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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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)
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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?)

bellla06740.jpg 
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.

bellla06403.jpg

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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.



MothersDayMakeover-1.jpg

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Okay, well it was already a pretty good day, but when Arlene and I connected for her session it got a whole lot sweeter.
Arlene came in for a BELLA SESSION, which was a gift from a family member. I am so excited about these type of sessions, moms are often the least photographed person in the family, and it drives me crazy that women don't have photos of themselves. I have been photographing all types of women and all types of BELLA SESSIONS - and I am buzzed about it!

Arlene shone throughout her whole session, she is absolutely stunning,and stylish to boot! Half way through the session her hubby joined us for some photos - but I wanted to make this post all about her.

She has such a stunning relaxed way about herself, she laughs and smiles easily, and it is contagious.
Thanks Arlene, for being the icing on a fabulous day - you are gorgeous!

alrene.jpg




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Carol:

Beautiful Photos - what a nice thing for her to have

(04.26.10 @ 02:02 PM)
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One more to share - D is just an absolute beauty. Her sister has been a client and friend so I had heard all about D for years. It was lovely that she was able to come into the studio while she was visiting from out of town.
I hope it added to your feeling of holiday!

Bella033.JPG

sdjfa;
Bella035.JPG


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