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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

    Despite my usual steadfast dedication to an early start to a productive first day of the year,  I started 2017 by sleeping until noon. And no, I did not tie one on the night before. I don't have any grandiose plans for doing things differently in 2017, but maybe this is...

FIRST - THIS IS WHAT I SAID IN MY NEWSLETTER  A few years ago I began a really deep journey of shifting the way I saw my body. Honestly, it is thanks to my clients. As someone who photographs women regularly, both for their professional work images, for family photos and more relevantly,...

  Their love story has the sweetest start. She was working as a cashier in Safeway , and this handsome fellow, who had chosen her till with the hope of saying hello, caught her eye. Over groceries and with the hum of the store in the background something, a connection, happened. They both...

I believe this to be my seventh year of creating and sharing day in the life stories at the annual Y.A.N.A (You Are Not Alone) auction. These stories of the warriors that our community has supported are tales  of monotony, emotions, fear, victory love and somwtimes loss. In all that time, this...

It was 5 p.m. on a tuesday. I was frustrated due to a series of small challenges. Typically - I pick myself up, do the cup half full thing, put on my rose colored glasses and find a solution. Instead  though, I didn't. It wasn't within my grasp. I took a moment to take stock and then I ran...

A last minute photo session, on Thanksgiving monday, blessed with a beautiful night and a connected, loving family. ...

I want to send a huge congratulatory hug to my friend Leanne Zdebiak-Eni on celebrating 10 years of business in the Comox Valley with a new look for her business. Known to most as Island Pilates, Leanne started her business at around the same time as me. We have circled around each other with...

  On my last night of China with Extravagant Yak Travel Company we went to the Sichuan Opera. When I teach at the tour next year this will be the activity for the second night. It is in this sweet little area, quant, next to a stunning park. On my trip we headed to the park first to...

Yala Mountain next to the town of Tagong.    I have always been a goal orientated person, I have weekly goals, monthly goals and five year goals. I revise them, I look at them objectively, I interrogate myself to ensure they are genuine. The big goals, the dreams, well, I tend to keep...

The results of the photo session is so important, of course. It is about having meaningful photographs - right? The day after this session I sent the kids a note and silly photograph taken at then end of our session and this is what I received back: "Thank you for sending us the message. Thank you...

Ana first booked her session two years ago, yes two years, but with a husband that works away and a busy family, it  had to be reschedule. Then, well, we all know how it goes. Life happens. I was so thrilled to have them in front of my camera on this day, at this time. I think it was just the...

  My first session of 2013 was filled with great tenderness and peace - such a beautiful way to start. Violet is such a sweet gift to her parents and three siblings and she in turn is so blessed to join this incredible family .I first met  this family when they were a family of four, and...

I have been a bit scared of my blog lately. It looms..... telling me that it needs attention, but then I have facebook sitting so close by, saying, "I am way easier to work with,  I offer the opportunity for interaction and I think people like me better." I value how facebook offers the...

Casey and Lisa have a beautiful family, three stunning girls, all different, all shining brightly. Lisa has one of my favorite traits, her voice laughs when she talks, it is something my daughter does as well,  it feels wonderful to be around. Casey, always seems sincere, he gives you his full...

Note: I have had numerous requests from others  to share this post - please feel free On Tuesday of this week I was photographing a wonderful wedding - just going about my business as I usually do. Enthusiastic, in the moment, joyful. We were photographing at the Courtenay fair grounds, my...

I was on holiday in Strathcona Park, I was photographing a wedding, sitting on a patio with friends, or on my way to Hornby to visit family. That's how summer goes! Tons of photographing and playing with family. So there will be a little less blogging over the next few months -but just as much...

I have been blogging my heart out for 8 years, when I started, I had to explain to people what blogging was.   Blogging transformed my business, as it let you into who I am, just like you let me into your hearts and lives. When I started blogging I took a "no holding back" approach, despite...

To say there has been a lot going on around here is an understatement. New websites, yes that is plural, I just launched a new website dedicated exclusively to boudoir and am so excited about it! It really means so much to me, as it truly can be a celebratory and transformative experience. The...

When I moved the Comox Valley I literally knew three people, so whenever I re-connect with someone from my past, here in the Comox Valley, I feel a special kinship with them. I think of them as "my roots." Mike and I worked together in another life-time. We were in the service industry in...

