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I tried to share an album of these images on social media, and I can only share a maximum of 10. Ummm how? So here you are, a mega blog post. I am breaking all the blog rules about not showing too many photos and not mixing vertical and horizontal (yawn...). This year is full of new regulations,...

  This year, we won't have the opportunity to celebrate our high school grads in the traditional way. I am a mom of a 2020 Grad and I am heartbroken for them. It isn't just about the grad ceremony, it's about sharing and processing this pivotal time with their friends through final band...

It is an unprecedented time for couples who were anticipating a 2020 wedding. As the reality of the Covid pandemic surfaced in March and April it left many brides and grooms disappointed and stressed. Now, as we move into Phase 2 recovery what do we know about 2020 weddings? What is allowed? what...

When you have a critically ill child there is always uncertainty. Now, add a layer of global uncertainty. When you have a critically ill child understandably,  there can be is fear. Now add Covid-10 health pandemic fear. When you have a critically ill  child you often need to isolate,...

It has been sometime since I posted my personal musings here,  but good news is really important right now , as is sharing how we are all adapting. We have some good news to share.  Today is April 10th,  is our "WAS-WEDDING" Today we were supposed to be getting married. We should be...

I am a community theatre groupie. I have never been a groupie of any sort, it just isn't my style - until recently. My shy teen daughter went to a local musical (SHREK, if you want to know) and when we left she said, "I need to do that." Many productions later she has found her passion as a stage...

I genuinely feel honored to witness, connect with and photograph a wedding.  Knowing fully that this is cliche,, I am going to say it.. ..."it is a gift." It is a chance to be in the moment, fully present, to open my eyes, to see new things and to feel. It is good for my soul. Sometimes, that gift...

While their initial meeting in their undergrad years at UBC might have played a role, we need to say thank you for long boring meetings - or else these two might never have become the awesomeness that is Kim and Rob as a couple (with the recent addition of baby Roz to level them up a notch). It was...

These two met in high school, but their love didn't bloom until afterwards. Jessica fell in love with Clayton's passion for life and optimism and Clayton fell in love for Jessica's caring nature, sense of humour, passionate approach to life. Together these two excel at loving life and appreciating...

They passed each other regularly during their high school years, and should have met, but it just never happened. I suppose they were waiting for when the timing was right for something deeply meaningful to unfold. And it did. It started as a friendship 8 years ago, and despite Tasha's lack of any...

Paisley and Matt met at her high school grad campout at Comox Lake. He came right up to her, introduced himself, impressed her with his knowledge about trees and this kicked off a year of incredible friendship. When Paisley left to go travelling, they continued to talk daily and at length. After...

This one time at bandcamp.... At that is how their story starts. These high school sweethearts, who first noticed each other on a school band trip, made everyone ridiculously joyous when they exchanged vows in a stunning ceremony at Jarid's parents' home in the Comox Valley. After 7 1/2 years of...

The location, the decor, the hair, the food, the makeup, the dress - it was perfection! Most of all though, it was the bride and groom. They were grounded so naturally in the moments of the day - the words being exchanged, the knowing looks, I could feel them absorbing the meaning of the day which...

They kept meeting, bumping into each other, reaching out to connect, but it took a bit of time until Jordan and Maggie found themselves a couple. When they did - it all clicked! While travelling and getting through school, these two continued to deepen their bond. They both have incredible...

It began when they were co-workers. Through email and phone, Jacquie and Paul found they had a comfortable and enjoyable rapport. Eventually, they met in person, and as Paul said, "we shook hands and haven't stopped talking to each other since." Paul told me, it "was as if the room melted away,...

It took Colin a few tries (4 actually) to get Nuch to say yes to a first date, and clearly his tenacity was the right decision. These two met while pursuing their Master's degrees at UVIC. Nuch, was drawn in by his sense of humor, his brains and his kind heart and when he surprised her with a...

Maybe it is because their first date was a yoga class, and their second date was a running race, because these two have the perfect mix of being really relaxed yet making things happen. During the majority of their 5 year relationship Chris has worked out of town, which has lead them to become a...

Erin and Ryan ushered in my summer wedding season with me, it was an incredible way to start the season. They had  such joy and love that my assistant and I kept looking at each other and mouthing "they are amazing". After becoming engaged during a bike ride through Amsterdam, surrounded by sheep...

