Genuine. Caring. Connected. Joyful.

Vancouver Island Photographer based in the Comox Valley.
Voted Best Photographer Comox Valley 8 years running.
Top 3 - Masters of Wedding Photography, North America, 2023

GET IN TOUCH

I am your friend with a camera, and that camera is an extension of my heart. Let me guide you through a
stress-free photography experience and capture meaningful, impactful photographs true to who you are.

I feel strongly that all marriage ceremonies and families are beautiful regardless of
gender identity, sexual orientation, diverse abilities, culture & race.

tell your story

Wedding

You want wedding photography that is genuine and captures the connection you have with your loved ones. As the magic unfolds, my goal is to capture the real moments and create beautiful portraits. The images will transport you back to the connections you celebrated and the care you have for each other and your loved ones. My care and experience ensures your day is set for success and enjoyed without stress.

Commercial

Your commercial photography begins with the knowledge that it is time to level up how you connect with your clients. Together, let’s make a plan that brings out the best in your business and improves your marketing. From headshots to full photography branding packages, I bring years of marketing and communication knowledge, along with genuine enthusiasm, to every experience.

Portrait

We start with an amazing photography location in the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Qualicum or Parksville that suits your portrait vision. Then we mix in the fun and create memories that capture your relationships. During your portrait session, I will provide lots of direction, while keeping the mood relaxed and genuine.

BOOK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

CONNECT WITH YOUR CLIENTS

BOOK YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION

Pleased to *meet* you

I am Karen McKinnon (she/her) I’m a Vancouver Island wedding, portrait and commercial photographer, based in the Comox Valley. Surrounded by the ocean, rivers, the forest and just a hop away from the mountains, I know plenty of beautiful places to photograph you!
Your photography should be a fantastic experience with someone you trust to guide you. It should capture the heart of YOU. With years of experience behind the camera, I am still as crazy about photographing people as when I began my career - originally as a photojournalist. Now, I am passionate about connecting with and capturing the authentic beauty of my photography clients. Our connection begins from the moment you reach out - and we can start planning your photo vision.
My mission is to create a space where you can relax, trusting me to guide you through an experience that will allow your genuine self to shine in beautiful, honest photographs you love. I am also really good at making sure everything is very stress-free!
I feel strongly that all families and marriage ceremonies are beautiful regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, diverse abilities, culture and race. If this does not align with you, I am probably not the right photographer for you.
**Voted Readers Choice Best Photographer, Comox Valley, 8 Years Running.**
**Masters of** **Wedding Photography, 2023, Top 3.**
**2024 President’s Merit (for professional success and community contribution) Comox Valley Business and Community Chamber of Commerce Awards.**

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME

kind client words

Vancouver_Island_Grad_+Photos.jpg — *“What!!!! Seriously Karen. We are looking at Tyler’s photos and I have more than 25 favorites.* ***They made me cry, actually I’m still crying.*** *Tonight was a special gift from an artistic and talented photographer. I* ***know you took extra time to make the experience extra special*** for our son and that is super heartwarming for me.Your photos are getting such great feedback. I feel like you must be zonked the day after a photo shoot, your energy and enthusiasm was so appreciated by Tyler.Thank you Karen.
— Amy, Tyler’s mom

More Grads

“*I have opened this to start a text to you multiple times this past week, but have never been able to find the words to express how* ***happy and grateful we are for you being our photographer,*** and capturing our day as beautifully as you did. We are so in love with our photos!! I finally got it together enough to make a Facebook album last night, and still couldn't caption most photos because I was struggling with words. You are amazing. ***We love your attention to detail, your use of light, your ability to capture raw and candid moments,*** *and the fact that you somehow seemed to be everywhere that day, and didn't miss a thing. Thank you so much Karen!”*
- Maggie & Jordan

More weddings

the stories we share

Blog

Amanda and Derek Parksville Wedding

It started when they ran into each other through their respective jobs. Then they noticed each other around town - so much so that Amanda named Derek "cute guy at Starbucks with German Shepard." He meanwhile was also taking note, leading him to ask a mutual friend for her number. And we are all so glad he did!In May of this year, they made their union official with a stunning wedding at Tigh-na-Mara Resort and Spa. Highlights include how hard Derek was smiling while Amanda walked down the aisle, their daughter having a power nap mid-ceremony, and a dreamy friend group that has an easy connection, rocks some solid dance moves and laughs easily.