    Does anyone else feel so full of  emotion, thought and questions when they come home from a holiday? I was just away for the most relaxing week of my parenting life (nine years,) and the quietest week I have had since my teen years when I was passionate about backcountry hiking....

  What a beautiful week I have had. I love Birthday Week. For me it truly is a time of celebration and reflection. This is when I make my resolutions. Reflecting back on the one I set two years ago (it was a biggie - it needed to years,) I am contemplating what intention I will set for the...

If you follow me on facebook you know I am a huge lover of birthdays. Give me a reason to celebrate and I will run with it. I have always celebrated Birthday Week. It is a grande tradition. Birthday week is all about being a little extra good to yourself for seven days. Each day in Birthday Week I...

There is spontaneous movement, spontaneous giggling, random silliness, lots of hugs and love and an abundance of cuteness.. serious cuteness. A gorgeous mom, a handsome dad, both kind and interesting. A little girl who smiles sweetly and watches what is happening around her. A little boy who...

It is always a little flattering, but more so, nerve wracking, when you are asked to do photography for a photographer! However I was thrilled to have the privilage of photographing Sasha for my fellow photographer and friend Jesse Bone from Nanaimo. Jesse and I have had the chance to work on...

The sun was shining and out of the truck hoped a handsome red head with a big smile watching the love of his life, dressed in an adorable summer dress, bounce out of the truck, doing more than smiling - giggling. What a way to start a session! Can you be in your early 20's and be a power couple I...

As it's the last day of March I thought it a good morning to share some sunshine, which I  know we are going to see much more of this April. Last Friday I met with Sandra and Al, it was chilly, but we all appreciated the feeling of the sun hitting our backs, plus Sandra and Bill kept each other...

I have been wanting to write a post about backing up your personal photos for some time. I can't hold it off any longer. One of my best friends lost everything in a fire yesterday, yes everything. Thankfully her family and pets were not in the houes. Shortly after I heard I ran to my files pulled...

  This is the second Milestone I have had the pleasure of documenting for the Adams Family. We first came into each others lives when I had the honor of capturing Justine and Ian's wedding two summers. I fell in love with them. Ian is a talented designer and Justine has great style - plus...

This was one session I was so excited about. Leslie is an amazing woman, smart, compassionate, fun and  pretty funky (I was once behind her in a Zumba Class, and boy can she move, as for me, well that was my first and last Zumba.) She is stunning, a classic beauty who has worked hard to be fit...

I was recently recognized with another accreditation from the Professional Photographers of Canada. Accreditation is the first elevation above general membership in the organization, achieved by submitting samples of the applicant's photography to a board of review. When assessing submissions, the...

I am SO EXCITED to announce my new logo. My old one, for ten years has served me well. However, with my studio being such a great expression of my style, I realized my logo didn't express ME. I decided that it was time to have a logo that conveyed the excitement and sense of celebration that...

I feel emotional, it is what happens when you have a weekend that you knew would be fabulous, but then totally exceeds your expectations.  It happens when you are surrounded by inspirational women. Leading up to the Boudoir Marathon I felt a great sense of calm, until Friday, when the vibe...

At some point last year it was suggested to me that I share a photo of the week. I didn't go for it because I don't like to be tied down in that way. However I realized a photo of the week doesn't have to be every week, I can set the rules here! This morning. Kids running outside of the...

I always want to buck the trend and not give into the reset that the date of January 1st gives us, I am a bit cynical about it. Perhaps it was years of bartnending on New Years Eve. I tend to set my resolutions on my birthday - but really why is setting it on my birthday so much better than joining...

Rita planned a boudoir photo session to surprise her husband for Christmas but just couldn't wait and gifted him the images last week. His response was exactly what she was looking for saying that "He had his own super model." Although he thought the session was all for him, us women know...

Last week my mom, myself and my daughter hit the road for a few days. There was so much to do at home and work, and I had some decisions to make, so we took off. Yes, just like that, sometimes when the world is whirling around you, you just need to step outside of it it. So we headed to Victoria...

I am thankful. Everyday. I live a life of abundance, something many of us are aware of this time of year. This year though, I am thinking about you. You all play with me. You choose me to photograph what you love. You comment on my facebook page, you smile and say hello , your emails lift me up on...

I am currently enjoying a little get-away with my mom and daughter in Victoria. I am so thankful to have a job, a laptop, I-phone, and my lovely office manager Christine - all these things make it possible for me to travel and stay on top of work and life! It seemed slightly insane to leave...

