McKinnon PhotoBlog

Everyone needs a Cassie

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:31 -0800

I am back to work next Tuesday, but that doesn't mean I haven't been running around with my camera. My shooting finger was feeling restless, add some nice light and I was off and going.
Joining my was our lovely friend Cassie.
Shortly after we moved into this house we saw a moving truck bringing a new family into the 'hood. We had hight hopes - kids, fun, warm, always well stocked on eggs for us to borrow when I am mid baking and didn't check first. And bingo! We got just what we wanted.

Cassie, is the dream neighbour. Each of our kids adore her, our dog thinks she is the bees-knees and both John and I think she is one of the nicest kids in town.

Score.

Oh, she is wonderful in front of the camera to boot!

Casting Call-maternity, child model needed

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:07:28 -0800

I am not really back from holidays yet, well I am back in the valley, but trying to take on what is called a "staycation" around here. It's tough though as I am itching with ideas I want to get to work on.
My trigger finger was twitching yesterday so I put together a last minute shoot with one of our children and her best friend, I am heading out for a shoot today and have a few more sprinkled throughout the week, however, other than photographing I am suppose to be just living some r&r - we'll see how that goes!!!

I have a few shoots brewing and need a few subjects.

- a pregnant woman at least 32 weeks along who also has a child between the ages of 2 and 5.

- an outgoing child between the age of 5 and 8, who is willing to play dress up with us.

- an outgoing sibling pair between the ages of 6 and 10 who is willing to play dress up with us.

You would receive a complimentary photo session and a mini-brag book. If you aren't already one of our clients you would also receive all the perks that clients receive such as access to preferred pricing for future sessions and our complimentary mini-session days. You would also be able to order photographs from our current presentation list at 20% off for a limited time.

These sessions will be scheduled asap - and guarantee to be loads of fun. Because I am trying to capture a certain look I ask that you email us at info@mckinnonphotography.com with a photo (don't worry about the quality.)

I will update this post when the casting call has been filled.

update on casting call: looking for a sisters duo approx five-year-old and eight-year-old thanks to everyone who have submitted so far, we will be making our selection in the next few days

ola from Mexico

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:29:50 -0800

I am feasting on blue skies and enchiladas
drinking in warm air and the occasional margarita
being filled up with the laugh my daughter shares when a big wave almost knocks us over

It's all good, this gal is made for hard work followed by holidays. What makes a holiday extra sweet is being excited about what you get to come home to.

Staying Charged

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 09:32:13 -0800

After a wonderful evening at the Y.A.N.A. auction last night I am feeling very blessed (and a little tired,) but also goose bump excited as in a few hours I will be chilling on the plane heading to Mexico.

I am not one for balance in my life, I like to go hard, so holidays keep me charged up.

My sunglasses are packed, so is my page turner and bathing suit. There is no fleece, nor a hat, in my bag, For those that always ask I am packing just one camera body and a 50 mm lens.
This holiday is all about keeping it low key, and low stress.

See you soon!

Will you have me for a day?

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:42:02 -0800

Tomorrow is the annual Y.A.N.A. auction, a night I look forward to for so many reasons, in no particular order:

- the obvious, it is an amazing charity, that has made a difference in so many of my client's lives
- the evening leaves you with a big warm fuzzy, lots of love, lots of pride for our kick a** awesome town
- I am wowed by the crew that puts this event together, Lucy, Loretta, Anita, and the rest of the crew, you sure know how to throw a classy yet welcoming event
- I am going to have one big glass of wine
- I am going to wear a dress, which is pretty rare, because somehow, when I work a dress just doesn't usually fit the bill
- for the last three years I have presented a day in the life slideshow of a family who has used Y.A.N.A.'s services, doing this presentation always scares the crap out of me, and I thrive on things that challenge me and take me out of my comfort zone (other than bungee jumping, that is just plain ridiculous, and something I will never do.)
- this year, like last, I am donating a day plus more. You can own me for a day. It could be used to photograph family or children's sessions for a group of your friends, I could create a day in the life book for you, it could be used for a Bella Party, or for your own custom photo instruction day - there are lots of options. The only requirement is that you have to let us take great care of you!
I always get a bit nauseous when my item comes up in the live bid, that's where the big glass of wine comes in - I made John promise to bid on me if no-one else does.

