When I was a child we lived around the corner from a portrait studio. I would walk by on the way to dance class and as I approached their window I would anticipate what I would see. I looked forward to staring at the families and imaging their lives, how they interacted and the fun they had together.You see, because they had a family photograph, I figured they were all really important - extra special families, who were truly connected.
When I was in grade 4 we had our family portrait taken. My parents, my two older sisters and me. I remember that day well. The part I remember most is heading out together, to create something that showed our love for each other. Then, I remember when we received our prints and how special they felt. My mom had the foresight to order one for each of us daughters as well. Mine is hanging in the hallway outside of my bedroom, and it is truly one of my most valuable possessions and memories.
When I look at it, I am reminded of how much am loved and in love with my parents and sisters.
A few of the families I have had the pleasure of photographing recently.
Shelley, Bill, Liam and Josh joined me early in the morning - before the rain came - for a very relaxed session before heading out on a camping trip. Liam and Josh, you are stellar - and so easy to work with, thank you!
I met the Jennifer, Larry and Alex where their horses live out in Dove Creek. With their daughter heading off to Europe it was the perfect time to capture their family. The rain stayed away and the clouds and light gave us some serious beauty to work with.
If you follow me on Facebook you know I love an early morning session and a family willing to join me for that experience. Lisa, Dave and Isaac greeted me at 7:30 a.m. and it was a lovely way to start the day, and once again we beat the rain. I had such a wonderful time photographing them, and getting to know them - they are such an interesting and kind family, I felt like I asked them a million questions. Lisa and Dave are the owners of Simply Amish Furniture near Canadian Tire, a stunning furniture store.
Because Isaac just graduated high-school we also captured some images just of him. Isaac - you are full of grace and charm - and I adored photographing and meeting you. if my daughters were older I definitely would be working the blind date set-up.
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Family Photographs, an act of love
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I love this session. Let me count the ways.
- Shayla's grandmother booked this session for her granddaughter while she is here visiting from Texas. When Shayla looks back on these, she will always connect the experience with her lovely and very loving grandma.
- Shayla is 9. I don't know why we tend to photograph children until they are 4 and then stop. This age is an incredible time to photograph. As a mom of a nine year old I can see how they are just on the cusp of some incredible change and really are beginning to understand who they are.
- Shayla, I love this session because of Shayla. She is an old soul, full of grace and confidence. She holds herself in a way that I am sure makes her mom, and grandmother proud. She is interesting and funny! Thank you Shayla, you are a true beauty.
Shayla:
Thanks to both of ou ofr putting this on the blog.. I really enjoy seeing them and im so excited for tomorrow
(07.19.11 @ 11:53 AM)
Rosie Woodhouse:
I absolutely love these - wonderful set of images - and you are so right about photographing children at this age:)
(07.19.11 @ 01:14 PM)
Shawn Ellison:
The images came out absolutely beautiful and share what a beautiful person you are inside and out. Karen.......thank you for capturing her spirit!
(07.19.11 @ 01:53 PM)
karen M:
Thank you and your daughter is a true original and beauty - it was such a pleasure
(07.20.11 @ 05:24 PM)
Kay:
Thank you for not creating hedonistic photos of a young girl. The temptation can be great to fall prey to society's objectification of women. You succeed at portraying the raw essence of their strength and individuality.
(07.21.11 @ 09:48 AM)
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Shayla - Courtenay Children's Photographer
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Oh.. how I love a session with a two year old. They come in a bit shy, watching, looking, checking me out and by the end they are running, jumping and not holding back.
Frederick recently became a big brother and I adore that his parents still decided to focus this session on him.
He is a classic beauty, a true stunner, who at the tender age of two seems to already have his own sense of style.
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Frederick at 2 years old
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I am a creataholic - cooking, planning, photographing, I love to create. However, I fall short when it comes to anything textile.
I was a good student in high school butI failed grade 8 sewing, well, Mrs. Richards gave me a C- because apparently it wasn't cool to fail someone in a grade 8 elective, however, she made it perfectly clear that if I was to register for sewing 9 and have the same tragic results she wouldn't be so generous.
My step-mom decided to take on my cause and champion my untapped textile skills. Over the course of three years I broke two of her sewing machines, had a half dozen fights with her about knitting and had at least a dozen failed knitting projects.
I tried again a few years ago. I thought knitting would be the perfect hobby for an on the go gal like myself. I could watch a movie and still create. I failed.
So, when I met Megan I was a little awestruck. Not only does she knit, she creates the darn pattens - I am in awe. She is receiving international attention, on the web and in magazines for what she does so well. You can visit her online at Tricksy Knitter.
She is gorgeous, and there was so much within her to capture. Stunning, warm, natural and a little bit fierce.
Natalie:
Wonderful photos :)
I'm always in awe of those who can knit! I can sew, if required by hand and machine, and I'm amazing (haha) with cross stitch when I have a pattern to work off of but knitting...I tried once and just couldn't get the hang of it. It's just too darn confusing! haha.
(07.12.11 @ 02:08 PM)
Karen McKinnon:
Thanks Natalie, well you are doing better than me.. by far
(07.14.11 @ 02:56 PM)
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The failed knitter meets the Tricksy Knitter
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I had just been out shopping for a new pair of converse right before this shoot. I picked them up off the shelf, but reluctantly put them down, hearing my mothers voice "wait a week, and if you still are thinking about them, then go get them." But when the Leblanc family rolled out of their car all wearing converse it was divine shopping intervention, totally trumping my mothers sage words.
I adore this family. So fun, so much personality and style - although I think they could have been wearing burlap sacks and still look great. I could have played with them all night - can you tell how fabulous they are? And more than a wee bit stunning!
The bottom one is my fave - love all the expressions.
Anonymous:
Karen it was SO fun!! Thank you for picking the perfect spot for our family! The pics are amazing:)
(07.14.11 @ 06:14 PM)
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The Leblanc Family - hello style!
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Karen.........you are truly a kind person.
(07.20.11 @ 02:50 PM)