Love the 10th day... this should make three special families very happy. I think this would be so sweet to put under the tree for an expecting mom or a family celebrating their new arrival!...

Today we celebrated the Teen. Yes, that's right, that pesky teenager! I am perplexed as to why we photograph our children regularly until they become a teenager. I think the teen years is an important time to document and celebrate their beuty and uniqueness. As a mom of daughters on the cusp...

Wow, 8 days.. already - this has been so much fun! Please email info@mckinnonphotography.com if you would like to be one of the two who receive this...

We are have way there and we are having so much fun.There are another six days of goodness coming and remember, to start thinking about our 12th day, which will open the gates for nominating a charity that would benefit from professional photography. Please email...

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A part of my business that I have kept quiet is the Boudoir Portraits that I create. What is Boudoir? It is stylish, sexy, beautiful, empowering, tasteful photographs of women. Over the last year I have become extremely moved by these sessions. Women, typically come in nervous, walk out the...

It's been awhile since I checked in and shared what is happening in our world. October was a fabulous month. Typically, it is a busy one for our family, we have two birthdays, thanksgiving, Halloween and it can be one of the busiest work months of the year for me. This year, we also threw in a trip...

Pauline, Peter, Owen and Sam have been in our circle for years. Pauline, a local lawyerm and I first met when I moved here and joined the Comox Valley Women's Business Network - her brains and humour always intrigued me. We connected again, as seems to happen in this town, when we became...

I truly appreciate my clients and love the opportunity to remind you of that! For the third year I are offering complimentary BOO sessions! Saturday October 29 we invite you to bring your costumed little one down to the studio for a COMPLIMENTARY super mini-shoot. Just a quick pop in at the...

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I just returned from a lovely gathering of photographers. It was held at the Sidney Pier Hotel and I HIGHLY recommend it there. The service was fab, the food delish and the rooms just right - it didn't hurt that I got up-grated to a premier suite. I often forget how important it is for me to...

So for august I did something a little radical, for me that is. I just stopped. Other than photographing weddings and processing them, I did no work - really - none. Selah and I packed up and moved to Hornby Island for the month. My step-children were away with other family and John was working, so...

I know many of you are reading this right now -  Thankfully, for some giving up isn't an option -...

 I am living the dream, it is exactly what I always wanted. To enjoy the beauty of my life, the people in it and to document it with my camera. I am a goal setter, so getting here wasn't  by accident, I have had one year, five year and ten year plans - yes I am an A type personality, yes,...

Appreciating You: Mini SessionsSunday, September 18 th   When: September 18  Where: At the McKinnon Photography studio or outdoors at a nearby park if weather allows Why: As this is my tenth year in the Comox Valley, each month I have been offering something...

If you know me you know I wear Rainbow colored glasses almost all the time, and rarely will you hear me say I have had a bad day - I don't growl often, and can always find the good, (trust me, sounds nice, but can annoy the heck out of my family sometimes.) So when I feel a little attitude...

Hello All, it's Christine here - making my second blog appearance as Karen took advantage of the sun and ran like a madwoman out the door with her camera. As you know, for the first ten months of the year we are doing something a little extra special each month to celebrate Karen's ten years...

So after my lovely evening at the Atlas Cafe I was apparently just starting to get on a roll for a weekend of dining and beverages. Friday night saw me at the Black Fin pub, watching the weather storm over the ocean, while I sat back and enjoyed a meal with my friend Kathy. What does that have...

Summer brings a finely tuned balance of sleep and play, parenting and working, exercising and eating.. okay, well I could be doing better with the exercise part, but I really have been excelling at the eating and drinking. Oh wait! That sounds bad, I really shouldn't be writing about drinking on my...

I guess it is the weather, (because we certainly aren't going to blame the mall-ish friend chinese food I had for lunch,) but I sure feel like I could use a shot of caffeine in the arm. Maybe yesterday could do a do-over. I started the day at the Wandering Moose Cafe in Cumberland, the...

It seems appropriate timing to do a music post - I have had two people ask me in the last week to share my current musical obsessions and Vancouver Island Music Fest weekend seems like the right time to do it. So in no specific order here is a tad of what we are playing in the office these...

Life is busy - I work full-time, John does camp work and is gone half the time, we have four kids. I do most of my work when the girls are at school and pull some long days when John is here. We have a groove and it works for our family. But then summer comes, and I feel like I have to...

