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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Phebe - any one who knows Phebe knows unique would be one of the top words to describe her. She is a true original,  she is intriguing and full of layers. She simply is just a beautiful person, who knows who she is.

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Joanne is one of my oldest Comox Valley friends and for that I am fortunate, and she also is one of my wedding assistants, and for that my bride and groom's are fortunate.  Joanne is funny, she has fantastic timing, and she is so real, that being around her a breath of fresh air and addictive. Whenever I spend time with her, I just want more of her. She is a teacher, a giver, and a great beautiful friend.

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Marieke is brave, she is a city girl who has found her way in the small town. I don't think she does anything half way, from exercising, to her work to being an amazing mama. She is brave and inspiring.

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Caieta, a friend of Phebe's, was a new face in the group - way to Caieta! She jumped right in and brought a really fun energy to the night. Her laugh and humour kept us in stitches. Thanks Caieta, you have so much style and life.

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Phebe:

Leon just said "When are they having a Bella for Men?"
GREAT pics.

(06.22.10 @ 07:01 PM)
Karen M:

Tell Leon it's called a dude-oudoir session and we would be happy to set him up with his own special experience ;)

(06.22.10 @ 09:14 PM)
bevin:

lovely ladies. lovely photos.

(06.22.10 @ 10:41 PM)
Carol :

wow, gorgeous women

(06.23.10 @ 08:45 AM)
christine:

Gorgeous, ladies! I knew these photos would reflect the incredible qualities you all possess. This was an absolutely amazing night, thank you all again!

(06.23.10 @ 09:12 AM)
Lucy Slater:

Phebe!!! You look gorgeous!!!!! Not that you don't look gorgeous everyday but that is stunning!!!!!

(06.23.10 @ 02:47 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: The final bella-palooza post . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/163
Shar, a classic beauty, who smiles so sweetly, shares so easily and manages to be both a calming presence and an energizing one

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Sherry - a true original, always a straight shooter, always questioning, always honest, and always stealing your intention with those incredible eyes

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Kristina, was a suprise, she is unquestionably gorgeous and so very pretty. Fierce, though, is not the word I thought I would use to describe her, I would have thought I might use the word grace. Yet, when she stood in front of the camera, fierce she was. Now, it makes sense to me and I can see it. Kristina is who you want in your corner in life. She is smart, caring, and not one to settle, one of my favorite traits in.

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One more post to come....

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bevin:

Gorgeous!

(06.21.10 @ 01:21 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: More Bella-palooza, 13 woman, one night . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/162
June 20, 2010 // bella / my life / news
Just saw this in the beef and bouquet section of the paper and feel a bit shy about sharing but am also kind of beaming at how fortunate I am (and know this will make my mom proud when she trolls the blog.)


"NO WORDS TO EXPRESS how absolutely incredible Karen McKinnon and her assistant Christine Morgan are. Thirteen ladies won the bid on a Karen McKinnon photography session at this year's YANA auction. She suggested that we do a Bella Session. This is a large number of women to handle for a single night of photography, but Karen didn't cut a single corner when handling each one of us. It was 7 solid hours of shooting. She photographed each of us with enthusiasm, creativity, and love. YANA is so fortunate to have such a generous spirit on board, and all of us ladies were so fortunate to have had a rich, meaningful, and fun night at Karen's studio. The topper? We all have BEAUTIFUL photographs! We love you Karen."

 I love creating meaningful images and through it I really meet amazing people such as yourselves. That combo encourages me to do always do my best and for that I am the one that is grateful. 

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gina k:

Thats so nice!!!

(06.20.10 @ 08:03 PM)
christine:

Yah, you pretty much rock. I am always so proud to walk into work and know that I get to share in all the amazing things that you do, and I know Sharron feels incredibly fortunate to be the mother to such a caring soul.

(06.21.10 @ 03:16 PM)
Leigh Carter:

Wondering whether there are any 'chicks that click' courses planned for 2010. I've heard they're pretty darned great!

(06.22.10 @ 12:49 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Mom, read this . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/161
June 15, 2010 // bella

Here are more images from the epic Bella Party.

Mel, our leader, without her we wouldn't ever see each other so I had to blog two photos of her.
Thanks Mel, for making us happen.

Mel's eyes are full of  stories and sincerity, it is like she has lived way longer than her years - she is timeless. I am confident Mel could live anywhere, in any era and she would make it her home, she would fit right in, find her tribe andshe would live her life fully and make a difference. Mel, this photo has so much in it that I adore about you.

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Marcie, whose laugh could take away your bad day in moments and then she would follow it up by saying something wise, (Marcie, why don't I have you on speed-dial?)

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Sarah, at home fishing in gumboots or diva'ing it up. That is when she isn't cooking, growing food, teaching, crafting, reading or sewing.

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jenn Zahavich:

Holy Hottness, ooozing out of these ladies. xoxoxo

(06.15.10 @ 05:39 PM)
gina k:

ohhhh i love love the second one! beautiful!

(06.15.10 @ 06:51 PM)
Eileen :

Amazing photos! Wow!

(06.15.10 @ 09:31 PM)
Kristina :

Wow! Wow! Wow!!! Love them all!!! Can't wait to see the rest!!!!

(06.15.10 @ 10:48 PM)
Anonymous:

Wow! Wow! Wow! Beautiful! Can't wait to see the rest!!!

(06.15.10 @ 10:49 PM)
bevin:

Absolutely gorgeous. Karen you captured the beauty inside and outside such amazing women. We really are lucky to have them as friends.

(06.16.10 @ 12:54 PM)
Anonymous:

marcie you're SO gorgeous!

(06.17.10 @ 04:44 PM)
Amy:

Karen, I always love looking at your blog. Great work with these beauties!!

(06.18.10 @ 08:08 PM)
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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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