McKinnon PhotoBlog

Sam, Liam and Alexis - a colourful night in black and white

September 20, 2011 // news / portraits

Sam had been planning for a year for a session with her lovely side-kicks Liam and Alexis, and her patience paid off as we were given a stunning late summer warm light evening.

This top shot looks amazing in color, really it does, there are warm tones streaming in through the trees, but then, something about the black and white really caught my attention - there is such a range of texture and it brings my eye right into the moment - I really fell for it.

I had such a lovely time with you three, thank you for your grace and beauty !

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Sam Greeley:

WOW. I can already see my patience paid off. Thank you Karen for taking a picture of this very special time in our lives. You were GREAT with the kids and obviously have an eye for a fantastic moment. Thank you again. Sam

(09.20.11 @ 10:39 PM)

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Gina and Clan

September 10, 2011 // news / portraits

I first met Gina and Brock when I photographed their wedding and now Gina and her family now make their home in Calgary where Gina coincidentally works with a friend of mine from photo school, Dana Bowes Photography - such a small world.

Each summer when she is back visiting I am fortunate to have her come and assist me on a wedding. I always look forward to this little catch up of talking shop, family, marriage and dreams. This year we managed to squeeze a little family session in with her, Brock, Ella and Oliver. Ella was her usual outgoing free spirited charming self, and Oliver was a pensive stunner, and well Gina and Brock - they are a seriously handsome, stylish couple!

http://www.bowesphotography.ca/blog/

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Gina :

Karen I have NO idea how I missed this email that these were on here! I LOVE THEM!!!! Oh my gosh I love them!!

(10.25.11 @ 11:35 AM)

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Purpose + Persistance

August 21, 2011 // news

I know many of you are reading this right now -

Thankfully, for some giving up isn't an option - Karen

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Jennifer Dodd:

Love it!

(08.21.11 @ 09:13 AM)

sandy lipovsky:

This book is really good--lots to think about. I loved the author's final comment above, 'nobody told me to stop. I just kept going until somebody said yes.'

(08.21.11 @ 10:50 AM)

Jeannie Stewart:

Loved the book but love this passage the best.

(09.15.11 @ 11:32 PM)

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Out of here - ticking off the bucket list

August 6, 2011 // my life / news

I am living the dream, it is exactly what I always wanted. To enjoy the beauty of my life, the people in it and to document it with my camera. I am a goal setter, so getting here wasn't by accident, I have had one year, five year and ten year plans - yes I am an A type personality, yes, I write my goals down, it seems to land me in places I had always dreamed of and for that I am so thankful, I carry gratitude with me always and I am regularly dumbfound that I should be so fortunate.

Sometimes when you are loving what you are living, you can get so caught up in the day to day that you can forget to step back and look at it from different perspectives. I am the type of person who likes to step back and check in with myself - even when all is well.

When a family member became ill last year it sent me for a bit of a twirl. I also lost a good friend last year. I always live life like it is fleeting, but every once and a while the notion that we are only here for a short time really smacks you over the head.

One of my dreams for the last three years has been to spend a month on Hornby Island, where my mom and step-dad live. As my daughter got older and I became a step-mom this seemed increasingly farther out of my reach. I always imagined doing it in the winter when photographing isn't quite as busy, however as our kids lives have grown busier this just didn't seem possible. Then John, my wonderful other half, looked at it from a different perspective and suggested I go in the summer. Eeek - during my super busy season? Yes. I thought there is no way I could go in August, there were so many obstacles - the cost of Hornby in the summer, work, work work. I was full of reasons why it wouldn't work, for about five minutes that is. Then off I was to google finding a little Hornby Cabin down the road from my moms.

So today we head to our Hornby shack for a month. It will just be me and my daughter, John is working, my other daughters are away visiting family.

We are going to stay up late, sleep in, wake up in the morning with no plan, we will ride our bikes, help my mom in her garden, do art, hit the beach. In order to achieve the life I want and pursue all my interests and friendships my life is so highly scheduled - this month will not be.

I will just BE.

I am not abandoning my post here entirely. I will be travelling off Hornby each weekends to photograph a wedding and limited portraits. I would like to give a huge thank you to Christine, (my office wife/diva/manager/friend/left-over-sharer/stabilizer,) as she will be in the office three to four days a week and will be taking care of all your needs and relaying them to me.

I hope you have some quiet moments and perhaps I will see you on the beaches of Little Tribune. You might see me on the blog or on facebeook or you might not, that's part of the plan to have no plan, we'll see what happens, I might find that I miss writing and sharing or I might just be unplugged.

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April B:

Sounds heavenly Karen! Enjoy!

(08.07.11 @ 10:35 AM)

Keltie:

Have a wonderful month, I can't wait to hear of your adventures when you return!!!

(08.07.11 @ 04:21 PM)

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Libations + Bacon

July 19, 2011 // 30 day local food challenge / news

So after my lovely evening at the Atlas Cafe I was apparently just starting to get on a roll for a weekend of dining and beverages.

Friday night saw me at the Black Fin pub, watching the weather storm over the ocean, while I sat back and enjoyed a meal with my friend Kathy. What does that have to do with anything you may be wondering? Well it is just a segway to share some exciting foodie news. Kathy, is well known as being the magician behind Tria Culinary Studio, a very special and tasty place. If you are looking for an amazing evening out take part in her Full Moon Feasts, Cooking Classes or do what me and some friends did, book a private party. Kathy also keeps our tastebuds happy with her gourmet crepes at the Saturday Farmer's Market. Now, because she cares about us, or is just insane, she is taking on a third venture. Cathy will be opening Tria Take Away mid August in the lunch/counter space in the Butchers Block on 4th Ave, just down the street from my studio. You can follow Kathy on her Facebook page.

Now Sunday, after a very chill day with the family I headed out to The Old House Restaurant and 30 day Local Food Challenge Cocktail Competition. Bartenders from The Old House, Atlas, Flying Canoe West Coast Pub, Go Mango, Locals, Avalanche, Mad Chef Cafe, Kingfisher and Fluid whipped up some locally inspired bevies. Chocolate, cotton candy, cucumber, lavender, and even pepperoni and bacon made an appearance. There were some pretty inspired beverages. The Old House will be posting a link to the recipes in the next few days, so check them out on Facebook to catch them.

1st place went to Andre at Atlas for his King of the Blues

2nd place to Benny from Fluid for his Big Ass Ceaser

Peoples Choice went to Devin from Avalance for his Chocolate Buzz

I can now tell you first-hand that bacon, local bacon that is, in a caesar is actually pretty darn delicious and that we have some serious creative cocktail creators in these parts.

You can see more photos on my Facebook page

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Mackenzie:

Yum... I will take one of each! :)

(07.19.11 @ 03:37 PM)

Amanda:

So glad you could be there Karen. Amazing photos as always, thanks for sharing!

(07.19.11 @ 09:52 PM)

Dave Prothero:

Nice details. Great feeling for the event. Thanks for sharing

(07.20.11 @ 12:24 AM)

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