Hornby Island weddings are always a favorite for me. The couples who choose to get married there are always very passionate about place and connecting their wedding memories to a place that has deep meaning. Hornby Island, offers some of the most stunning vistas on Vancouver Island for dramatic...

The first one was so successful we are doing it again! Time to freshen up your professional image. June 25 2019 $150.00  BOOK HERE Includes: Up to 20 minute session in friendly studio environment Email with clothing suggestions Direction and posing Your two favourite image files,...

When I first talked on the phone with Craig about his wedding, he had me crushing on photographing their wedding within no time. It was the way he talked about Caroline, and how they wanted to celebrate their good fortune of finding each other with close friends and family. When I finally met...

When Mike and Lindsay asked me to be their wedding photographer I was thrilled. See, Mike and Lindsay are just the type of people that you like; yes, they are just likeable. Of course, they are more than that, but they have that energy that is just easy to be around. Add funny, down-to-earth, wise...

Taking care of his health came with big rewards for Alex because it was while hanging out at the gym with his cousin, a friend of Stephanie's, that he asked his wife on their first date. After that first date, they quickly found themselves building a life together. That was seven years ago. Since...

It's commonplace to hear people talk about high-school math and wonder,  what is the point? Where will all the time sitting in those math classes lead you?  Will it impact your future? For Kailey and Tanner, the answer is a definitive yes.  In grade 10 as they shared a math class, rather than...

They took quite the epic journey to find each other, (well that's actually an understatement) but when they did, well it was all there, it was bigger than the love they had always dreamed of. It had attraction, similar values, friendship, respect, acceptance, encouragement, and understanding. With...

Nothing took away the focus these two had on each other throughout the day. Not the looming and then torrential rain, not the foghorn that sounded on the top of the chairlift telling us we had to go down the mountain right away due to lighting. It didn't matter. They were married and everything...

Friends, I am so excited to let you know we are running another one of our workshops. Thank you to everyone who put some loving pressure on Boomer Jerritt and me to make it happen. If you have any questions, please buzz me 250-890-9222 or email info@mckinnonphotography.com. Register HERE These...

I first met Danielle to talk about her wedding at one of my favorite coffee shops. I remember the day well, it was a relaxed calm type of day - until we started talking that is. Danielle exudes enthusiasm, and her excitement about marrying Curtis was exhilarating.  Where Danielle is full of...

As summer comes to an end like most parents I am emotionally trying to make sense of time and how my child going into yet, another grade. My facebook "look back today" was me writing about how my daughter was starting Kindergarten. Are you kidding me? How does this happen? I think Sherina and...

It is a funny thing being a wedding photographer. Wonderfully in love people come into my life, and invite me into their world. I get to witness their nerves, their connection, their hopes and what is in their heart. I feel their excitement and some of their vulnerability. They let me meet their...

In their first year as science students at the University of British Columbia, these two became study buddies and good friends and through that friendship, it is clear they developed a strong acceptance of each other, that allows them to work together as such a balanced team and to cheer each...

Stephanie and Ryan met at a pub, both there with friends, the night quickly became about getting to know each other. He asked her on a date and the rest is history. She loves the way he takes care of him, his social grace, and silliness. He loves her positivity, unconditional love and oh that...

We notice that people have family photos taken when their kids are young, and then it tapers off. As a mom of a teen, that kind of breaks my heart. My teen loves that we still have photos of her, she cherishes them actually. It is like she knows her time as a "child" is tapering off. When I...

We needed this guy. As someone who photographs many events, I am so thrilled to have Rob Bowker join our community of vendors. He recently launched his business Vancouver Island Audio which provides  PA systems that sound amazing while being easy to carry, set up, and look good. I was super...

I have been meaning to share these photos for the last week, but I was in decision paralysis as I just have so many favourites. This happens often. Choosing what images to share is an interesting process to pull apart, there is a rollercoaster of creative self-analysis, both high and low, ...

  It seems like just the other day when we gathered for grad and family photos when big brother Reid was graduating,  but it was five years ago and a few weeks ago we captured Sam's grad milestone! Five years ago when I photographed this family, Sam was already an old soul, now,...

