For the last four years I have had the honor of creating stories for some pretty special brave people.
Each year I spend some time at Children's Hospital working with local families, for whome the hospital unfortunately becomes part of their life. These families are heroes, heroes for their little people. I typically fall in love with them, their openess, their grace and gratitude.
One of these families was Kai's. This slide show was presented last year at the YANA (You are not Alone) Annual Fundraising Auction. YANA is a non-profit society providing financial assistance to families in the Comox Valley whose children must be moved from the valley for medical care.
I also always donate to the auction. This year we have two items, a portrait session (value $165) and A Bella (our version of boudoir) session for two, including professional makeup application and your photos afterwards. This has a value of $600 and would be great to split with a friend.
So if you have been thinking of one of these sessions, and you are going to be there, keep in mind if you bid on me, I promise to add a little extra awesomeness to your experience and you are donating to a charity!
I just finished up this years slideshow, and here is last years. I recommend turning your volume up to enjoy the lovely Helen Austin's music that goes with it.
YANA 2010 - Kai's Story from karen mckinnon on Vimeo.
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Y.A.N.A Auction donation and Kai's Brave Fight
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I don't tend to blog many Bella Sessions, often they are surprises and usually they are not for everyone's eyes.
I shot a Bella session for my friend and longtime (so very appreciated) client Dhea and asked her if I could share one of her 'not so private' images.
She truly is the definition of beauty...in so many ways....
We have two more spots left for our Bella "You're a 10" Celebration. As a bonus, if you book your session this month (it can be photographed between now and March 11) you receive a complimentary wall portrait, manicure from Roots and an OPI nail polish, as well as all the usual goodness that comes with a Bella Session. Give us a call for more information.
I can absolutely, 100%, hands-down, pinkie-promise, that you will not regret having a Bella Session!
I shot a Bella session for my friend and longtime (so very appreciated) client Dhea and asked her if I could share one of her 'not so private' images.
She truly is the definition of beauty...in so many ways....
We have two more spots left for our Bella "You're a 10" Celebration. As a bonus, if you book your session this month (it can be photographed between now and March 11) you receive a complimentary wall portrait, manicure from Roots and an OPI nail polish, as well as all the usual goodness that comes with a Bella Session. Give us a call for more information.
I can absolutely, 100%, hands-down, pinkie-promise, that you will not regret having a Bella Session!
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Dhea is oh... so Bella
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If you have been following the blog and facebook you know it's a big year around here. Yes, I am celebrating 10 years of being able to follow my passion here in the Comox Valley. For the next ten months, each month, we will unroll something special.
- professional makeup application
- one hour session
- a CD of 8 retouched high-resolution images of YOU!
- a framed mini-wall print $487
and your roots party favor is ...... run that drum role please.... a complimentary mini-manicure at the time of your makeup application and an OPI nailpolish.
This is a phenomenal value and makes an amazing gift for yourself and a Valentine for your sweetie! Thanks for celebrating with us.
- professional makeup application
- one hour session
- a CD of 8 retouched high-resolution images of YOU!
- a framed mini-wall print $487
and your roots party favor is ...... run that drum role please.... a complimentary mini-manicure at the time of your makeup application and an OPI nailpolish.
This is a phenomenal value and makes an amazing gift for yourself and a Valentine for your sweetie! Thanks for celebrating with us.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
You are a 10 - Our first Celebration, Bella Sessions
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Phebe:
Leon just said "When are they having a Bella for Men?"
GREAT pics.
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)
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The final bella-palooza post
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Shar, a classic beauty, who smiles so sweetly, shares so easily and manages to be both a calming presence and an energizing one
Sherry - a true original, always a straight shooter, always questioning, always honest, and always stealing your intention with those incredible eyes
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.
One more post to come....
Sherry - a true original, always a straight shooter, always questioning, always honest, and always stealing your intention with those incredible eyes
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.
One more post to come....
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
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Wow Karen, this is just beautiful! What a touching video and a beautiful charity!! :)
(02.22.11 @ 10:58 AM)Karen....wow...that was so amazing. Talk about bringing tears to one's eyes...especially after we just enjoyed seeing Kai and his Mom at diaper gym this morning, and have enjoyed watching Kai growing while we shared various play groups and music classes! Kai is such an amazing little guy, and just lights up the room! Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you do to such essential groups like YANA. You are so amazing Karen!
(02.22.11 @ 11:36 AM)This video still makes me cry every time. Thank you Karen for capturing our experience and the happiness that Kai brings us. We are so fortunate.
(02.28.11 @ 10:10 AM)