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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So, you might or might know that I recently headed to the heat of Hawaii. I probably don't need to tell you the obvious ...... it was heavenly. I was blessed to be there for the wedding of Mikhaila and Greg, two people who I adore. 
When Mikhaila and Greg first decided to get married in Hawaii, they looked around for a photographer there and didn't find anything that excited and suited them, so I was thrilled when they called to see if I could make my way there to capture their "I Do's"

Before I tell you about the wedding, I have to shout a public display of apprection. Greg and Mikhaila, seriously you two? Could a photographer have two people that are better to work with? I am one lucky gal.  You  are laid back, but enthusiastic at the same time. You are assertive, yet super chillled. You are grounded, yet super fun and funny. You are so easy to be around and so beautiful to photograph. Thank you. 
- The Huska and Lamb family as a whole, you treated John and I so kindly. Even though we were there to photograph I felt like you were hosting us. I am so appreciative of the time we had getting to know each other more and am excited to see you all again! Your families are full of grace and kindness. Thank you. 

Mikhaila and Greg met with me before the ceremony to create their photos and we played throughout the town of Lahaina. These two are stunning and easy in front of the camera and despite some serious heat were relaxed the whole time. After photos we headed to the Sheraton Maui for an intimate wedding on the beach that was filled with laughter and Hawaiin style. We followed the ceremony with some more photos, to capture the warm sunset and then it was off to dinner with family. The whole day went smoothly and beautifully! Mikhaila and Greg, you two are a stunning couple! 


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Gina Harvie-Kramp:

These are stunning possibly one of my fav weddings you've done! gorgeous!

(10.25.11 @ 03:09 PM)
Amanda:

wow so very beautiful, lucky them, lucky you!

(10.25.11 @ 04:14 PM)
selah (minkler):

love the photos under the trees!!!!!

(10.25.11 @ 06:24 PM)
Chrystal:

Sooo beautiful!

(10.25.11 @ 06:53 PM)
Judy Wing:

Absolutely beautiful Karen! Your work is magical.

(10.26.11 @ 08:24 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Mikhaila and Greg's Maui wedding . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/468
Rebecca, Jesse and I had been going back and forth about what date to book for their engagement session. They were coming from out of town, and somehow our schedules seemed to be completely opposite - plus we were hitting some bad weather. When we talked about postponing this session, as the weather was not on our side, and they were driving here from out of town, Rebecca said "we just really need to do this now." These two run busy lives, between children, jobs and planning a wedding they needed some "them time" and trust me, I get that. 
What Rebecca go was that the engagement session was a time for them to take a deep breath together, be close, think about them as couple, and the step they will be making when they say "I do" next year.
It's true. Engagement sessions are many things. A wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other better, a chance to practice being in front of the camera, a time to have photos together not in your wedding wear and a way to create some unique photos to make a signature book for your wedding. My favorite thing about them though, is they are romantic and they are couple time, something often oddly lacking leading up to having a wedding. Rebecca and Jesse got that and because of that, the sun, not intending to arrive, came out and joined us. 

Thank you Rebecca and Jesse, for the lovely day of playing together. Thank you for the great laughs and letting me see who you are as a couple. 

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Ohhh... I am in love - I am in love with wedding photography, and the best part of wedding photography, my wedding clients. I am so excited for the 2012 season - and in my top ten of reasons why is Tasha and John. 

My first meeting with them had me super excited for their wedding, they are interesting, funny and hilarious! I can't stress how much I love the chance to photograph my couples before their wedding day - not only does it allow them the opportunity to experience being photographed but we get the chance to further connect, which makes the wedding day photos that much more fun.
 
We met last week in Victoria and just played. Despite a bleak weather forecast we were blessed with beautiful light. 
We started out photographing around The Union Pacific Coffee Shop. While I was sitting there planning the shoot, I was also scheming ways to have the life I love, but in Victoria - (the location and best ice-tea I have ever had was pretty seductive.) We ended our session where John had proposed to Tasha, at the Parliament Buildings -  it was lovely photographing them there as they recounted the story.  