Last year for the family who won our donation we spent thanksgiving day with them, and photographed candids as well as more than a dozen family portraits. It was crazy fun and this is what they told the folks at Y.A.N.A. about the experience:

At last year's YANA auction we bid and won an day with Karen McKinnon. We were thinking at the time that it would be a great way to get some family portraits but it turned out to be a fantastic experience as well. We shared the bid between 3 families, and when we came together for the photo shoot we had 22 people, three generations, and decades worth of friendship--it was a party and Karen and Jen (her assistant) jumped right in! It was amazing and very impressive to watch Karen arrange and organize such a large group of people, shooting hundreds of pictures each with its own unique and creative flare. Karen and Jen really made the day so much fun, we all left thinking "we have to do this every year!" We all waited anxiously to get a sneak peak of our photos on her blog a few weeks later and were thrilled with the results when we got to see the photos of our day. The experience and the end results really were priceless. Thank you to Karen for such a great experience and for your generous donation to YANA!

*fine print: the own me for day donation cannot be used for wedding services

Liz + Jamie tie the knot

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:02:08 -0800

I was living on my own raising my two year old daughter, I had recently become a single mom and there was many daunting aspects to my new life. Emotionally, I was in the right place, but sometimes the logistics overwhelmed me. Like the time my daughter got the stomach flu in the car, and in the house, and on the way from the car to the house, or the time the hot-water tank exploded on my birthday and caused a hole in the ceiling and a flood, then there was the time a storm knocked a tree down and it landed on our roof causing all types of chaos.

But that's what neighbours are for. Sometimes you don't even need their help, it's enough to know they are there in case.

Shortly after I became a single mother I met my neighbours Liz and Jamie. They were always working hard, and busy with their little boy, they mainly seemed to come and go. But each time they did and we saw each other in our driveway, they would have time for a hello.

They kept an eye out for me, and that small act made a difference to someone going through transition.

They are the kind of people, that if you are fortunate to be called a friend, who you can always trust and who will always have your back. That is how they are with each other.

Jamie, Liz, what impresses me so much about the two of you is how you clearly put each other first, how you always talk so highly of each other, and how you laugh together about the hard things in life, and seem to laugh even harder at the joy.

Together you are an incredible team, and together you are raising an amazing, and adorable little boy.

Together, I am pretty sure, you can do anything.

John and I are proud to call you friends, and even prouder to be chosen to document a very special day.

It was one of the wettest weddings I have shot, but did that dampen the spirits - not one bit

I think we broke seven umbrellas due to wind and rain - worth it -

Welcome to day fourteen Olivia

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:45:58 -0800

"Making the decision to have your child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." - Elizabeth Stone

Olivia's parents were wedding clients of mine and I have had the chance to keep connecting with them as they grow and evolve.
Seeing them go from newlyweds to parents is just a perk of my job.

I love the quote above and saw it on a card the other day and it made me think of them. They came walking into the studio with their six day old beauty and I could feel their love, it filled the room.

Thank you so much for continuing to bring me into your life, you have one very beautiful and special little person!

Welcome baby Taeia

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:19:06 -0800

I'm going to lay it on the line here. I have had these photos ready to blog for more than a few days, and I know that mom and dad have been waiting and checking. I kept going to blog them, and then I would move onto something else, even when I knew they were waiting.
My intention was actually to blog them right away.
But, I didn't know what to say. Sure I could fill this space up with words, if you know me, you know being chatty is one of my forte's - but I probably wouldn't say the right ones.

This session will be one of the most important to me this year, and yes, I know it is only February, but I say this with confidence.

I first met Taeia's parents last year when I had the privilege and unique experience of spending time with them at Vancouver Children's Hospital where I photographed their daughter Ali, who was fighting for her life. Ali passed away last year, and since then, the family has never been far from my thoughts, and I made sure to take life lessons from my experience with them - thank you!

Taeia entered this world to a family whose heart was already open and waiting.

She is a beauty, just like her mother, and a charmer, like her dad.

Thank you for letting me be part of your journey - your openness and honesty is inspiring - Taeia is a blessed girl. Happy Valentines Taeia.

Some knowing eyes:

love the superhero stretch:

Helen Austin + a prize for you?

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:24:17 -0800

Tuesday morning, settling into the email mountain and the phone rings. Before I even look at call display I know it is Helen excited because we have dry sky's - which are not to be taken for granted. We move our session which was schedule for a different day to asap and it all falls in to place.
Our impromptu move set us up with the right mood for the style of images Helen wanted to capture.
I have had the sincere honor of photographing Helen many times, what I love it about is that each time it challenges me to create something different and better than the last time, and the collection of photos that we have created over the years are like an evolving story. Helen is that she is also full of ideas - so it feels like a true collaboration, as someone who creatively flies pretty solo, this always gets me excited.

Helen is on the up and up, people would say she is going places - songs purchased by movies and mtv, constant new musical creations and much more.
Yet, that saying, "going places" is pretty lame if you ask me. It implies that where you are isn't enough.
If the beauty of what she creates is any measure, Helen is exactly in the right place.

You can check her out here : Helen Austin Website
And if you haven't heard her musical comedy songs prepare to bust a gut: Go here
Check out the Childbirth Song - it's the fave of mine and Christine's.

