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! 

Join us on FACEBOOK


Erin, Simon. Aidan and Owen I met at a little trail, on what was finally a sunny day, for a leisurely shoot. Well, it felt leisurely for me, as this crew was super warm and laid back. However, I think Aiden and Owen got a bit of a work out running around and playing. 

Honestly, Erin, you have no idea how stunning you are and Simon and the boys are fantastic. 

I love these two and how different they are. 


walsh03.JPG

walsh38.JPG

del.icio.us digg technorati
2 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend
April B:

Hey, I know those people lol! Awesome pictures Karen!

(06.09.11 @ 05:13 PM)
Karen :

Thanks April - yes it was great to meet another Montessori family

(06.15.11 @ 07:29 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Walsh Family - Courtenay Portrait Photographer . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/382
StromEK31.JPG

Last week I had the opportunity to speak to some of the island member of the Professional Photographers of Canada, about children's portraiture. My lovely little friends Katie and Elsa drove down from Courtenay to model for us  - thank you! This shot jumped out at me, as it is just sooooo Katie and Elsa with their different smiles and body language.
Thanks Katie and Elsa! See you soon. 
del.icio.us digg technorati
0 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Elsa + Katie - Vancouver Island Children's Portraiture . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/381
Sarah and Jesse are strong - they are the love you dream about. Mid session as we were walking behind their shed I saw a sign,  on it was carved "Jesse loves Sarah" - Jesse was trying out a new tool and this is what he carved, because that is just the kind of guy he is. He has this undeniable class mixed with warmth and old-fashioned wholesomeness and love for his family. Sarah radiates acceptance, love and giving, especially when it comes to friends and family and the love of her life, Jesse. 
This morning I had goosebumps through their photos and sent Sarah a little message about it. This is what she sent back:

" 
Oh Karen I am so excited. I have always wanted this kind of photo done as we have none of us. I am usually taking the pictures. I feel that they will be a part of us forever and ones the kids and grandkids will get to see and marvel at us in our youth, and in our love. I feel like the luckiest women alive for so many reasons. But mainly because Jesse is truly my genuine treasure and my soul mate. I just know that will shine through in these photos. Thank you for giving us such a gift!!!"

Jesse and Sarah, you are inspired and thank you for letting me be part of it. 

strom.jpg\

Sarah, who is a serious craft and textile queen, made these beautiful quilts

strom2.jpg



del.icio.us digg technorati
3 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend
bevin:

karen, these images rock. wow. they compliment this awesome duo.

(06.04.11 @ 10:15 AM)
Phebe:

awwwwww. I am proud to know these two. What a beautiful couple inside and out. Nice work Karen.

(06.05.11 @ 07:58 AM)
Rosemary Abud:

They are indeed a very special couple. These pictures are exceptional. You do fantastic work. I like the black and white effect!!!

(07.15.11 @ 10:33 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Sarah + Jesse TENder session . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/378
Centi27.jpg

just m.jpg

Look. Look again. Look away. Look back. Notice the green. Notice the purple flowers. Don't look outside right now.  Sadly it isn't spring. But look here. Look again. And it is spring.. Notice a child in shorts. 

Dairnie, Mike and Chloe came together for their session last week in a what was a glimpse of spring (sorry for my attitude, but really, can you blame me today with this weather?) It was hot and gorgeous and Chloe lit things up even more with her beauty. This is one adored child and she is so cute - and sweet - it was such a joy to photograph her and her fabulous parents. 




del.icio.us digg technorati
0 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Yes, there really is some spring out there... . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/377
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. 

babybellie.jpg
 
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. 

sarqahs.jpg

del.icio.us digg technorati
0 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: eeek.. a tuesday in November, does this = freedom? . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/376