I am thankful. Everyday. I live a life of abundance, something many of us are aware of this time of year. This year though, I am thinking about you. You all play with me. You choose me to photograph what you love. You comment on my facebook page, you smile and say hello , your emails lift me up on down days. You are the web that allows me to grow, create, stretch and have meaning in my work. 

As I wrap up  Celebrating Ten years of photographing in what I am sure is one of the kindest communities in Canada (just try telling me otherwise,)  I can tell you that if the next ten bring me the interactions, the lessons and the laughter this one has I will double over with joy. With it will undoubtedly be the continued challenges, road-blocks, questions and self-doubt the last ten years has see me face and for that I will continue to be a better and wiser person.  I will continue to make decisions based on meaning and fun, and promise to always carry heart with my camera.

This town, this community, I love you. 

A significant part of what gives my work meaning is collaborating and supporting charity work.  It humbles me, it teaches me, it fills me up and hopefully passes some of that on. For the last ten years I have had the chance to work with numerous organizations as well as quietly give to individuals who needed a little something special.

Your support of my business has allowed me to make meaningful contribution to our community and live a life full of passion, while roll modelling for my children that both are possible.. The special events I have held monthly this year and the 12 Days of Christmas is just a small way for me to say thank you. 

Introducing Day 12, where my heart lies:

As my way of celebrating 10 years of photographing in the Comox Valley, all year, each month I have had a little special promo that has been offered through my blog. Dec 5th will see the give-aways and specials culminate with 12 days of celebrations. 

From Dec 5 to 17th, each day I will offer up something special. The offers are first come first serve and are limited to those that follow McKinnon Photography on facebook. 

What can you expect? 

Two for one portraits

Specials on prints for those that had sessions in 2011

A spot in the January Boudoir Marathon

A fabulous deal on Baby's First Year Collection

Specials on portrait gift certificates and more.....

Then, on the last day - it's the one that gets me really excited - 

I will be asking for nominations of a charity that would benefit from professional photography. I will work first with that charity to help them develop ideas on how professional photography can assist their goals, I will create the photos and  then see the project through to how they can use the images. During the last few years I have worked with numerous charities, most famously, You Are Not Alone (YANA) to help make the emotional connection for people on what they do. 

Please get your thinking caps on a charity that you are passionate about that would benefit. The charity must be in the Comox Valley area, and must be aware that you are nominating them - that's all - it's simple - then just email me at info@mckinnonphotography.com. 

The chosen charity will be announced at Christmas. 

All the details will be announced on 12th day of The 12 Days of Christmas, however, if you are impatient like me, please don't hold back on contacting us earlier. 

John and I have always felt strongly about supporting the education needs of our children, when it comes to both joyful and productive learning. When our youngest stopped showing interest in learning, it set of some alarms for us and with the support of our extended family, made the move to home learning. I am only in week two and it is heavenly.  I realize this could be a homeschooling honeymoon, however it flows so well with our life, I believe the bliss will last. I am doing office work early morning, my best time, and home schooling in the afternoon. This allows sessions to take place late afternoon and weekends - so far this schedule has worked phenomenal with bookings and the family. I feel overwhelmingly blessed to be able to make this choice. How many jobs allow you to do this? 

I am finding my entry into homeschooling, creative, eye-opening and full of love - I am loving watching my child learn and having the opportunity for her to teach me more about her and the way she works. 

On the work front I am excited about the fundraiser we are supporting at Planet Kids. We are gung-ho to help raise the awareness of the need for new toys for Santa's Workshop. Remember when you contribute you are entered to win the over $1000 portrait session and 

presentation items that I am going to be offering. 

I am also thrilled to report that most of my fall sessions HAVE NOT been rained out. I remember about three years ago when three weekends in a row hard rain forced the rescheduling of sessions. Sessions this year have even received some sun. 

I have also been busy working on some interesting and SEXY plans for next year. But.. this blog post is getting too long, and you probably have something you should be heading off to do, so  more on this next time. 

Their little one is coming into a family so grounded and excited - it is such a blessed child. 

Caila, you are stunning, your smile makes me smile, you wear pregnancy very well! That you both for coming out and playing with me. 

When Mikhaila and Greg first decided to get married in Hawaii, they looked around for a photographer there and didn't find anything that excited and suited them, so I was thrilled when they called to see if I could make my way there to capture their "I Do's"

Before I tell you about the wedding, I have to shout a public display of apprection. Greg and Mikhaila, seriously you two? Could a photographer have two people that are better to work with? I am one lucky gal.  You  are laid back, but enthusiastic at the same time. You are assertive, yet super chillled. You are grounded, yet super fun and funny. You are so easy to be around and so beautiful to photograph. Thank you. 

- The Huska and Lamb family as a whole, you treated John and I so kindly. Even though we were there to photograph I felt like you were hosting us. I am so appreciative of the time we had getting to know each other more and am excited to see you all again! Your families are full of grace and kindness. Thank you. 

Mikhaila and Greg met with me before the ceremony to create their photos and we played throughout the town of Lahaina. These two are stunning and easy in front of the camera and despite some serious heat were relaxed the whole time. After photos we headed to the Sheraton Maui for an intimate wedding on the beach that was filled with laughter and Hawaiin style. We followed the ceremony with some more photos, to capture the warm sunset and then it was off to dinner with family. The whole day went smoothly and beautifully! Mikhaila and Greg, you two are a stunning couple!