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


Glenice and Donna brought the word tenderness to their session. They probably don't know it, and didn't even expect it - they ride motorbikes, say what is on their mind, play roller-derby laugh often, so tender might not be what one would be expecting.

We started our session on the beach and they watched each other, ready to help as we scrambled down rocks, now these are two very capable gals, neither of them came even close to needing help down this easy path, but still they watched and cared.

Then they melted - that's the only word needed to explain it, they melted into each other in so many photos, who was I to hold them back.

neil087tw.jpg

neil011tw.jpg

neil070tw.jpg



del.icio.us digg technorati
4 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend
Susie Q:

Congratulations, Glenice! Wonderful engagement photos.

(04.18.11 @ 09:55 AM)
Tamara Penna:

Karen, these are simply stunning.

(04.18.11 @ 10:34 AM)
Donna:

I am the luckiest girl in the world!! Look at how beautiful my girl is... June 11 Baby.... I can't wait to call you my WIFE!! I love you!! xo Thank you Karen.. you made it so easy and we had a lot of fun with you!!

(04.19.11 @ 09:54 AM)
Glenice:

The girl who stole my heart... I love you. Thank you so much for capturing the tenderness Karen. You are so talented! Thank you!

(04.19.11 @ 11:06 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Glenice + Donna = Engaged . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/345
February 23, 2011 // my life / news / wedding
It's time to get your tickets if you haven't yet. Yes, you can get them at the door for $10 each, but if you pre-purchase it is $8 or 5 for $30. This includes your gourmet Tria Culinary Studio Crepe, a Blue Moon winery cocktail, the chance to win a Dreamy Wedding Package valued at more than $300 and of course, a lovely time visiting with exhibitors, such as me.

You can pre-purchase tickets here

The event is open to brides, grooms and of course... the curious at heart!

TLAposter_marchFINBLOG.jpg




del.icio.us digg technorati
0 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Love Affair Time . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/308
Last week I was interviewed by The Daily show about the Comox Valley Love Affair and wedding photography in general. It is on Channel 4 rotation right now.

I think I "ummmm-ed" a few times and failed to make eye-contact - but, hopefully you will forgive me.  It is so funny to watch yourself. I really do have a  voice that is made for phone-sex, well at least I always have that as a career back up plan.

There to be interviewed alongside me, and to help make me look better, were my fabulous clients Mackenzie and Kevin. I have had the chance to photograph them, their extended family and now their wedding.

I have been interviewed for The Daily before for some charity work, but it was a bit different talking about myself, it definitely made me more nervous - but super fun, it could be addicting. Seriously, I think I have a huge problem, an addiction to challenges.


gartsidetown022.jpg

Honest and Sincere Plug:
You might know these two from their business MacKenzie Gartside and Associates - the valley's awesome-sauce mortgage brokers. Christine, myself and many of our friends use their services and I can't say enough good things. They have proven more than once that they have my back, have great follow through, personal service and they don't make me feel like a total dweeb when I ask the same question five times.

gartsidetown033.jpg 
gartsidetown060.jpg



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

SMOOTHIES, nice touch Karen you always find new ways to continue being amazing. so glad i get to be part of it.

(02.03.11 @ 12:34 PM)
Karen McKinnon:

thanks for noticing the Smoothies, you are pretty darn smooth yourself

(02.05.11 @ 08:08 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: tv star style - Me, Mackenzie & Kevin . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/300
I am selective about weddings that I photograph during the holidays, it's a time set aside typically for family.

When Victoria and Adam called regarding their New Year's Eve wedding I fell back on the truism that there is an "exception to every rule." Their enthusiasm for photography, creativity and their wedding won me over on our first phone call.  This was even before I found out it was going to be a Pirate themed wedding at one of my favorite hotels, Westin Bear Mountain in Victoria. 

Through facebook and phone calls, we got to know each other, I got to know about what a fabulous unique couple they are. Every party that Victoria throws is theme based, so it followed suit that her and Adam would outdo themselves for their wedding.

Their custom made outfits were stunning, their ceremony and the reception in the Penthouse Suite was aptly decorated. I have to say it was a wedding I will never forget. Mostly though, I feel as if I have some new friends. It was an imitate wedding, and Victoria and Adam prioritized photography time, so we were able to spend some substantial time with them creating unique images that matched the theme of their day.

I can't end this post without a few  thank you's:

- To the Westin, who despite a very busy evening, was extremely accommodating in giving us access to different locations.
- To my good friend and trusty assistant/second-shooter Jennifer Dodd from Powell River - you as always bring your A game.
- To, John and Kevin, our hubby's, who followed us around , carrying gear and more, to ensure we could work quickly in the cold.

and of course,

-  Victoria and Adam - I am so very, very thankful to you for being flexible, - you are tough  - it was cold! You are fabulously handsome  couple, who know what a big part of life having fun and kindness is!

Thank you

To see the slideshow large and with music click HERE





del.icio.us digg technorati
0 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Victoria + Adam, a pirate wedding . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/290
I am a creat-a-holic. Events, plans, projects and more projects. I like to create (I even have a baking problem, does that count?)
If the opportunity to create and collaborate crosses my path, I'm done for, sign me up. My family teases me, that I can't pass up a good collaboration - and they are right.

I have a few on the go right now, the Comox Valley Love Affair Wedding Show, some Chicks who Click Weekend Workshops and this:

(be sure to turn your volume on)




New to the community is video artist Paul Christopher came along when I was photographing Justine and Phillip's engagement shoot.

 We collaborated to create something very special for them to remember this time in their lives. I had a blast working with Paul, so did my clients, and when I saw the video it brought tears to my eyes and made me laugh - such an amazing treasure to have!

Paul and I are now collaborating to offer, what I am calling for now REEL STORIES to all clients. The services begins at $850 and includes your full edited video and full shoot. It's something really special and we look forward to having on created for our family.

Paul, meanwhile is taking bookings for 2011 weddings and has a wedding contest going, you can follow him on facebook to check it out.

Welcome to the Comox Valley Paul! 
del.icio.us digg technorati
4 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend
Linda:

This is beautiful - I want to be them

(01.06.11 @ 07:06 PM)
Jen Dodd:

Wow- goosebumps! I most definitely would love something like this, it really makes me smile

(01.06.11 @ 07:22 PM)
Kevin:

Nice video - fun idea to have the both people working together.

(01.06.11 @ 07:31 PM)
corrie:

Each of you are so brilliantly talented it is no wonder that something so special would result with your collaboration!!! What a keepsake!! Makes me want to do it all over again and have it documented like this.

(01.07.11 @ 08:51 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Collaboration and Creation- REEL STORIES . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mckinnonblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/289