When I went to blog about Kristen and Mikhail, Christine started talking about how much they mean to her.. so we thought we would have her jump in and write the blog post.
Kristen and Mikhail have become such good friends to Steve and me, and their daughter Brielle is Anaia's best friend. The girls go to the same daycare; when I was in need of daycare, I signed up for where Brielle was, with no interest in doing further research into other centres. I knew if Kristen felt this was the best place for her daughter, it was the best place for mine too. Our daughters had their first sleepover the night of their photo session, and had a blast eating popcorn, watching Dora movies, and staying up late. I sadly realized Anaia is not very compassionate when someone misses their mommy. I kept hearing "your mommy is not here!" coming from upstairs and suggested to Anaia that maybe Brielle would like a hug instead of being yelled at? Something to work on I guess.
They were our very first clients to book our TENder session, within 10 minutes of the post going up. I love that they support what we do, and really embrace their relationship not only as parents, but as a couple.
Kristen and Mikhail, I adore you, and I hope you love what Karen has created for you!
And just in case you didn't know how fun photo sessions are:
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Guest Post by Christine: Kristen + Mikhail-Tender Session
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I think being a father is complicated and often confusing. Over the last 50 years men and women's roles in the family has become more similar, gone are the clearcut roles, and with that came both parents needing be be jack of all trades - as homemakers and parents. I know among my women friends, over coffee, over wine, we talk about the joys, frustrations and challenges of trying to make it all work - of being great partners to our hubbies, of having time for ourselves, of raising our children, paying the bills, all while feeling balanced and happy!!! It's A LOT. I know I couldn't do it with out those heart to hearts with my girlfriends and sisters.
But men, dads ... let's face it they don't (typically) call up a friend, venting, "I am overwhelmed," - "I feel disconnected from my wife," - "I need more me time," - "I fear I am losing myself" - typically, men to men heart to heart sessions don't happen like it does in the gal community. Heck, I can have a genuine power share in the aisle's of the grocery store with someone that can get me through the day.
Yet, dads are often facing the same challenges us moms are.
I think of the dad in our house. How he works to please us all, puts up with our highs and lows (he does live with five female's after all) and keeps loving us through them. I feel proud. I hope he does as well.
We love you and our love for you unites us.
John is away working this week, and we celebrating Father's Day last week. As part of the day we presented him with a 36 inch print of the above image. It made us so happy to create it and the look on his face when he received it is one I will always remember. I love the opportunity father's day gives us to unite in reminding you how important you are to us.
Danielle:
Karen, what a beautiful gift! This is such a great idea, something John will cherish always - his beautiful girls holding beautiful words, showing him lots of love!!
(06.19.11 @ 08:36 PM)
Tanya:
SOOOOOO Sweet!!! What a great idea.... full of love... :)
Amanda O'Brennan:
Karen! That is the greatest Idea! I just love it. So sweet, all his lovely ladies.... :)
sarah :
Karen, Jenny and I loved seeing you today! I think what you and the girls created for Fathers Day is something John will remember forever! Love it, so you! Your talent is amazing as are you!! xoxo have a great rest of your week and hopefully we see you in July!
(06.20.11 @ 11:19 AM)
christine:
You always know how to put emotions into words, Karen, I definitely felt the love there. Happy Fathers' Day John! You are amazing, and your girls adore you!
Tammy:
Beautiful!!!
(06.20.11 @ 09:44 PM)
Tina Moreira:
Karen, you are amazing! This is so cool!
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The dad in our house
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As I climbed out of the car they stood in the special dresses peeking coyly out the door, I can sense their excitement and adored their sweetness and shy demeanour.
It wasn't long though until we had them giggling as they sat with the mom, aunt and grandmother for a girls photo. You all know I love these multi-generational sessions - so meaningful.
Then it was all about Hanna an Ania - editing these ones was stressful - so many to choose from with these beauties.
Thanks you for the lovely session!
Sara:
Thank you Karen for making the session so easy and fun. The girls really did have a great time and you have an amazing way with kids. Thanks again!
(06.17.11 @ 11:42 PM)
Gail:
The pictures are wonderful and it was fun working with you, Karen. Thanks!
(06.18.11 @ 10:08 AM)
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Hanna and Ania - serious cuteness
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Avery is Christel second, and I was moved that she commissioned a photograph of just her and her daughter, like it was the most natural thing, as is a mothers love for their daughter.
She asked that the photo be black and white, a classic portrait - easy, with such a classic beauty and a peaceful mom as Christel.
Thank you Christel, from me, and from Avery, your adorable daughter.
Christel:
Wow Karen, these are gorgeous and go above and beyond what I had imagined. Our session with you was such a refreshing & delightful experience. It was great to meet you and we found that your laid back and warm personality put both of us at ease. Thanks for helping to make this a very special time.
(06.17.11 @ 04:40 PM)
Karen McKinnon :
Thanks Christel for the really sweet comment - I truly believe that people should not just love their photos but look back on the session with warmth!
(06.18.11 @ 08:11 AM)
Linda Clark:
Love these pictures of Christel and Avery. KNew her Mom and Grandma very well They would have been so proud of her. Just beautiful
(06.19.11 @ 04:40 PM)
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Christel and Avery - mother daughter love
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Like many entrepreneurs, one of the appeals for me of being self employed is freedom. However, something fishy has been going on around here. We are booking way in advance, I just scheduled a tuesday in November!! Eeek! Of course, for weddings I am acclimatized to this, but weekdays in November, what if I want to take that day off?
I had a little mini panic attack. My freedom was flying out the door.
Then, I sat back and re-framed. That's all it usually takes. I realized I am booking in November (said in a positive tone,) What a fabulous feeling. I never take it for granted that the universe (and you) allow me to make my living in this beautiful way, and how wonderful to be in a position where you are willing to wait for me to be available.
So, like I said, I am reframing. I am realizing that knowing my schedule in November can actually mean freedom. Freedom from worry about if I will have work, freedom to take the Monday off before, freedom to start envisioning the creative aspects of the upcoming sessionw.
So thank you.
I should add, that although yes, I did book November, we currently a couple few fall sessions, and we always leave a little room for maternity and newborns. I also will be teaching a photo course in the fall, and have a few other fun projects up my sleeve.
In the last week, we participated in the Babies, Bellies & Birth Fair. It was a lovely event, and than you to the organizers and everyone that came by. Christine and I always have a blast (and eat lots of sugar,) at the events.
Last night I spoke to the Professional Photographers of Canada - Vancouver Island Region about Children's Portraiture. We popped down to the beach to photograph our lovely models, Katie and Elsa, whose fabulous mom drove down to Nanaimo for us. Thank you and thank you to those that came out and shared along with me.
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eeek.. a tuesday in November, does this = freedom?
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Love the photos! We can hardly wait to see the rest. Thank you so much Karen! Christine, you make me tear up and right back at you, babe!
(06.25.11 @ 03:47 PM)