Introducing Guest Blogger, Selah McKinnon. Selah is an 8 year-old who enjoys reading, baking, biking, sports and photography. It was a joy taking these photographs at the 30 day local food challenge at the shelter point distillery,  many people took the time to make it fantastic for...

Sometimes you just luck out, and you get an awesome mom, who comes with a loving auntie who gives you cousins to play with and love and on top of of it.. you are adorable!  ...

The thing about me is I am a romantic. In a huge way. Now my definition of romance is not about grand gestures (Note to John: don't let this deter you from acts of grandiose, this blog post is about romance in everyday life, and again, I repeat, should not deter you from proclaiming your love...

I had a fabulous weekend. Despite it being a busy photography time of year, I always ensure I take a few weekends off throughout the summer. For 10 years myself, my daughter, my mom and step-dad, my sisters and their family and I head to Tofino for 5 days. This year, due to my step-father's health...

What a very special session. Vanessa organized her and her two best friends for a photo session - it is such a sweet and loving act and so appropriate. They are at a point when life is changing, they live in different towns, one is engaged and they are heading in different directions - but they...

I am a tad behind on blogging and such as we are switching things up. We are finally doing the pc to mac move. Why haven't we done it before? Well, I have been PC since the beginning of time and I am damn fast at it, if I don't say so myself, plus the thought of switching over all my software ......

We are mid computer switch over. Finally making a PC to Mac move. Yes, finally. So, I really have nothing to do at this moment. Which is odd, because I always have lots to do. Emails, processing, burning.. busy.. busy. But right now I can't access any of my information. So, I figure I...

I couldn't resist another blog post, everyone works so hard to make this show happen, and the kids and their excitement always gives me goosebumps. Thank you everyone, especially the dancers, for a great week - The famous Dad's Dance, and some musical theatre talent: I adore how they are all...

It's recital week, which means we are in lock-down around here. Nothing else other than dance, sleep and chilling and we love it! Once a year my children celebrate their hard work throughout the year with a week of performance nights at The Sid Williams Theatre. The week is all about them. Well not...

Because I am adverse to routine, I tend to throw myself curve balls. I know, weird right? Well that's just me. After a roller coaster diverse few months, things were settling back into routine, so then it became time to mix it up. So I dove into a nine day cleanse - just to ensure I didn't get...

I photographed Amy's belly on her first pregnancy as a surprise for her hubby, then I photographed sister Maya, then another maternity with dad along and now... Lola. Lola was a little dream for us. She is six days old in these photos and already has expressions that remind me of her gorgeous big...

Every few weeks I was writing a love list and it seems to have fallen by the wayside, but I am bringin' back the love baby (sorry, couldn't resist.) Technically a list only needs to have two items and because it's a holiday weekend, I think I can get away with one. For the last few days I have...

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"Never lose sight of even the smallest things that bring you joy."There is so much I want to write. I feel overcome with swirling thoughts and emotion. Today is the end of another birthday week. It has been a lovely week. I was definitely intending to blog about it - it was a peaceful week, as...

Toad in the tree started making a children's hat, which has affectionately become known as the Jenn hat, as it benefits the Love from Jenn Foundation. The hats, which you can pick up at Podlings or by contacting Kim or Amanda directly at kim@toadinatree.com or amanda@toadinatree.com are now...

I got home last night from being away with my lovely photo assistant, Powell River photographer Jennifer Dodd at a conference in Vancouver. Although I enjoyed the conference, particularly connecting with new and old photographer friends, what I relished most was the reset and reflection. (Insert...

A few weeks ago, I did a shoot with the Toad in aTree crew. They will be launching a new website soon and we had a super sweet shoot, full of cute children, lollipop trees, and of course the Toad in the Tree adorable goods.  The brains and creativity behind Toad in aTree, Amanda and Kim, were...

Women, I  know how it goes in your family, you take the photos, you are not represented, and if you are, does your hubby or kids really rock out the photos of you? So, around here, we are obviously pretty passionate about people having photos of themselves, I am reminded often why they are so...

This morning I am off to Jet FM to talk about my involvement with Y.A.N.A. and the families who it helps. In perticular I will be sharing the introduction I did at the annual auction to Gabe's Day in the Life slideshow. My new buddy Gabe, was diagnosed with Leukemia in February of this year, and at...

