McKinnon PhotoBlog

February 1, 2012 // my life / news

I am SO EXCITED to announce my new logo. My old one, for ten years has served me well. However, with my studio being such a great expression of my style, I realized my logo didn't express ME. I decided that it was time to have a logo that conveyed the excitement and sense of celebration that connects me to my work.

Drum role please.....

The logo is going to be integrated slowly. Originally I was going to launch it everywhere, the blog, my website, business cards, studio signage all at once. Then I realized how challenging and all consuming that would be, and I am SO OVER being stressed out, that was sooo Karen circa 2008.

A huge thank you to the crew over at Better Mousetrap Marketing who designed the logo for me. They really did an amazing job of capturing what I envisioned, which was something playful, fresh, unique and professional. The process was seamless and quite fun.

3 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Keltie:

Looks great Karen!!

(02.01.12 @ 01:15 PM)

Gillian:

Love it!!! So much more you :) Can't wait to see it everywhere,

(02.01.12 @ 03:26 PM)

sarah leakey:

yup totally you my friend! xo

(02.03.12 @ 05:54 PM)

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How to sum up a weekend like that... the Boudoir Marathon

January 23, 2012 // bella / news

I feel emotional, it is what happens when you have a weekend that you knew would be fabulous, but then totally exceeds your expectations. It happens when you are surrounded by inspirational women.

Leading up to the Boudoir Marathon I felt a great sense of calm, until Friday, when the vibe around here was one of getting ready for a grand party. Jen, Christine and I arrived at the Kingfisher - with snow coming down outside it was sweet and cozy. We set up our makeup area, the cocktails and got the music rolling - oh and the little giftbags with homemade cupcakes courtesy of our dear friend Rhonda, (who some of you might remember from when she worked for me.) The shooting room was perfection, lots of room for our lighting, a private change area and and beautiful natural light. When the first person arrived we were giddy! The afternoon passed in a blur.. of beauty.

Saturday morning we did a little tweaking of our make-up area, and other than that were ready to roll. Nature brought us something a little different then the day before, sun streamed through the windows as women of all ages and sizes arrived nervous and excited. They left beaming and some even teary eyed, feeling proud for loving and embracing themselves. I truly thing each person gave me goosebumps.

Sunday, it stormed and it poured, which set such a warm welcoming atmosphere. We were expecting a power outage like much of the island, but no such luck, we were actually a little disappointed as we felt proud of ourselves for being prepared for one, as we brought back up studio power. On Sunday we laughed and laughed, often at ourselves, but also at all the funny stories people shared. It really did feel like a party.

I think I can speak for both Jen and I when I say it was a moving weekend. I honestly cried about six times - you all have so much to offer and were shining so brightly.

It was beautiful.

I feel inspired by all the woman I photographed. When creating these photos, of course it is about the images, but just as much, it is about the experience and the process of accepting and loving yourself.

Thank you for coming and thank you to all of you who helped spread the word. Over the next few months look for some news regarding our boudoir sessions.

I just opened my email in box, and I a moved by your kind sweet words. Thank you for affirming my passion.....

I would like to share a few of the emails that are filling my heart right now -

From M:

I have been struggling to find the words to express my appreciation to you. I have written and deleted several facebook posts and emails because my words just cannot do my feelings justice!!!
Thank you <3 Thank you <3 Thank you for giving of yourself to create such a memorable experience in an incredibly safe, trusting environment. I cannot wait to see your creations and it brings tears to my eyes to think about the other women sharing this experience as they too experience their beauty unveiled. Thank you to Jennifer...I can't wait to see what her artistic perspective reveals. Thank you to Crystal for (in a very short time) working her makeup magic in a way that respected and reflected what was important to me. Thank you to Christine for helping me with scheduling so I was able to be there. *Lump in throat*Eyes welled up*

From W:

Great day yesterday as I'm sure your whole weekend was - it really added to the whole atmosphere having such a wild, blustery day. You're amazing and I loved your comment on FB "Boudoir Marathon done - finish line crossed - and I feel like I won!". You & Jen are such a wonderful team, professional, yet relaxed & fun - awesome !

From C:

It was such a liberating and, not to mention amazingly fun, experience with the two of you today. With Rachelle's expert hand for the ultimate make-up, it was a perfect way for D and I to have a girl's day together. Kudos to all of you for putting it all together, I'll never forget today.

From P:

The smirk has carried over to today! Absolutely wonderful experience...Crystal and Jen are both lovely...you all put me at ease and it was a pretty darn relaxing, special experience. I felt like an adored and celebrated model in some kind of fantasy (and that happiness and feeling of power has spilled over into real life).Thank you!

Very happy to hear you have some fave pics from the shoot. You and Jen both gave good direction :) and the makeup...oh wow...the makeup...now, that was a bit of a stretch. It was all a stretch but a good one! Thank you!

