Heather + Dan ~ Wedding














Last Chance Holiday Cards - Deadline December 12, 2008

The deadline for ordering small prints (11x14 and smaller) and Holiday cards for delivery by December 22nd is:
Friday December 12, 2008.
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Holiday cards are 4x8 in size and come with envelopes included. 
Cards are custom designed to suit your selected images.
Cards can be designed horizontal or vertical.
Personalized text can be added for no additional charge.
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Here is a custom designed holiday card sample from the Pipella Family Portrait session that we did in Banff, Alberta a couple of months ago.
Please email all inquires to info@melissamckinnon.com

Wedding Sneak Peak - Heather + Dan

I have been a BAD blogger!!!
It has been a while since my last post and I have so many things to blog about, including some pretty big news...BUT you will have to wait just a little bit longer. I am in the midst of editing and completing print and album orders to meet the Christmas deadline. As soon as I am all caught up, I promise to post new photos from all of the recent sessions that I have been working so hard on!
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Until then...
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Here are a couple of images from my most recent wedding - Heather + Dan
This image was taken by my second shooter and shows me in action behind the camera. 
It was a cold and frosty day, hence why I am all bundled up, Heather on the hand, wasn't so lucky. My gratitude goes out to Heather, Dan and their bridal party who braved the cold and sacrificed comfort in order to create some amazing photography. It was SO worth it!!!
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...and here is the photo that I shot of Heather. 
As you can tell she looks stunning and full of happiness, you'd never know that it was so cold outside!
So gorgeous.
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Linnea and Family ~ Family Portraits

Meet Linnea:
*She is 15 months old.
*She loves her big brother Sander.
*She loves to feed bread to ducks - just as long as she can have some too ;)

Biggest Achievement: Climbing this gigantic rock!

Linnea and her family travelled all the way from Edmonton last weekend for an outdoor Family Photo Session in the park. The day was dedicated to Linnea and photographing her with her very loving family, Mom, Dad, and big brother Sander.
Linnea loves to cuddle...
...and she also loves being the center of attention!
Next BIG accomplishment: Learning how to fly.
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We ended off the day feeding the ducks and geese in the lagoon. It was a very special day and I am so glad that I could be there to capture it all!

Pipella Family Portraits

On Sunday, I went up to Banff to meet the Pipella family for our outdoor, fun-in-the-sun, family portrait session. Much to my surprise, our afternoon in the sun turned into a cold, blustery, day in the snow!
I actually had to unpack my winter coat from hibernation!
Any other family probably would have called to reschedule, but not the Pipella's! They were really excited for our photo shoot and they were definitely up for anything that I suggested. I had so much fun working with them and we were able to capture some fantastic moments. 
It was a big challenge trying to co-ordinate 12 people while keeping them dry and happy in the pouring rain. You can see from the expressions on their faces that we had an amazing afternoon - despite the weather!
Thank you SO much for your adventurous spirit and good humour. It was a pleasure and an inspiration to photograph such a fun-loving and close-knit family. Thanks to each and every one of you, we were able to capture some amazing moments!

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Heather + Dan ~ Engagement Session

This weekend my husband and I went to Banff with Heather and Dan for Starbuck's coffee, a fantastic lunch, a couple hours of great conversation and amazing photography. 
Their story: 
Dan surprised Heather with a trip to Banff a few months ago and despite all of the obstacles that she threw his way, he was finally able to get her all to himself and propose. She of course said yes and they are getting married later this year on November 8, 2008.
I am thrilled to be able to photograph their wedding. Dan and Heather are so much in love and are so perfect for each other. You can just tell that this is forever.
I love big, environmental shots and this image illustrates the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains perfectly. 
I love the texture of the mountain rock in this image.
Heather and Dan brought me to this very cool location which had ruins of an old mining town. We had so much fun exploring the old buildings and train tracks. There were so many cool textures and backdrops to photograph. This image just happens to be one of my favorites from the day - a private moment between Heather and Dan.
One of the first things that Heather and Dan expressed to me was their dislike of having their pictures taken. Why is it that the people who claim to be "shy" always end up being the most photogenic??? Needless to say, they eventually came out of their shells ;)
I love this shot of Heather's incredible engagement ring! Nicely done, Dan.
I love this entire series we did in the tall grass, especially the quiet moments between Heather and Dan.
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Our session had officially wrapped when I spotted this amazing wood building and I just HAD to use it for a few pictures. The color was incredible and totally brings out Heather's blue eyes. You guys make a gorgeous couple. Thank you for humoring me and my "inspirations"!
Congratulations and I can't wait for your wedding in November!!!

Melissa McKinnon Photography ~ In the Media

National Article 
in the Sun Newspapers Across Canada
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Last week I was interviewed by Carolyn Tighe, a freelance writer for Sun Media. Her Article, 'Snap to it - How to create the most picture perfect family portraits' runs today in all Sun newspapers across Canada. 

Read the full interview below for some great advice on how you too can get the most from your family portrait session this year.
*****
1. How long have you been in the portrait photography business?