13 years ago, she walked into the room, said hello, sat on my lap and handed me a book to read her. It's a moment that I will never forget. That is when I met Gabbie. I had been dating her dad and this was my first meet with his children. I remember it perfectly, she had a curiosity, a...

This year I found myself falling deeper in love with family portraiture. As those in front of my camera share their memories of their first session with me and express what it meant to them. My favorite thing is hearing the kids laugh as they talk about the photos from the past and experiencing how...

  We are very excited to announce a fundraiser for the Ladies who Fight Relay for Life team. I think it is fair to say almost everyone has been impacted by cancer. My beautiful mom is a survivor, I lost a close inspiring friend in her 30s, and four years ago my studio manager...

The first one was so successful we are doing it again! Time to freshen up your professional image. May  16 2018 $150.00  BOOK HERE Fees include: Up to 20 minute session in friendly studio environment Email with clothing suggestions Direction and posing Your two favorite images...

It's the end of the day and I have so much I "should do" as I wrap up my office work week. We are just getting set to deliver these images and I was moved to share them. I don't blog as much as I used to, (thanks and no-thanks social media.) I miss blogging. It is fulfilling, and also...

We want to celebrate youth. Typically this is the time of year where we promote grad photos, and yes, we are doing that. However, we are opening it up to all teens as we just want to celebrate youth. With everything that is going on in the world, we think it is a good time to remind...

Ten years ago, I had called YANA to tell them I thought I could help them with their branding via fresh photos, and we had a plan to meet. However, before we could sit down together, I had to cancel that meeting because our family, within that time, found ourselves in a situation where we needed...

Wow - this wedding was phenomenal. Imagine a wedding where there was no stress, only laughter, some happy tears and dancing feet. Erin and Gil-Philippe dropped into the island from their home in Montreal to celebrate their wedding in her home town of Courtenay. Gil-Phillipe's family came along from...

  Business Head Shot Studio quick-shots January  25 and 26, 2018 $150.00  BOOK HERE Fees include: Up to 20 minute session in friendly studio environment Email with clothing suggestions Direction and posing Your two favorite images files, with unlimited usage licence in...

Earlier this spring I returned a call from someone that was interested in having me join her as part of her work addressing the multitude of issues women face in loving their bodies. What was intended as a quick phone chat turned into an hour of gushing, agreeing and both getting goosebumps - and...

It was a day as smooth as one could dream of. Amid a week of wet weather, the skies dried up and the sun provided warmth. The mood was just as you would want it - calm, peaceful -  just beautiful really. In a stunning dress Sarah walked down the aisle to a beaming Steven and at the moment, the...

I fell in love immediately. Over a coffee at Starbucks, Caitlin brought me into her warm personality with stories of her and Cody's full life. Cody runs an excavation and trucking company and Caitlin is commuting 2 hours some days to school where she is completing her nursing education. Meanwhile...

Carmen is a force to be reckoned with. Now, you all probably know that I mean that as a significant compliment. Another way to put it is, Carmen, well, when she does something she is all in! In kindness, in energy, and in love. I got to know Carmen through her work at Pantuso Dance, where I took...

I  I have been thinking even more than I usually do about beauty, our bodies, the sexualization of women's bodies without their permission, self worth and  shaming.  I have  worked hard to come to a place of peace with my body and thought I was really there.  Last spring I gained some weight,...

Anita and Aaron are the dream team. Anita described Aaron as "the sweetest, nicest guy you'll ever meet" and Aaron gushed that Anita was "Beautiful, in so many ways, and kind,"  I would agree with both these sentiments for both of them. These two have a softness and a sweetness that makes them so...

Imagine a day that starts with a kitchen full of all your friends and family pulling together making bouquets, laughing and helping you pull off the perfect celebration. As their friends put the final touches on the day, Steven and Megan and I headed out around their neighbourhood for some...

So, here's the thing. Chelsea and Kris are adorable. While I had enjoyed Chelsea in her role as a bridesmaid in a past wedding I had photographed, I had no idea about her relationship.However, that changed quickly after her and Kris booked me for their wedding. My clients' all fill out a small...

When Chelsea first called me about photography she instantly won the award for most excited bride! Her energy, ideas and enthusiasm were flowing and I was so thrilled to be part of the creation of this day. Even when these two made a big life move mid-planning it didn't slow them down. When I...