From J:

I just wanted to thank both you and Jen for the amazing day. You were both so encouraging, and fun. I was so so nervous..but you both put me at ease pretty quickly. It was an emotional day for me. While it was tough initially to be so vulnerable, I ended up feeling really empowered and beautiful. This experience is truly special - as are you and your team! Oh...and I gobbled up my cupcake on the drive back to Campbell River. It was amazing- thank you! Now I just have to be patient...I started to panic this afternoon, worrying about my pictures. But now I am revelling in the day...confident that I will have some damn sexy pictures for my wonderful husband and I. Blessings to to Karen. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

And a few more thank you's...

To the fabulous Kingfisher. When I first approached them they blew me away with their enthusiasm and as I planned it their support was unwaivering. Throughout the weekend they were so attentive to any needs we add. The only problem is now I always want to stay in in the fanciest room at a hotel - I am already planning a get away back to the room we used.

To Tamara from Purely Flowers for the beautiful fresh flowers.

Our amazing make-up artists who understand my vision so perfectly and set the stage for a great shoot. Crystal-Lee from Roots the Salon and Richelle Newsom who came from Vancouver (and is available for make-up on the Island.)

My dear friend Rhonda for the yummy cupcakes.

And to my cohort Jennifer Dodd - I am so fortunate to have a photographer friend that can read their mind, put up with my verbal processing, and take such beautiful photos. I am so thrilled that Jen will be taking on an associate photographer role for any of our Boudoir events. xoxox

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Photo of the week

January 9, 2012 // my life / news

At some point last year it was suggested to me that I share a photo of the week. I didn't go for it because I don't like to be tied down in that way. However I realized a photo of the week doesn't have to be every week, I can set the rules here!

This morning. Kids running outside of the school.

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"These people are our sisters & our brothers" Charity Choice Announcment

January 1, 2012 // giving back / my life / news

I always want to buck the trend and not give into the reset that the date of January 1st gives us, I am a bit cynical about it. Perhaps it was years of bartnending on New Years Eve. I tend to set my resolutions on my birthday - but really why is setting it on my birthday so much better than joining the swell of enthusiasm that January 1st has behind it? This year I am owning my hypocrisy and embracing the beauty of resolutions - whether they succeed or fail they usually point you in a healthy direction.

- I will continue to take risks and embrace failure as a sign that I tried. Further to that, I will be bolder in making big decisions.

- I will learn something new (oohhh.. I am excited about this one, as the wheels,okay two sets of wheels, are already in motion.)

- I will find a new way to make a difference.

I don't know if it counts as cheating if the third point as already been started. As part of my Ten Years of Celebration I called for nominations for a charity that would benefit from professional photography. For five years I have been very active in helping Y.A.N.A. share the stories behind their efforts and I feel that I have room to do the same for another charity.

I thank everyone who nominated a charity. One however jumped out. Not only was it nominated three times, however, it is something that strikes a chord for me and my family.

I am excited to announce that I have chosen Dawn to Dawn, Action on Homeless Society.

For many years I lived on the outskirts of the Downtown Vancouver Eastside. Many of my friends chose to work in the assistat living facilities in the area. They were working with a wide spectrum of needs, dealing with drug addiction, to abuse, to helping those fighting the final stages of AIDS live with dignity. They were helping those that could transition to a better life, and providing support to those that wouldn't. No matter the direction, I was moved by what a difference their kindness could make. From what I know of the those involved in Dawn to Dawn, their heart is right there - not making assumptions, not discriminating, just helping.

I have always lived by the philosophy, never say never, and always do unto others as you wish them to do unto you. I see someone on the street and I know they have a story, people they love and those whose lives they have left their footprints on. They could be me. I could be them.

My family was strongly behind the choice of Dawn to Dawn. My daughters have recently become more aware of the homeless and some of their school peers whose parents struggle to provide a lunch for them every day. Two of our daughters has even recently begun campaigning to spend a few days on the street and see what it feels like. Another daughter has been strongly asserting a desire to help at the Food Bank. I look forward to further breaking down the barriers between them, and those whose lives have taken a different path.

I don't know what my work with Dawn to Dawn will result in or what direction it will take. However I am so honored to find out.

Of the three nominations for this charity I thought I would share this one.

Respect, dignity, warmth, shelter, health... these aren't the items that you would find on a typical Christmas wish list. These words shouldn't express wishes at all... these words describe basic human need. There are people in our own community who find these basic human needs out of reach. Homelessness lives right here in our community. Dawn to Dawn was created to address the needs of the homeless population in the Comox Valley. Dawn to Dawn offers two services; a residential program that provides accommodation in market housing and a mobile medical clinic that that offers care to those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness in the Comox Valley. A total of 33 volunteers: 13 nurses, 5 doctors, 3 dentists, 2 pharmacists and 1 optometrist donate their professional skills side by side with a group of dedicated volunteer outreach drivers.

