Hello All, it's Christine here - making my second blog appearance as Karen took advantage of the sun and ran like a madwoman out the door with her camera.
As you know, for the first ten months of the year we are doing something a little extra special each month to celebrate Karen's ten years of photographing in the valley. Well, we had this one up our sleeve and well, as I was wearing socks and a sweater yesterday I convinced Karen to run with it right now. Plus, those of you who I have met, know I am a big planner and highly organized, (just one of the many reasons Karen loves me.)
This is open to any of our clients for 2011, and just so you know, the cards don't have to be holiday themed. Karen just made a really classy card for a family who intends to use them for thank you notes and letters - so sweet and personal.
Give me a call if you have any questions and to get us going on your custom designed card.
Offer valid until August 12th, so don't delay...
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Christmas in July - fabulous offer
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When I was a child we lived around the corner from a portrait studio. I would walk by on the way to dance class and as I approached their window I would anticipate what I would see. I looked forward to staring at the families and imaging their lives, how they interacted and the fun they had together.You see, because they had a family photograph, I figured they were all really important - extra special families, who were truly connected.
When I was in grade 4 we had our family portrait taken. My parents, my two older sisters and me. I remember that day well. The part I remember most is heading out together, to create something that showed our love for each other. Then, I remember when we received our prints and how special they felt. My mom had the foresight to order one for each of us daughters as well. Mine is hanging in the hallway outside of my bedroom, and it is truly one of my most valuable possessions and memories.
When I look at it, I am reminded of how much am loved and in love with my parents and sisters.
A few of the families I have had the pleasure of photographing recently.
Shelley, Bill, Liam and Josh joined me early in the morning - before the rain came - for a very relaxed session before heading out on a camping trip. Liam and Josh, you are stellar - and so easy to work with, thank you!
I met the Jennifer, Larry and Alex where their horses live out in Dove Creek. With their daughter heading off to Europe it was the perfect time to capture their family. The rain stayed away and the clouds and light gave us some serious beauty to work with.
If you follow me on Facebook you know I love an early morning session and a family willing to join me for that experience. Lisa, Dave and Isaac greeted me at 7:30 a.m. and it was a lovely way to start the day, and once again we beat the rain. I had such a wonderful time photographing them, and getting to know them - they are such an interesting and kind family, I felt like I asked them a million questions. Lisa and Dave are the owners of Simply Amish Furniture near Canadian Tire, a stunning furniture store.
Because Isaac just graduated high-school we also captured some images just of him. Isaac - you are full of grace and charm - and I adored photographing and meeting you. if my daughters were older I definitely would be working the blind date set-up.
Diane - Cockeye'd Optical:
Karen.........you are truly a kind person.
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Family Photographs, an act of love
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It's hard to write about this wedding, because it really is just a feeling. I first felt it when Danielle came into my studio to talk about her wedding, but really she just talked about Justin and her love for him. I felt it during our engagement session, when they stayed embraced in each others arms. I felt it in our planning sessions, when they spoke so sweetly about the other.
Location: Mt. Washington Resort
Their wedding day was their day to celebrate them. To rejoice in being best friends, to appreciate how much they love each other's smile, how she loves his sense of humour and how he loves how much she cares.
The day started with them both getting ready on Mt. Washington. He was good natured, with a little extra pacing in his movement. She wavered between emotional and giddy. They both looked stunning. The moving ceremony took place with the mountains as a backdrop, under an arch made by the groom and his groomsmen. After photographs, they entered into a room of friends and family ready to celebrate them.
Their love for each other seemed to radiate as the other couples in the room started cuddling a little bit closer, checking each other out a little longer. This was a wedding steeped in the true meaning of marriage.
Thank you Danielle and Justin, I am just all that better off, knowing you and being inspired by your love and commitment for each other.
Enjoy the slideshow, and feel free to leave a comment ...
A big thank you to my assistant photographer Jen Dodd from Powell River.
Makup: Freelance make-up artist Catherine Joiner (catherinejoiner1@gmail.com)
Florist: 5th Street Florist
Dress: Blush Bridal
allison:
sigh.....
(07.19.11 @ 04:50 PM)
a.:
sigh.....