Tasha and John jumped in easily to being photographed, seriously, check out this first photo - don't you think they maybe have modelled professionally and just hid it from their friends and family. Sorry if I have let your secret slip.....

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A big thank you to my pal Jesse Bone for being my photography and parking meter assistant. 
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Years ago, Britt and Darryl met one fateful late evening - truly, their connection was fate. They crossed paths, he was in need of a friend and she was there. The impression was set. However, it wasn't until years later, and another chance meeting, that they realized they were meant for something special. 
They are a yin and yang couple, he is the calm, she is the vigour. They share the same vision for a life of family, connection and fun. They make a stunning couple together, both of them gorgeous, especially when they look at each other or melt into one another's arms. 
Last Saturday they sealed that commitment under beautiful sunny skies at the equally vibrant Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens. In true character, Britt was excited, talkative, bubbly and maybe a bit anxious. Darryl broke down moments before Britt walked down the aisle, realizing the long awaited day, and dream was real. 
Surrounded by the closest of friends and a family who knows them so well, they said an emotional "I do". The reception was hallmarked by speeches filled by sentiment and humor. Britt and Darryl stayed close to each other, laughing and being in the same moment.

This was a long anticipated wedding, and there are many memories from it that will stay with me. Darryl's face as Britt walked down the aisle, their honest and emotional words to each other during the ceremony, and the strong connection they had with each of the wedding attendants, who truly shared in the celebration of the day. 

Thank you Britt and Darryl, you are an inspiring couple and capturing you on your day was an honour and a complete joy!! This was my last 2011 summer wedding and what a fulfilling way it was for me to end the season.




Thank you to my assistant Andrea Keenan


Reception: Merville Hall
Makeup: Ali Crowhurst 250-203-3574
Cake: Rachels Cakes
Dress: Fashion on 4th


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Brittany:

Karen!!!! I cannot believe how stunning all the images are I am so happy you were able to share our special day with us YAY I had to look at them I have my screen tiny at work hahah Thank you so much again!!

(09.07.11 @ 10:26 AM)
Shelley Grondahl:

These are stunning! Brittany and Darryl were and are definitely a beautiful couple!!

(09.07.11 @ 12:29 PM)
Danielle Lister:

Such amazing photos Karen!!!! Brittany, I am so happy for you! I feel like I was there :)

(09.07.11 @ 03:41 PM)
Donna Adcock:

Wow,,Amazing, Beautful pictures, made me cry,,what a Beautiful, special day it was.

(09.07.11 @ 10:40 PM)
Charlene Keats:

I cried as soon as I seen the picture of Darryl crying and never stopped till it was over!!!
They are gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shannon loves them too!!!!!!!!

(09.08.11 @ 04:01 PM)
Jessica Grimard:

Beautiful slideshow Karen!! You did such an amazing job. Every photo is absolutely stunning. You captured every emotion of the special day! And like everyone else, I shed a few tears as well. Great job!

(09.08.11 @ 08:54 PM)
Patricia Stephenson:

Beautiful couple and amazing pictures!

(09.09.11 @ 06:55 AM)
VALERIE MCGARVEY:

LOVED THE SLIDE SHOW IT WAS BEAUTIFILL MADE ME CRY A PERFECT COUPLE LOVE THEM BOTH

(09.09.11 @ 03:54 PM)
Andrea Keenan:

Awesome shots! It was a great day/night! You guys look great together!

(09.10.11 @ 03:44 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Britt & Darryl - A Merville Wedding . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/442
Danielle had always dreamed of having wedding photos taken at the beach, yet seeing how their wedding was on Mount Washington it wasn't able to happen... until last week that is! 

A few weeks after their wedding we picked an evening to head to the beach. What a fabulous idea!!!

We weren't bound by a timeline, or any of the stresses of a wedding day and it was just an enjoyable evening out photographing. 

I have come to really came about these two, so it was my pleasure to spend a bit more time with them. 

Danielle and Justin, you are stunning - you know that right?

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I love Danielle's expression here, it's something a bit different for her:

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