I am up early this morning, enjoying the quiet. It used to be my way, to get up at 5 a.m. and by the time the family was up I was done two hours of my work and the "must-get-done," edge was off. Many of you don't realize, most of the time I finish work at 2:30 in order to be with the kids, so in...

Tomorow. Be there or be square. ...

The beauty of life is often in the details. They are what weaves things together to make a whole. Welcome little, beautiful and perfect Quinn. I know you are entering the bravest family, full of dotting siblings, parents and grandparents. Lucky boy...

Of course it was a sunny day when I shot the Watson's. Dana and I first met when she owned a local children's consignment store and we were both juggling self-employment and newborns - which for us, created an instant bond. I have watched her and her family, grow, stretch, change, snap back,...

Our trip was heaven. Pure heaven. Thank you Mexico. Thank you Children's Wish Foundation. It was a wonderful trip that gave me so much. I celebrating creating memories with the love of my life, and we dreamed of future travels together, I watched my oldest relish in independence as she enjoyed some...

If you are just joining the party let me bring you up to speed. 2011 marks my tenth year being a photographer in the Comox Valley - definitely cause for celebration. So, for the first ten months of 2011, each month I will have something special to share with you. Each months special is very...

Just editing, and well, needed a break, so of course, it made sense to blog oneHair: Michael and Keith at Roots the SalonMakeup: Crystal-Lee at RootsModel: Brittany Penney...

I'll admit it, it is a bit of frantic time. I have collaborations left, right and center. We are heading off soon on a family holiday, I am organizing a wedding show, and going back to teaching at the photography college in Victoria.  I am on a Roller Derby Team, I want to skate. I have...

I don't tend to blog many Bella Sessions, often they are surprises and usually they are not for everyone's eyes. I shot a Bella session for my friend and longtime (so very appreciated) client Dhea and asked her if I could share one of her  'not so private' images. She truly is the definition...

When I was in grade 4 the music teacher told me I could mouth the words - no sh**! Really! My voice was a tenor and it didn't fit in. I would lose my usual friendly demeanour if a music teacher told my child that. My parents are awesome, liberal, outspoken, pro-creativity, educated folks, so you...

I am reflecting and carving out my intentions for the next chapter. I don't know what it will bring, but I know how I intend to treat myself. I will aim to continue on this path of self-discovery of living with intention and being open to what is placed in front of me.  I will continue to...

Come back at the end of the week for January's Celebration! Stay in the know on the blog or on our Facebook page....

So, as we slow things down, fill our glass with Baileys and look forward to days of cuddling with the kids, proudly sporty messy hair, and rest - I want to say something deep and meaningful, full of sentiment. It could be a long blog post, but it doesn't need to be because it's simple. I am...

Earlier this year I volunteered to photograph 12 of the Comox Valley's fabulous realtors for a project they were doing to raise money for "Y.A.N.A ":http://www.yanacomoxvalley.com/- it was quite the project. We faced snow, harder rain than my camera had ever experienced, we lit fires, we...

I am feeling proud right now of the little people in their house. Although there is the occasional threat of Beiber Fever, it self-extinguishes pretty fast around here. There is a wee-bit of Katy Perry love, but it is moody and rare. Mostly - It's about Sue, Helen and Sarah. I can now sing along to...

Oh, la, la .... we are excited about a whole bunch of treats around here, wait and see what we have in store for you next year - exciting things.... but let's kick it off now shall we. This is an incredible bonus, especially perfect for all of you that were not able to get in at the end of this...

Tonight is the last night of Hanukkah - for those of you not familiar, it is the Jewish Festival of Lights, a celebration of, among other things, miracles. I grew up just with Hanukkah, but now as I am part of a blended family I saddle up for the Festival of Lights and Christmas. Not celebrating...

We have a little thing that we like to call, random awesomeness, happening over on the facebook page. Just a way to say kudos to those of you that show us your support by following us on Facbook. We are giving away a Roots All-Star Package to one of our facebook followers. The draw will happen...

Thankfullly, 3/4 of the little people in our house are on the ball with their school work, but of course there is the one, there is always the one - the one that doesn't bring home her school work, the one that the teacher calls about, the one that gets emotional when she actually has to do the...

It's been to long since I posted a little love list - let's dive right in. The Love: 1. There's a new blogger on the scene and I am crushing on her big time. Check out Sadie the Receptionist, she's razor sharp and brimming with sass - she writes like she has nothing to loose. She mans the desk, and...

