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 winding it down here, tying up loose ends and delivering the last of the holiday prints - which is incredibly satisfying.
I love thinking about the new art people will have on their walls for the holiday season.
We have been working on painting our house, so the photos have been down and the new ones I printed for our family are SO ready to not be stored in the office and to be proudly hung in our living areas.
In anticipation of some art re-arranging Selah, the seven year old, and I made some digital art. The other night I told her we could do anything she wanted and her request was to edit and photoshop images. Yes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I figured if she was that interested it was time to empower her to make her own computer art and really start teaching her some photoshop skills.

We decided to make three pieces of art that were about our home. This is what we came up with it.

The number one word:

love copy.jpg

In our home we value

tree.jpg

and each day we remember to

believe.jpg

I love these works of art, they are going to look fantastic in our entry way. Even better though, is the crazy fun and loving time we had making them. I am one lucky mama.

I am going to do a top photos of the year (because my pal over at Lotus Paperie pressured me into it,) post and have a few more sessions to share and news about a new type of session, and our family session to share, so check back.


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Nana:

Gorgeous art work! I am a very proud Mom and Nana.

(12.22.09 @ 12:39 PM)
Poppa Gerald:

You gals are something else!!! Love it/them!!

(12.22.09 @ 04:50 PM)
Jennifer Dodd:

I love these, I can't wait to see them on the wall!

(12.24.09 @ 10:40 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Mom and daughter Photoshop time . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/70
December 14, 2009 // portraits
What a stunning evening, I love the quiet that a fresh snow brings and it goes well with the image I want to share today.

Ryder started off the session a little fussy, but only because he was needing a power nap, which was worth the wait  - because......

there is nothing much more beautiful than this ....

magee012.jpg

with mom's hand

magee007.jpg




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Brenda Johima:

Wow. Power Nap Photos - Just Beautiful, Karen.

(12.15.09 @ 01:08 PM)
cathy:

awww so cute!!! love it!

(12.15.09 @ 10:01 PM)
Jennifer Dodd:

ohhhhh Love!!!

(12.15.09 @ 11:10 PM)
Stefanie:

He is just too cute!! Wonderful picture

(12.16.09 @ 11:02 AM)
Mandi:

Karen, They turned out sooo good! Love it!!

(12.16.09 @ 07:15 PM)
Dave:

Very nice picture!

(12.17.09 @ 09:53 PM)
Danielle:

Love, Love, Love it!

(12.17.09 @ 11:52 PM)
Taylor:

Unbelievably adorable!!

(12.18.09 @ 03:46 PM)
Jesse:

Good lookin like his uncle

(12.18.09 @ 03:48 PM)
Melissa:

He is the most beautiful baby!!! Love love xoxo

(12.21.09 @ 02:07 PM)
Auntie Nicole:

These are adorable! I can't wait to see more..he is sooo cute ♥

(12.22.09 @ 07:07 AM)
Auntie Nicole:

These are adorable! I can't wait to see more..he is sooo cute ♥

(12.22.09 @ 07:07 AM)
Crystal-lee:

I just want to pinch his little cheeks.

(01.23.10 @ 12:40 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Ryder . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/68
December 14, 2009 // my life
My family celebrates Hanukkah, I grew up lighting the Menorah each year, never feeling like I was missing out when my friends were decorating trees or receiving stockings - for me, Hanukkah shined brightly enough. 

Now, as John is Mr. Christmas I have both celebrations in my home. But it is Hanukkah that stirs my heart, it makes me feel connected to family even if I am not with them, reminds me of the many blessings of my childhood and brings my focus to the power of hope.

The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, also known as the festival of lights, is a holiday of hope. For eight nights we light the Menorah, each night adding a candle. The ritual is a reminder of a time when Jews were told to worship false gods and despite all odds were victorious when they stood up to their oppressors and fought for their beliefs and freedom. At the end of the rebellion a small bit of oil was found in the desecrated synagogue , just enough to oil to light the Menorah for one night but the oil lasted eight nights.

I just arrived home from Whistler where I celebrated with family. This morning I sat down to look through my emails and peruse through our local newspaper. I was honestly feeling a bit stressed with all I have to do and everything happening around town but then I was hit with a different feeling.

Hope

It is hard not to be struck mby all the support and encouragement for all the non-profit efforts that happen in this town.  This town shines very brightly.

From me and my family, thank you for your support of the Cans for Comments - we are looking forward to our Can shopping trip.

menorah.jpg 
and in the spirit of giving -


Planet Kids is offering 25% off any gifts purchased for the Santa's Workshop and is a drop-spot for any donations. High five for Planet Kids. Donations for Santa's Workshop wrap up on the 17th.
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CANS FOR COMMENTS CONTINUE - Each comment left = a can for the foodbank

When I photographed a day in the life session for Sam and Timothy, Timothy was just a little bean in a blanket, so it was really all about Sam. But now that Timothy is on the scene, Sam has a little competition in the charisma category.They will both steal your heart with their sideways sneaky warm smile.
I had such a good time photographing them and mom and dad being so laid back just made the session flow so smoothly.

