About Me

Hello and welcome to my photo blog. I am Karen McKinnon, a Vancouver Island based photographer - a gal fortunate to be living my passion. The blog is where you can see recent sessions, keep in touch with what is new around here (and I promise you it is never dull) and get a better sense of who I am, what I love and how I show it. 

Thanks for visiting. Please leave a comment and let me know you were here - it really does make me smile! 

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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. 

I first met Kristen and Mikhail at prenatal class when we were both expecting our daughters, who were born 2 weeks apart. They hosted the prenatal reunion at which Kristen had served salsa and chips (among many other yummy things). At the end, I offered to help clean up and she wondered why nobody had tried the salsa. Upon tasting it very early on, I discovered it was in fact tomato sauce and it didn't go so well with chips. I had to break it gently to Kris, who just roared with laughter at her "mommy brain". This is just one reason I just adore these two, they are so real, and have such great senses of humour.

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!


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And just in case you didn't know how fun photo sessions are:

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Kristen:

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)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Guest Post by Christine: Kristen + Mikhail-Tender Session . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/395
Christine and I adore this family. They are troupers! We have watched them face challenges, such as children's health issues, with smiles and grace. They make us feel connected - as whenever either of us are with them, they genuine and open. 
PLUS....

they have ADORABLE children.. 

LOVE, LOVE this first one, oh.. those arms...

devine.jpg

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Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Melanie, Lisa, Shay and Kian . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/394
June 21, 2011 // my life / portraits
As part of a daily email I am receiving this month this came to my inbox this a.m. 

""Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."  Emerson. If there's no enthusiasm in what you do, it won't be remarkable and certainly won't connect with people on an emotional basis. But, if you put that magic energy into all of your work, you can create something that touches people on a deeper level. How can you bring MORE enthusiasm into your work? What do you have to think or believe about your work to be totally excited about it? 

 I have been thinking deeply lately about why I love what I do so much, why it feels like magic so often and how my work impacts how I see my place in the world and how others see me. 

This excites me and it was too early to call my sister so I thought I would share here.

A shot from Justine and Phillips Saturday wedding, more to come at the end of the week - 

justphil1121.jpg


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Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: On Enthusiasm . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/392
They hopped out of the car,excited and already blushing and I knew it was going to be a good one. We played until the sun went down, and myself and my assistant Jen were drawn into  their "in love" energy - we even shared some of most embarrassing "on the job" stories. 

Kelly and Dean moved to the Comox Valley together, knowing only one person here, relying solely on each other to fill so many roles and it's landed them deeper in love. 

I had way to many favourites from this session and became a bit overwhelmed when editing, because I adore them both, and they are both gorgeous and stylish, and warm and funny..... and .... oh I could go on! 
I love my job and my clients and  beautiful relaxed evening sessions.

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Kelly and Dean are tying the knot in just a few weeks, and I feel so excited for them.... these two give me goosebumps. 
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Kelly:

Wow Karen...Thank you so much!!! I can't wait to see the rest and pick a bunch of our favorites!!!! This was so so so fun!!!!

(06.20.11 @ 08:06 PM)
Holly Therrien:

Hello Karen, so far reallllllllly great. Can hardly wait for tomorrow to see more, Kellys mom

(06.20.11 @ 08:49 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Kelly and Dean - engaged and adorable . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/391
Chelsey, Peter, Ava and Zoe - you are such a beautiful family,  not only gorgeous, but intuitive and full of amazing values and visions. Thanks for talking food, chicken and family life with me and allowing me a peek into yours. Your family totally embodies the word SWEET! 

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Chelsey:

I love them!!

(06.20.11 @ 09:13 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Chelsey, Peter, Ava and Zoe . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/390