Hi! I’m Karen. (she/her)
I picked up a camera for the first time in grade 5, thanks to my mother who had a fulfilling life running photo tours. My mom is my inspiration, and I have always been moved by her compassionate and curious eye. I tried my hat at numerous career paths and could not settle in on one. I eventually realized the commonality of all my interests was my love of connecting with people. Which lead me back to the camera. After being a big city girl working in journalism, I moved to the Comox Valley where I fell deeply in love with the beauty of Vancouver Island, the people who visit here and those who make it their home.
In 2019, I fulfilled a dream and earned my Masters of Arts in Communications (Hons.) with an emphasis on storytelling and connecting. This growth has made me even more dedicated to connecting with my clients in a honest way - from the planning to the photographing. Clients comment on my unbeatable energy, ability to put my subjects immediately at ease, how much they trust me, and my dynamic determination to capture meaningful moments. I am also passionate about inspiring others in photography and am frequently sought out to mentor up and coming photographers. Thanks for being here.
Karen McKinnon
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 feel strongly that all marriage ceremonies and families are beautiful regardless of race, culture, diverse abilities, gender identity & sexual orientation.
some of what I adore
Me and him. He puts up with my verbal processing, is the kindest person I know, and we laugh at the same jokes. What else could I ask for? We had planned for a 2020 wedding, but the pandemic had other plans for us. We finally were married in May 2023, and it was exactly what we envisioned, lots of emotion followed by tons of dancing. This photo is from one of our adventures to Tofino.
These girls. Selah graduated from high school in 2020 and is the funniest person I know- she plays three instruments and creates constantly. Then there is Gabbie, she is a “chosen daughter” who came into my life when she was five years old, she is a perfectionist with a heart of gold. These two are my heart.
Utah. Named for the memories I have of photographing with my mother in the Utah desert when I was a teenager. At 14 years old this pup is still tenacious in her willingness to stare you down to get a bite of your pizza. Her favorite food is carrots. We recently added two cats toour family but have yet to have a website-worthy photo moment.
Espresso. I am a dedicated Americano drinker. Our espresso machine is hands-down our favorite item in the house, beyond each other and art. If you are visiting Comox though, and don’t happen to be at my house hit up Milano’s or Tidal Cafe.
Cookbooks. I am obsessed. Current top three:
Dinner by Melissa Clark
Oh She Glows by Angela Liddon
The binder my mom made me with the family recipes
A fork. Growing up I spent a lot of time travelling with my mom, who was a nature photography workshop leader. She was the master of capturing shape and form. When I am feeling overwhelmed in the office, or at home, I can grab my camera, and lose myself in something as simple as the shape and form of a fork. Really, you can find beauty anywhere.
Teaching. I am also passionate about inspiring others in photography and have taught workshops in Tibet, Western China and Vancouver Island. I currently am not teaching, but you never know when that might change. Currently, I am on a break from teaching, but imagine it will return to my life at some point.
Hornby Island. This small island off of Vancouver Island is where my mom lives. It is an hour from my house, and getting there includes two ferries. It is undoubtedly one of the most stunning places in North America and the place I go for my deep breaths. It is also a magnificent place to have a wedding.
Community. You can find me contributing to Habitat for Humanity, Comox Valley Hospice, Comox Valley Community Health Network , You Are Not Alone and other local initiatives. Five years ago I went part-time in photography and started a career in non-profit and you can now find me at the Community Justice Centre where I am the part-time managing director.
Awarded.
“Best Photographer”
Comox Valley Record Readers Choice - 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018,2017 and 2016
“Photographer of the Quarter”
Masters of Wedding Photography, 2023
“Customer Service" - Finalist
Comox Valley Business Awards - 2015
“Founders Award”
Royal Roads University. Given to a student that exhibits leadership, teamwork and academic excellence in a Masters program, 2022
“Business Leadership” - Finalist
Comox Valley Business Awards - 2017
“Nonny Miln Award”
Comox Valley Arts Council, exempilary achievement for contribution to the arts - 2017
“Small Business of the Year”
Comox Valley Business Awards - 2009
Passion Projects
Community. I was brought up in a family that gave back, it is one of my top values. One of the charities I work with is Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone), a local organization that helps families who need travel for medical treatment for a child. As well as providing financial support to anyone in need, they also run apartments in Vancouver that families can live in while their children are in the hospital. For ten years I have been photographing the families that YANA supports. I travel to BC Children's Hospital with them and documenting what it is like when a child has a critical illness. These families then have a keepsake to see what superhero's they all are and the photos are used by YANA to help raise money. Each year, I present a storytelling slideshow at the gala auction and in 2020 more than $140,000 was raised at the annual event.
