, that it left me really excited to be open to what happened.
We decided on our starting point, and after creating some family sessions there, moved to two other spots I had picked out. In there we did a clothing change and lots of goofing around. Olivia and Nolan and absolute sweethearts, totally warm, fun-loving and interesting. Erin and James, you have created a beautiful family that alludes the warm, laid-back and kind vibe you both have.
Your family is adorable! Thank you for the lovely evening.
Oh - one more thing, I have WAY to many fave's... it was painful to decided between them - however this first one makes me so, so happy -
Kids, feet firmly planted in a big, big world....
because they have an awesome family to help them grow -
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Erin, James, Olivia and Nolan-strong family love
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What great pictures of 2 wonderful people!
(08.26.11 @ 01:34 PM)I hope you can help me - I am trying to get a hold of Cathy or Erica and have been unable to. (I know, I really should sign up to facebook!)
Would you be able to contact either, particularly Cathy, and tell her that Val Rybski is looking to talk to her.
Many thanks!