After discussion with Helen Boyd from Dawn to Dawn I respectfully submit Dawn to Dawn as a nominee for the Christmas Charity promotion through McKinnon Photography. I think that there is immense value in giving a face to homelessness in our community. I would like to see Karen work together with this compassionate group of volunteers to help bring an element of realism to the issue of homelessness in the Comox Valley. Homelessness isn't a glamorous issue...but it is a very real issue. It is a very worthy issue... because there is worth in every life. It is an issue that touches the lives of a very vulnerable population. I believe that all people have a story, a history, a past and I believe that it is important to embrace the opportunity to offer a hand up towards a future to those who need it most. I believe that Dawn to Dawn has identified a need and they are a charity in action. Dawn to Dawn is 'doing' in our community. If selected, Dawn to Dawn would like to work with Karen to respectfully share the story of homelessness in the Comox Valley while preserving the anonymity of the population they serve.

"These people are our sisters and our brothers. The right thing to do is to help them reclaim their lives and their autonomy. There is so much left to be done in regards to the issue of homelessness in our community. Photography is a strong medium that bares witness in a very privileged manner to our universal need to be seen and heard." (Helen Boyd - Coordinator CARE-A-VAN Program Dawn to Dawn: Action on Homelessness Society)

Submitted by: A.B.

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Roxanna Mandryk:

What a wonderful choice. Good for you, Karen, for offering to do this and all the best for you and Dawn to Dawn to create something really special.

(01.01.12 @ 10:27 PM)

Tasha J:

Karen, I am thrilled to see you have picked such a great organization to contribute to. I have no doubt that the work you do with them will make a positive impact on the individuals Dawn to Dawn serves while preserving the dignity and respect they so deserve.

(01.06.12 @ 09:32 AM)

Karen McKinnon:

Thanks Tasha and Roxanne

(01.07.12 @ 06:16 AM)

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2011, I am not ready to say goodbye

December 31, 2011 // my life / news / portraits

2012 is coming,

But first, let's kiss 2011 goodbye. 2011 took all that I had to offer, and put it to good use. You tested my strength, pushed my creativity, challenged my assumptions and reminded me about the importance of intuition.

It feels hard to see this year go, it meant so much to me. 2011 planted some beautiful strong seeds, and I promise not to waste them and will grow them into 2012.

This year gave me so much to see, feel and experience that I don't feel quite ready to say goodbye.

A bit about my year:

- John, Rowan, Gabby, Maggie, Selah and I had our first family holiday. We spent a week in Mexico on a Make A Wish Foundation trip celebrating Maggie beating Leukaemia. It was an exciting trip for us, as a large family we don't travel together often. To do so, and be there for such a fabulous reason was a abundant blessing.

- I lost a friend this year, as did many others in the passing of Jenn Zahavich. It was heartbreaking. What happened around her illness as the community embraced her and her family, was a thing of deep beauty. Just writing that compels me to pause . I can still feel it, and I can feel Jenn. Jenn's passing changed many. For me, it reduced my very fear of death and it also bonded me even more strongly to some amazing friend.

- This summer I took every weekday off in August. It doesn't sound like such a big deal does it? However, to walk away from all my office work, to turn down sessions - this was hard! I spent the month on Hornby, with family and without daily internet. It was bliss! It is already booked again for next year.

- In October John and I had our first holiday just the two of us. Granted it was a working holiday, as we went to Hawaii to photography Mikhaila and Greg's beautiful wedding. Still, it was our first time away together off the island. It showed me a taste of our future, when the kids are older and we can sneak off.

- In August John started his dream job. It has been a long road of school and it makes my heart soar to see him head every day to a job he loves.

- In November, we made a bold move and pulled our youngest daughter from school to begin homeschooling. It's what our intuition told us to do. I was scared. Really scared. I was concerned that the combination of work, homeschooling and everything else that life brings, would result in me being a failed homeschooler while turning into a nasty super stressed person. The opposite happened, it brought about this lovely sense of peace. As for messing up homeschooling, well, ask me in a few years.

- All of the above was tied together with a daily life of driving kids to dance, preparing dinner, coffee with friends, photographing and more. To me it is these elements that make the year. The little bits that we sometimes take for granted. I see them, and I feel them and am thankful to have such a lovely thread to pull it all together.

- This was my tenth year in photography in the Comox Valley. I remember days when I had just moved here, tearfully expressing my insecurity as to if I could make a life of photography in the Comox Valley work. Here I am, ten years later. So fulfilled professionally and overwhelmed with all this career has brought into my, and my families life. It has given me much more that I expected. Most notably a connection to many fun and loveable people.

- Our holiday season this year, where we celebrate Hanukah and Christmas was calm and restful. Definitely a sign of the kids getting older - which breaks my heart in many ways, but also thrills me to see them come further into their own. Bittersweet.

Bittersweet, I think that is the word to sum up our 2011.

Despite loving pulling out my professional camera gear, we tend to tote around the point and shoot and all use it - I treasure our "snapshots" here are few from this year:

In Mexico, with my good friend Jen Dodd at a conference, Rowan graduates from Grade 7, Hornby with Nana and Papa, Time at the famous Hornby Island Bakery, First Day of School, John and I have our first ever touristy toasting photo.

Wishing you a few days of joyful reflection on what the last 12 months has given you. xoxo

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