Dora and Chris, Parksville Wedding

When a wedding occurs under a resilient, statuesque tree something magical seems to circle the couple and their guests. While Dora and Chris hail from Vancouver, they knew their wedding was meant to happen somewhere natural and Rathtrevor Provincial Park was a setting that felt connected to their shared love of being outdoors together.

Aidan and Chrystal, Las Vegas Wedding

My words to my hubby post-Zoom call were, “these are people I want to know.” Thankfully, they felt the same, and the wedding was booked.By the time I landed in Nevada, I felt as if I was going to visit friends. And, yes, you bet I cried at their wedding.

Chrystal and Aidan were married by two of their closest friends, and the words shared were so genuine and funny that the guests were cry-laughing when they weren’t emotional-crying. Highlights included the instrumental version of The Office theme song, a surprise flash mob dance performed by Aidan and her co-workers and seeing their friends who had travelled from all over connect in their shared enthusiasm for adoring Aidan and Chrystal.

Rainbow House Royalty

While I am mostly booked for the year, I am 100% sure if your event fosters inclusion + has a sing-along, I will damn well make myself available!

Last night at the Sid Williams Theatre, there was magic on the stage and in the audience.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support this event which was a fundraiser fo

Mehrili and Ryan, Quadra Island Helicopter Elopement

Their love for each other was celebrated with both their parents, in the mountains next to Strathcona Park. It was a day full of laughter, kindness, color and adventure - which is a beautiful reflection of their relationship. ⁠

Kirsten and Conner Hornby Island Wedding

These two met by chance in Mexico. He was on a boy’s trip and she was on a girl’s getaway and his friends asked the gals to take a picture of them at the airport. It turned out that they were staying at the same resort. That fortunate moment led them here. Kirsten and Connor celebrated on Hornby Island at Connor’s family home and their friends came from all over to be with them for a weekend of food, drink and a shared expression of love for Kirsten and Connor.

Rya and Jonathan Mt. Washington & Filberg Park Wedding

Rya and Jonathan met in the most interesting way. Their parents became friends through a chance meeting. which involved a lost water bottle on BC Ferries. This led to Rya and Jonathan being at the same New Years ever party and becoming friends. That was in 2012. Fast forward to 2021 at a cabin on Valdez Island, and the two became engaged. When I had my first zoom with Rya and Jonathan I was instantly smitten. Their warmth, curiosity and unbridled joy lept out from across the screen.

Becky & John Mt. Washington Wedding

It was a wedding that radiated loudly the love these two have for each other. When you are with Becky and John, you can sense their ease with each other, their teamwork, shared sense of humor and adoration for each other. This love was so affirming to witness. While Becky claims she is the romantic in the relationship,John’s heart was beating outside of him throughout the day.

Lynda & Len Black Creek Beach Wedding

Lynda and Len already considered each other “family” before they fell in love. After more than 20 years of friendship, it was a big “heck-yes” for everyone who loves them when they choose to build their future together as husband and wife.

In a week of rain, the day of their wedding came and the sun shone down, the friends and family circled them and it was the day they dreamed off - it was comfortable, stress-free, meaningful, super fun and gave them lots of time to be with the people that matter the most to them and lean into the gratitude of their new role together as husband and wife.

William, A Special Comox Valley Grad

William is the youngest person I have ever photographed. As a family friend, I was there documenting his birth and since that time I have watched him grow up into an incredibly interesting, personable, driven, and thoughtful (almost) adult. He always has great stories and was the type of person who brought a group “up”. His entrepreneurial and independent streak has always resonated with me, and I am so thankful to be in his corner cheering him on.