I don't eat wheat or sugarok let me be honest, I don't eat wheat unless I am somewhere with a really good dessert and I just take a couple bitesandI shouldn't eat sugar, and I try not to, but sometimes I do, one bite, becomes two, becomes three...I know avoiding eating sugar and wheat is trendy in...

It's an interesting time of year for McKinnon Photography - I don't mean interesting with any sarcasm, I mean interesting as in never boring, intriguing and thought provoking. We have tons of different categories happening. I am currently still working on creating albums for my 2010 wedding...

The flu has hit me. Have you heard of the flu? I think I had it once before, and I hear of people having it. These people, I now feel great sympathy and confusion when I think of them. I hear some of them get it often - how do they cope? What do they do with their day? How much chap-stick...

You wake up, you feel fuelled by a creative urge, the quiet in the house is affirming - time to get to work. I am off to a rocket start, and then my throat starts to hurt. Lame. Then I get this. Please take a minute to read it: Baby Will You Love Me When I Am BaldPlease. Jenn is a friend of mine...

Our fall newsletter will be coming out shortly so if you are not receiving it please make sure to sign up HEREandThere is a lot of action on our facebook page, so if you aren't following us, you can check it out HERE   right now there is fierce thread about legwarmers and parachute pants...

Typically, this blog is all rosy and sunny. Generally, that's who I am. I have actually been told it can be a weakness of mine, seeing the world through rainbow colored glasses. So, someone asked me the other day to blog about a bad day. My bad days tend to go like this - I eat, I call my friend...

Each time I run into someone they say, wow, "you sure are having a busy summer" - well yes we are, work has been busy, but this is the best summer I have ever had as far as life/work balance. Work: This summer has brought some amazing connections, I have been photographing the kindest, funnest,...

Let me start by telling you that I am a city girl, I even had serious plans to move to New York after college. Now, let me tell you about my day. Last night, for the first time in my career I injured myself, to the point where I wasn't sure how it would impact my work. I gave myself a third degree...

Selah, who has taken a huge interest in my work, noticed how busy we have been in the office  and overheard us talking about how at this time of year we have both 2010 and 2011 on the brain so she took the initiative to help us out.  So just in case the clipboards, two dedicated computer...

I have been avoiding this post, even though I knew it was coming. Am I really going to blog about makeup? A post about makeup from the gal that is lucky if she has her lipstick on straight and puts on her makeup while, brushing her teeth, talking to the kids and drinking coffee? You betcha. This is...

Thankfully the summer holiday came just when it was time. It is time for me to walk into the kids room in the morning and tell them to take their time getting ready, it is time for me not to have to say "you need to hurry" three times a day, it is time for me not to get frustrated when the 7 year...

Phebe - any one who knows Phebe knows unique would be one of the top words to describe her. She is a true original,  she is intriguing and full of layers. She simply is just a beautiful person, who knows who she is.  Joanne is one of my oldest Comox Valley friends and for that I am...

Just saw this in the beef and bouquet section of the paper and feel a bit shy about sharing but am also kind of beaming at how fortunate I am (and know this will make my mom proud when she trolls the blog.) "NO WORDS TO EXPRESS how absolutely incredible Karen McKinnon and her assistant Christine...

Here are more images from the epic Bella Party. Mel, our leader, without her we wouldn't ever see each other so I had to blog two photos of her. Thanks Mel, for making us happen. Mel's eyes are full of  stories and sincerity, it is like she has lived way longer than her years - she is...

The day started out with so much promise, I had five sessions I was going to blog or at least prep to blog - I was going to be fuelled by my grounding morning yoga class and a healthy lunch. I grounded at yoga, followed by a Starbucks meeting, (does the caffeeing cancel out the yoga?). Both me and...

It has been too longs since I shared a love list. I think about writing one, but get overwhelmed, there is lots to love. I want to share a few local blogs that I adore, perhaps this will become a regular blog feature. So, let's start just with two. First, there is the blogs of all blogs. I imagine...

I am back from six days of Tofino time with family. It is a trip we have been making annually as a group for eight years, and sporadically since I was eight. . My time there is always grounding, rejuvenating and relaxing beyond words. It is filled with so many of my favorite things. It was a...

I am feeling so excited today that I am not going to let the fact that I just wrote a whole blog post and didn't save it, kill my mojo. There is much goodness happening this weekend. Today13 of the most fabulous women are coming into my studio for a Bella Party tonight. Each year at the YANA...