My first true encounter with photography happened when I went overseas on a high school trip to Italy and Greece. I had purchased my first camera with interchangeable lenses, which I had no idea how to operate, and began experimenting and learning through trial and error. Surprisingly, I managed to get some great shots, which I now have framed at home. After this trip, I fell in love with photography. Since then, I graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design with a 4 year design degree and I've been in business ever since.

2. Why do you think family portraits are important?

I believe that family portraits are important for several reasons. Portraits tell a story. They capture a moment in time that will never be forgotten. Often studio portrait sessions can be stiff, rushed and awkward, however, my approach to portraits is probably quite a bit different than many photographers out there. When I photograph a family or a couple, I capture them in their own environment, in their favorite places - which could be a park near their home, their backyard or even in their bathtub! Because I take this authentic approach to photographing people, true moments of interaction are captured. These photographs will trigger fond memories for years to come.

3. How often should you have family portraits taken?

Ideally, family portraits should be taken yearly, but the best time to take photos is whenever something special happens like a special event or milestone. At least every year I have some clients who book sessions every few months whether it is for a special occasion or just for fun. My husband and I love having portraits taken of us, just last month we celebrated our first anniversary on July 14, with a self-portrait session in a field near our house. It's a lot of fun and it helps us to remember the past as the years go by.

4. How do you look your best for these pictures?

Clothing choice should be discussed with your photographer when you call to book your session. I encourage everyone to dress creatively and with style - avoid formal clothing selections. I can provide you with a full list of suggestions in order to help you achieve a fun, fresh look for your photographs. Many clients opt to have me style their family before the session as well.

5. Can you give me a few tips on how to get the best family portrait (do you all dress the same, etc...)

Here are a few tips on how to get the most from your portrait session with me:

~ Make sure you have fun. When you schedule your portrait session with Melissa McKinnon, plan on being relaxed and enjoying the time with your loved ones. I firmly believe that being photographed should be a fun and meaningful experience. If you are not enjoying yourself, your attitude will be reflected in the photographs.

~ Be yourself. I prefer an editorial, photojournalistic approach to portrait photography and will strive to capture true moments of interaction. My clients should be prepared to go barefoot, laugh, cuddle in the grass and even shout from the rooftops! I work spontaneously and creatively, utilizing everything in my surroundings to make beautiful photographs for you to cherish.

~ Wear comfortable clothing. Clients need to feel comfortable and relaxed in order for beautiful photography to take place.

~ Do not dress the same! Make sure that your look is stylish and co-ordinated, but not identical.

~Pick a location that is meaningful to you. The possibilities are endless. Feel free to share your ideas with me or allow me to suggest one of my creative options for a local session. Popular choices include rural field settings, downtown urban areas, lakes and rivers, or even your own backyard. Location sessions are available in your home as well. Many clients choose to do their session at a favorite vacation spot or family cottage and have me travel to them. I am available for travel throughout Canada and International as well.

~Take a look at my website and blog for inspiration - you can get there by visiting www.melissamckinnon.com - to see my most recent photos.
*****
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Julia + Steve's Wedding ~ Fernie B.C.

Last weekend, I was invited to Fernie to photograph Julia and Steve's wedding weekend. It was one of the biggest events Fernie has ever seen and it was spectacular! Julia and Steve live in Boston, MA and invited all of their family and friends to their destination wedding in Julia's hometown of Fernie, BC, Canada. The setting was magnificent. 

Details of Julia's custom made wedding dress! I love the lace detail around the shoulder and neckline, very elegant.

As a memorial to her Mother, on the morning of her wedding day, Julia's Dad gave her a locket that once belonged to her Grandmother. Inside the locket was a gorgeous photo of her Mom. The locket was then woven into Julia's bouquet so it would be close to her all throughout her wedding day.

This is one of my favorite photos from the day. It illustrates the elegant beauty that Julia possesses. Her attention to detail is impeccable, from the veil, the style of her hair, to her incredible dress - a classic beauty.

The handsome groom getting ready.
Julia and Steve had a catholic ceremony at the Holy Family Catholic Church.
There wasn't a dry eye in the church as Julia was escorted by her Dad down the aisle.
I love this image of Julia looking at the mountain view from the balcony of the house where she grew up. A few quite moments of reflection before the ceremony.

Gorgeous location, stunning bride.
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Steve and Julia celebrating one of the many, many kisses as husband and wife! So romantic.
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The magical moment just before the kiss. Their love and passion for each other is undeniable. I feel honored to have been part of their wedding day.
Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Fernie was the perfect place for Julia and Steve to host their wedding. Julia is an accomplished, award winning national ski champion and it was really important to her that we capture the majestic beauty of the mountains in our wedding photos.

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This is another one of my favorites. All of the images from this series were gorgeous. I love the romantic mood and the drama of the location
Congratulations Julia and Steve, I wish you all the best in your new marriage. Thanks again for inviting me to share your magical wedding weekend with you. It was perfection. I can't wait for you to see the rest of your wedding photos!