Do you know where these photos were taken?
If so leave a comment letting us know where it was taken and which of these photos of Helen is your favorite and we will do a draw next week for a gift certificate to the location, because we like giving presents.
When you are leaving a comment it will ask for your email, if you want us to contact you when you win please be sure to fill this in. (The email address does not show up to anyone other than us - it remains private.)

The Best Birthday Party "EVER"

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:37:42 -0800

Last year Gabby missed her birthday party because she was sick, so we knew this year we really wanted to bring it for her. We also know that we high-five for birthday parties that are not in our house. So, we turned to one of the newer funky businesses in town - Reel Films at Frelones.

If have blogged about it before, and probably will again, because if you can have a crush on a place, Frelones would be my Valentine.

13 kids, a movie of their choice, yummy popcorn, owner Sarah as your welcoming host, and of course a popcorn fight.

All the kids were saying it was "the best birthday party EVER"

Thanks Sarah, the kids are still talking about it! See you soon for a grown-up evening out at your lovely movie house.

Welcome baby Brody - Comox Valley Portait Photographer

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:18:07 -0800

I had the most delicous weekend. Saturday we celebrated Gabrielle's 10th birthday at Reel Films at Freelones - but that deserves its own post. Then Sunday I had the joy of four fantastic sessions - two newborns, a maternity and a business portrait. The day just rolled along at a lovely pace with wonderful people coming through my door.

Baby Brody, is just a little rock star, at two weeks he already knows how to give you a cheeky look, like he knows something you don't, and he knows how to work his lips into this little pucker that makes you melt. And he knows his mama loves him fiercely.

two weeks and already making us melt with this look:

Organized Business Mom

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:52:24 -0800

I read many blogs and I came across one the other day that gave me ideas on how to organize my 2010 gift buying list in a pretty way. Are you crazy? How many of us even have lists for the whole year of who we are going to buy gifts for, what they are going to receive and when? Do these type of people exist and if so are you telling me that some of them really have time and motivation to make the list pretty?

I have a gift box to send out by the end of the week and on the floor of my room are a few things that are going in the box. By laying them where I could easily trip on them I am constantly reminded of the few things I have to finish up for the box. By Pretty, no. Effective, yes.

I eat up blogs on how to make things pretty, I once even had a subscription to Real Simple Magazine (I'm a sucker for nice clean design work,) until every time the magazine arrived I was hypnotized into thinking I had to go to the Container Store in order to have my life organized. (Dear Container Store, no offence meant, I am probably just bitter that you don't have a sore anywhere remotely close to where I live.)

My client and friend Emma Payton has started a blog with some cut-to-the-chase practical advice about being organized. Don't let how pretty her blog is throw you off, it will be full of easy to implement snippets of advice.
Emma runs a consulting business and we have hired her many times to come into the office and help us smooth out our efficiency and implement some plans. She brings extensive knowledge and a real-life attitude to what she does. Basically, she is the read deal.

Check her out and keep an eye on her blog as she builds on it.

Editing 4 Day old Elliotte or getting Lost?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:39:46 -0800

I fell asleep in the last ten minutes of Lost - three days ago. I have it taped and tonight is the night I should get on it (because these things are such high priority) and spend some time with Kate and Jack, but I had a much better idea.

This week has been full of sweetness and today is just got extra tasty. I had a Bella Session followed a tiny newborn baby. Throw in some parenting, prepping of the year-end books and emails and it was a busy day.

So when I finished up around seven, the plan was to cuddle children, pj and go into my room with my dinner and give myself over to the necessary Lost tube time. I only had to put in ten minutes, yet the computer was calling. I wanted, needed to go through my image four day-old Elliotte.

Charles and Caroline welcomed Elliotte into a world that was itching to meet her, she had so many fans before she came, I know because they called us, wanting to get Charles and Caroline photos for gifts. The people who called, went on and on about how special these two were.

Charles and my John worked together briefly and I always heard great things about him and Caroline, but you have to meet them to understand this peaceful nature they radiate - it's pretty special and a wonderful gift to their daughter Elliotte.

D's Bella Session Vancouver Island Photographer

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:00:39 -0800

One more to share - D is just an absolute beauty. Her sister has been a client and friend so I had heard all about D for years. It was lovely that she was able to come into the studio while she was visiting from out of town.
I hope it added to your feeling of holiday!

sdjfa;

D's Bella Session Vancouver Island Photographer

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:03:43 -0800

Yes, another Bella sessions coming at you and more to come. I can only show you a portrait image from this session as the rest is so hot it will melt your monitor (well, really we just have to keep it under wraps, but the first reason sounded way better.)

and yes, you guessed it my clients are amazing and yes, I will be blogging more Bella's tomorrow.