 How many weddings are you photographing this year?When I was first starting, the amount of weddings you had booked was thrown around like a badge, the idea being the more you photographed the more successful you were. This idea never sat right with me. I realized early on that only I...

The Comox Valley Doulas are hosting this fabulous event. The list of who is going to be there and the events throughout the day are going to be fab! It will be super informative and a fun, very well run event. On top of that it is free! So mark your calendars and pass the info along. Of course...

I have babies, maternity, children, families and news to blog. But this week is all about dance....So a quick blog post before I head out and shoot in this stellar photography weather. A bit more from the Groove 2010 Pantuso Show. They opened up the balcony so there are still some tickets for this...

It's an epic week, I actually really can't stand the word epic, so I am open to options you might have to replace it with a different one. I have been very busy shooting and planning, shooting and planning. The kids have been fighting off sickness and John is busy working through his last month of...

I am not a grumpy person - honestly. Ask my peeps, truly, I rarely get grumpy (maybe don't ask John, okay?) Yesterday I woke up mean. For no reason. I slept 8 hours, I had everything I needed.I checked in with myself and gave myself permission to do anything I wanted - one of the joys of working...

I am looking for a new photographers assistant. The job is primarily one day a week, mostly Saturday's from June to October.  The ideal person:   -          Loves people, laughs easily and can think on the...

We are thrilled to be one of the sponsors for the Oh Spa mother's day make-over contest and I can't wait to spoil the winner. Check out their website for all the details and while you are at it join their Facebook Page to be kept in the loop of all their specials and more....

I remember the first time my website went down. It was terrible, I lost sleep, I ate junk food, my business was going to fall apart, probably all the neighbouring ones would as well. Well, it has happened again. And the icing on the cake, and there is always at least a little icing on my cake, is...

I have a few spots available still in my Camera Confidence Course that runs the evening of April 16 and the day of April 17. The course is going to be spectacular for many reasons:- We will start on Friday night with some inspiration and lessons on operating your camera in manual mode, one of the...

This is how I looked: (photo by my fantastic assistant and pal Jen Dodd)This is how I look now:SERIOUSLY! I haven't had a cold for years, and this is what it is like? How do all of you people who get colds and flus regularly cope. I feel like I look like a walking crumpled up Kleenex with some...

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...

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 overIt's all good, this gal is made for hard work followed by holidays. What makes a holiday extra sweet is being excited...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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;...

I just got back from holiday, well, not really, but it feels like it. I was feeling a little worn out so I took the seven year old and we headed to Victoria for a night. It was 30 hours away that left me feeling like I was gone for a week. We ate sushi (twice), grabbed a nice hotel room with a...

Feeling like I need to sit here this morning and do some computer work, instead of heading out to the scheduled fit camp - but a quick pop over to Joel's blog turned me around. Joel Lamaroux has an incredible story, some of you might remember him from his day of host at Jet FM - but of course he...

My computer, aka the mothership is going to a dr. appointment today. Time for the dreaded reformat. It will be a nail biting 48 hours as Matt from Covaltek computers axes the system and I reinstall all the software and data. We run a triple back-up system so my paranoia has no foundation, is a...

I know some of you are itching to see the results of the shoot that me and my gals did on Monday - they are coming. Also, we plan to announce some Chicks who Click news via the newsletter next week. Today though is love list day, because there is lots to love, we are talking BIG LOVE (speaking of...

I was a cat person or a no pet person. I had pets when I was little and loved them to bits, I didn't need to re-experience that. But then, my daughter entered grade one and to cope with the mama heartstrings this pulled at I decided we should get a dog and once I get my sights set on something I am...

All day yesterday I sat down to blog, thinking I would make a meaningful proclamation -  perhaps, a strong sentence to sum up last year or at least some inspirational words for the future.  It was the first day of the year and I am sure that a good blogger would be on top of it. But not...

The kids are laughing and playing, John is cleaning and I am photoshopping (only because I think I shot one of my favorite maternity sessions EVER!) - my perfect holiday has begun. I am actually just about to tie things up here and head upstairs for some special coffee and board games. Followed by...

One can try go get through the holidays without elf-ing themselves, but it's hard. I caved and I am pretty happy that I did because I always suspected I could move it like that. ( P.S. - Phebe and Lion can we be in your Disco Troupe? This is our official audition tape. With John's Disco Face how...

