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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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 !

samg.jpg

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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)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Sam, Liam and Alexis - a colourful night in black and white . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/450
September 19, 2011 // portraits
I have this fabulous friend, really one of my favorite people, when we met our connection was instant, we have tons in common, interests, values and personality -  traits including our impatience! Having her in my week and in my corner, makes my life better. 

This was photographed yesterday as part our mini-sessions - Sonny, John, Lucy and Jackson - this makes me so very happy and content. xoxo - having you in my life is a true blessing. 

This is so you - 

mini0232.jpg 

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Anonymous:

♥ this!!

(09.19.11 @ 11:30 AM)
shar:

cute you guys! What was the joke??!

(09.19.11 @ 11:42 AM)
Lucy Slater:

I can't help but laugh when I look at this picture. Karen-you're the best (for lack of a better word). I am so glad that you finally photographed our family. Misty eyes from the intro too! You're too kind! xoxoxox

(09.19.11 @ 05:09 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Slater Family - xoxox . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/449
I don't know what was with me the week I photographed the Walker Family, but I was super emotional. Maybe it was the kids heading back to school, or well hormones (can I write about that on the blog, or is that a classic over-share?) However I think have good reason to feel a little deeper when photographing this family. Natalie and Jeremy were one of my first clients here, I photographed their wedding. Then, I photographed Jeremy's sisters Richelle's wedding to Joel. Then I photographed Natalie's sisters Steph's wedding to Bob. Then I photographed Bob's brothers wedding. Then I photographed Jeremy and Natalies's children and Natalie's work photos and some Bella Photos. Then Steph's pregnancy and their daughter Olivia's newborn photos. 

Do you follow? 

So, when Joel and Richelle recently moved back to BC, Natalie took on the task of getting everyone together, including both her and Jeremy's parents.

This family means so much to me. Not only have they been great supporters of what I do, which I always appreciate beyond words, but they are a family that role models taking care of each other.
 So, when I had them all together, with their beautiful growing families, how could I not be a little emotaional? 

xoxox walker and clan - you are well loved around here !

walker.jpg


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Catherine Scheurig:

Thanks, Karen, for the sneak peak, looking good! I really enjoyed meeting up with you again, you have been a part of our family for 10 years now, and I am sure it will continue as our family continues to expand!

(09.16.11 @ 08:25 PM)
Natalie:

Hey Karen!! OMG these look fantastic! Thank you so for being you :) You are truly a gifted and amazing lady.. xoxo back atcha baby!

(09.17.11 @ 07:47 AM)
courtnay v:

Amazing! Karen, you're incredible and I love that you cried! And blogged about :) Walker clan.... beautiful people xo

(09.17.11 @ 09:23 AM)
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stewart.jpg

Christine came along with me on this session, just because .... and our commentary on the Stewart's went like this:

K: It's pretty rare to have the man organize the session
C: Yah, and awesome. He is so nice to deal with
K: Yah, he seems great - I am really looking forward to it  - they have been waiting while for this session. 
C: I wonder what she is like?
K: It's funny not to know.

(Stewart family gets out of the car and we say hello) 

K: (whispers to Christine) Oh my gosh she is stunning, and I totally have hair envy and she seems great. I love them all already.

(great fun relaxed shoot takes place, with lots of visiting and chit-chat about crazy family life. Thankfully, Karen does not trip at any time during the session. Karen and Christine get in car, totally satisfied with a great session.)

K: Wow! They are great family. All three kids are so nice, and that little Elise was a total charmer. The boys were super chilled and adorable. 
C: OK, but what did you think of Jeannie? 
K: She totally intrigues me. She is super funny, you can tell she is whip smart and so down to earth.  
C: I know. They seem so connected as a family, what a great mom!

Yup, big love for this awesome family! 
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Steve:

Thanks so much Karen and Christine, we all had a great time - Your sneak peaks look fantastic! Hardly wait to see the rest. You did a wonderful job putting everyone at ease and helping us get this long awaited family portrait.

(09.15.11 @ 09:37 PM)
Jeannie Stewart:

Well, anyone that says the words 'hair envy' and says I have an awesome family will always be in my good books. I am so curious to know what you 'thought' I was going to be like since Steve did all the arrangements though, too funny. The session was painless and even fun for someone who doesn't like to be on the 'other side' of the camera. Thank you. Next I can take your class and learn to be on my more comfortable side, maybe even get a few good shots in every now and again. And also... I think the boys were extra chilled because they were missing school. Didn't hear one complaint about it taking to long, did we? A great morning, thanks again.

(09.15.11 @ 10:50 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Sizing up the Stewart Family . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/447
wilson.jpg

Oh little boys!! Being in a house off girls I really enjoy my session with boys. They keep me on my toes, and keep me laughing - Wren and Vance were no exception. After a few minutes of goofing around they settled right into being photographed. As well as having super cool names to suit their adorable and funky selves, they have the parents to match. Alix and Chris, you two are rock stars - I loved photographing and hanging with you - what a fun, interesting and warm family you are! 
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Alix:

Wow! The one of the boys is SO good - I smile ear to ear looking at it! I'm glad we weren't allowed to peek during our session - what a nice suprise!
See you soon - Alix.

(09.15.11 @ 03:37 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Wren, Vance, Alix and Chris . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/446