 The session was mainly about Timothy and his first birthday. I love this shot - it
is definitely a new fave.

sterk028.jpg

and I couldn't resist getting a few images of Sam.

sterk050.jpg

These children are SO loved and it such a privilege to be documenting their life.





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Lisa:

I love that shot. He looks so cute in the chair. Big brother is he happiest looking kid too! That's a great laugh!

(12.08.09 @ 03:06 PM)
Emma Payton:

What great kids these 2 are!

(12.08.09 @ 07:43 PM)
Lindsay:

Wicked shots as always....

(12.08.09 @ 09:05 PM)
Nicole:

beautiful photos....and what a great job of catching Sam's mischief as he always has plenty to share!!

(12.08.09 @ 09:48 PM)
Bevin:

These are awesome. LOVE that chair.

(12.09.09 @ 09:08 PM)
Erin Wallis:

ummm, teeny person in big yellow chair in a splash of light with darkness everywhere else. perfect!

(12.10.09 @ 11:51 PM)
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December 5, 2009 // portraits
I felt like a bit of a goof. I was all pumped for Kelly and Jason's session, fresh, creative and good to go.

Until

I got to the studio and the door wouldn't open.

Seriously.

Lame.

Thank you cell phone for existing so I could call them and tell them (gulp) I was locked out of my studio. Thank you mobile lock guy who came and fixed it. Thank you Kelly and Jason for being awesome about re-scheduling and THANK YOU sunshine that came out on our rescheduled shoot, making me look like it was all meant to be.

We started inside with some intimate maternity portraits, and some with a little less skin -

roloff049.jpg

and then we did a last minute run outside, I can't decide between these two but the fact that there is a rainbow above Kelly seems very right to me.

roloff061.jpg

roloff055.jpg


Thanks to Kelly and Jason for being so fun and so gorgeous! I can't wait to meet your little bambino.

and THANK YOU blog readers for pressing the +COMMENT button below as each comment  = a can to the food bank.

Phew, you are probably thankful that I am done typing.
 



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The Honeysetts:

Kelly & Rolly... CONGRATS! These pics are gorgeous! You have that 'glow' about you, Kelly! Wishing you all the best, Michelle & Greg

(12.05.09 @ 07:09 PM)
Rhonda:

Great photos. Can't wait to see the little one too :)

(12.05.09 @ 07:11 PM)
Kelly:

Thanks for the sneak peek Karen! We had so much fun and thank-goodness for the lock-out or the cool bike pics wouldn't have happened! Good luck on your 'Comments for Cans'!

(12.05.09 @ 07:55 PM)
JennZahavich:

You must have an "in" with the sky gods because they certainly love to perform for you. Beautiful as always.

(12.05.09 @ 08:05 PM)
Bevin:

These are gorgeous. Love the bike shots and that sky is just perfect.

(12.06.09 @ 09:49 AM)
JoAnne:

The third one is totally Kelly ... even the look on her face. Beautiful pictures Karen!

(12.06.09 @ 11:38 PM)
Christine:

I have to admit, I had my own sneak peek when Karen got back from her shoot with you two and actually gasped at this last one! Oh goodness, the bike, the sky, the belly, the beautiful girl...what more could a photo ask for? Congratulations, Kelly and Jason! Looking forward to seeing you again!

(12.07.09 @ 02:53 PM)
Neesja:

gorgeous! What an awesome shoot. Congrats to Kelly & Rolly!

(12.07.09 @ 05:06 PM)
Jennifer Dodd:

amazing shots!!

(12.08.09 @ 05:17 PM)
Kelly:

Thanks for all the Congrats and kind words everyone! Just got to see the online album...Karen, you are amazing! There are a couple of Jason and I outside that I just adore! Looking forward to Tuesday...

(12.09.09 @ 12:14 PM)
Karen McKinnon :

Thanks so much Kelly, so glad you loved them all

(12.10.09 @ 10:38 AM)
Pib :

Nice shots Karen & great idea with the cans for comments. See you soon.Pib

(12.10.09 @ 04:21 PM)
twyla:

I love the bike photos! Sounds like the lockout was a good thing. Kelly - you are as gorgeous as ever!

(12.13.09 @ 05:38 PM)
Phebe:

WOW! I LOVE THESE PICTURES!!! Kelly, you look soooooo gorgeous. I think the KELLROLL baby is going to be a stunner.

(12.13.09 @ 10:52 PM)
Karen :

Kelly and Jason, there are so many people excited to meet this baby - add me to that list. I adored photographing you both and am SO looking forward to our next meeting.

(12.14.09 @ 07:52 PM)
amanda:

wow, ok so I gott ask, how do you get the sky to look like that is that real or are you just damn fortunate. A great photographer controls all the elements, but not nature... nice work Karen!

(12.22.09 @ 06:06 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Kelly + Jason . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/65