There are so many special things I could blog about right now, I am overflowing with warm fuzzies - hopefully you are as well. The last two days while delivering clients photographs and going about some errands I was showered with lovely treats, flower and cards. It was incredibly lovely, and I...

We are winding it down here, tying up loose ends and delivering the last of the holiday prints - which is incredibly satisfying. I love thinking about the new art people will have on their walls for the holiday season. We have been working on painting our house, so the photos have been down and the...

My family celebrates Hanukkah, I grew up lighting the Menorah each year, never feeling like I was missing out when my friends were decorating trees or receiving stockings - for me, Hanukkah shined brightly enough.  Now, as John is Mr. Christmas I have both celebrations in my home. But it is...

Last year at this time we jumped into the grassroots Giving is Awesome initiative, a project where photographers around the globe gave portraits along with generous amounts of portrait product to families who needed a little something special. The nominees were so amazing, and those that nominated...

Well the sun is going on - if you aren't from the island please appreciate that this is a big deal and the joy I am getting from looking at the blue sky today is not to be underestimated! I just wanted to pop into blog world and say hello. I see this as a place I might not enter as much during the...

1. ImaginationIn my imagination I am full of inspiration today, dishing it out, knocking people down with it, spewing so much inspiration that you can't read this post without feeling like creating, feeling and doing.  However in my real life today, I am inspired to thank my slow cooker (which...

I rarely throw any negativity up here, and my shiny rainbow attitude isn't a facade, truthfully I am a darn positive person. One of my best traits (if I do say so myself) and sometimes fault is that I see the good in people pretty much all the time. There isn't room in this person for hate or...

1. I think slow-cookers are sexy. So, when I heard about the "Make it Fast, Cook it Slow" cookbook, I headed to chapters online asap and punched in the credit card and waited by the door for the package like a small child. The cookbook is the creation of blogger Stephanie O'Dea who cooked with a...

Tonight after teaching some photography I am going to head over to Roots for the grand re-opening of their Courtenay Store. I imagine I will be looking at bit like a drowned rat from shooting outside, but no amount of moisture or ragamuffin style is going to keep me away. I am so excited for them....

I am lovin' sharing on the blog these days because I have the most awesome clients. Meet Finah. Two weeks of life. Finah's folks Misha and Paul hold a very special place in my heart. All my encounters with them have come at pivotal points of my life and each time, I am have been moved by them and...

I truly appreciate my clinets and love the opportunity to remind you of that! Many of you took advantage of our complimentary mini sessions for past clients and now we are offering up the BOO SHOOT. Saturday October 31 we invite you to bring your costumed little one down to the studio for a...

Stuff I am loving right now:1.  Pantuso Dance. This isn't new, I have written about why I think this is the bees knees of dance schools - but I am not being redundant, I have more to say (big shocker). Pantuso Dance   is a hugging mecca. The kids hug each other hello, parents hug...

For many of my loved ones this month has brought unexpected loss and challenges. Grey days, murky timesWe all have them. I was going through some files yesterday and found this photo of a hidden rainbow. When I look at it I can connect to the silver lining that sometimes is hard to see or takes...

We have known for some time that we need a little help around the house. I am not quite sure why I haven't gotten around to looking for someone - that is probably why I need the help. We are looking for a parent's helper/nanny/childcare provider. The ideal person might help with: laundry, meal...

One of the valley's finest coffee joints is moving to some new digs. Rhodos is moving into the plaza on 8th Street that also houses Local's, The Insurance Center and Pharmsave. Rhodos roasts their own beans and their coffee's is suberb. Their grand opening is tomorrow (Wed. September 23rd)Owner...

I have wonderful clients. They are kind, fun, beautiful and they care about others. So, when Eva called and asked if I could help her out by spreading the word about the fundraiser she was involved in for Ovarian Cancer of course I was in.In talking with her I realized how unaware I was about...

This morning I sent off a child to Grade 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9 - plus John went off to college. It is quiet. Normally I am very sentimental on the first day of school and excited about the fall routine, but today I am just kind of bummed. This summer was one of the best. With John not at school or work...

This is my third incarnation of a blog and of course the one I am most thrilled with. The big draw towards this new format is the large photos and clean layout. What do you think?A few housekeeping notes:- If you are looking for the old blog you will find the link above - If you were a blog...