There was a calmness. At first I thought it was the weather that was creating the mood, but reflecting back I realize it was  Erin and Brandon themselves. Now the calmness didn't negate a mood of celebration, that was definitely strong, but there was also this harmonious stress free atmosphere...

It is always a joy to pull up to one of my favourite island wedding locations, Dolphins Resort, especially when I am there to capture the day of a couple I have grown to care about as if we have been friends for years. Such was the case with Amy and Graeme. From a convenient first meeting, to our...

Every now and then I hit one of those wedding days where I worry a little - where we don't have too much time for photos, where the sun is hot and the light is harsh.  Generally I work with my clients beforehand to make sure the schedule is one that isn't going to put us in a challenging spot, but...

Who doesn't love a story about a second chance? Karla and Russ were each other's first serious boyfriend and girlfriend and 30 years later they found each other again. Two dates later, a little dinner and dancing and they were in love all over again. After two years of a long distance relationship...

I planned on blogging this session right after we photographed. The photos were ready but the words weren't. They still aren't, because,  I am having trouble writing about the special feelings I have for them. So apologies in advance for not being able to get it all into the words that express how...

When I get the chance to capture a momentous anniversary I get the same butterflies as I do about a wedding - maybe more. It is not just a celebration of love, it is one of resilience, commitment and strength. Hertha and Harry brought their family together from the island and Alberta to mark their...

 I first met Sasha when she was an elementary school student. She had a unique quality about her that intrigued me. It still does. It's simple really, well it is simple to explain, but not simple to achieve. This girl is herself and she doesn't try to be anyone else. THIS IS HUGE. It's just part...

When I started back to school for my masters program I rubbed my hands together in greedy anticipation of all the material it would garner for blog entries. My identity as a single mother, self-employed photographer and now grad student came with an overflowing basket of instagram material....

So this is my first week of school post. Appropriately two weeks late.  I start week one all set.  - fridge and freezer are stocked - house is clean - dog is groomed - work is caught up - very rested Three days into week one:  The house is a total mess. I am functioning at 30% because...

The weather is a hot topic of conversation these days-  well, hot is likely not the right word. It is the the worst season I can remember for the yo-yo of weather indecision. On my way to this session in Victoria I went through hail, rain that brought me to a 30 km highway driving speed and...

Today it starts. Pantuso dance week. A ritual in our life for nine years. It's one of the most beautiful weeks of the year. Pardon me, when I tell you, it has very little to do with dance and,bear with me, as I try to find voice to what it means to our family.  Words that come to mind when...

I am not going to say much here. I am just going to let her energy and radiance speak for itself. Well, it is me after all, so I am going to say something... of course. Jenna and I have history. We knew each other years ago, we were both at a different place, literally and emotionally. Spending...

This woman is a mystery. Actually, how we met is a mystery. Well, likely Beth knows, she is smart that way, and many other ways.  I have memories of talking at craft fairs, of her leaving an impression. I guess the how and why doesn't matter, I have her in my life now, that is the meaningful...

It started as a trip to Mexico, then morphed into a Rocky Mountain road tip, and evolved into an easily attainable and meaningful Gabriola Island getaway. I go hard in life. That's my style. I am not one for balance (and I really wish everyone would stop saying it was necessary,) however, I am...

I was looking through my archives to pull photos to promote grad photos and I am stuck in a mush of sentiment. I remember each of these photo sessions like it was yesterday - I can tell you what we talked about and how the air felt. This is some feat, because I was  trying to remember what I made...

When a Vancouver Island musician commissions me to take their photo I get a little fan-girl-ish - (okay, a lot but I hide it enough to make it a "little") Reason 1: I can't sing, I can't play an instrument. I love music like I adore photography. If I wrote poetry (which is something I also can't...

My blog was broken for the last few weeks and it still is a bit moody. So, I have 6.5 blog posts that are swirling around my head that I am itching to write. I need to start with my session from yesterday because it couldn't have been more fun and meaningful, plus this mama to be is in her final...

After days on the couch with the flu I arose today with relief – the force randomly and intensly squeezing my gut and punching my head seems ready to exit. Truthfully though, it hasn’t been that bad. I don’t hit the couch often and used the time wisely with a dreamy companion. My daughter,...