(07.19.11 @ 04:51 PM)
Helen Austin:
I want to get married again just so you can take the photos!! :)
(07.19.11 @ 05:05 PM)
Danielle:
Awww I love that I could see the pictures of Justin getting ready ...Thanks for capturing our day you did such a great job cant wait to see the rest
(07.19.11 @ 09:04 PM)
Carla:
Beautiful day for a beautiful couple. Wow......................amazing photos!! XO
(07.21.11 @ 10:44 AM)
Leslie:
This was one of the most beautiful wedding picture series I have ever seen! The pictures capture such a loving, joyful mood and a wonderful celebration.
(07.23.11 @ 01:09 PM)
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Danielle + Justin say "I Do" on Mt. Washington
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Friday night saw me at the Black Fin pub, watching the weather storm over the ocean, while I sat back and enjoyed a meal with my friend Kathy. What does that have to do with anything you may be wondering? Well it is just a segway to share some exciting foodie news. Kathy, is well known as being the magician behind Tria Culinary Studio, a very special and tasty place. If you are looking for an amazing evening out take part in her Full Moon Feasts, Cooking Classes or do what me and some friends did, book a private party. Kathy also keeps our tastebuds happy with her gourmet crepes at the Saturday Farmer's Market. Now, because she cares about us, or is just insane, she is taking on a third venture. Cathy will be opening Tria Take Away mid August in the lunch/counter space in the Butchers Block on 4th Ave, just down the street from my studio. You can follow Kathy on her Facebook page.
Now Sunday, after a very chill day with the family I headed out to The Old House Restaurant and 30 day Local Food Challenge Cocktail Competition. Bartenders from The Old House, Atlas, Flying Canoe West Coast Pub, Go Mango, Locals, Avalanche, Mad Chef Cafe, Kingfisher and Fluid whipped up some locally inspired bevies. Chocolate, cotton candy, cucumber, lavender, and even pepperoni and bacon made an appearance. There were some pretty inspired beverages. The Old House will be posting a link to the recipes in the next few days, so check them out on Facebook to catch them.
1st place went to Andre at Atlas for his King of the Blues
2nd place to Benny from Fluid for his Big Ass Ceaser
Peoples Choice went to Devin from Avalance for his Chocolate Buzz
I can now tell you first-hand that bacon, local bacon that is, in a caesar is actually pretty darn delicious and that we have some serious creative cocktail creators in these parts.
You can see more photos on my Facebook page
Mackenzie:
Yum... I will take one of each! :)
(07.19.11 @ 03:37 PM)
Amanda:
So glad you could be there Karen. Amazing photos as always, thanks for sharing!
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Libations + Bacon
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I love this session. Let me count the ways.
- Shayla's grandmother booked this session for her granddaughter while she is here visiting from Texas. When Shayla looks back on these, she will always connect the experience with her lovely and very loving grandma.
- Shayla is 9. I don't know why we tend to photograph children until they are 4 and then stop. This age is an incredible time to photograph. As a mom of a nine year old I can see how they are just on the cusp of some incredible change and really are beginning to understand who they are.
- Shayla, I love this session because of Shayla. She is an old soul, full of grace and confidence. She holds herself in a way that I am sure makes her mom, and grandmother proud. She is interesting and funny! Thank you Shayla, you are a true beauty.
Shayla:
Thanks to both of ou ofr putting this on the blog.. I really enjoy seeing them and im so excited for tomorrow
(07.19.11 @ 11:53 AM)
Rosie Woodhouse:
I absolutely love these - wonderful set of images - and you are so right about photographing children at this age:)
(07.19.11 @ 01:14 PM)
Shawn Ellison:
The images came out absolutely beautiful and share what a beautiful person you are inside and out. Karen.......thank you for capturing her spirit!
(07.19.11 @ 01:53 PM)
karen M:
Thank you and your daughter is a true original and beauty - it was such a pleasure
(07.20.11 @ 05:24 PM)
Kay:
Thank you for not creating hedonistic photos of a young girl. The temptation can be great to fall prey to society's objectification of women. You succeed at portraying the raw essence of their strength and individuality.
(07.21.11 @ 09:48 AM)
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Shayla - Courtenay Children's Photographer
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