Big Announcement + Print Order Deadlines

Dear Clients and Friends,

Calgary wedding photographer in calgary, calgary wedding photography in calgary, calgary engagement photos.

Happy New Year 2009!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for a fantastic year. I have had the pleasure to work with families from all over the world this year and I have made some incredible new friends. Thank you for allowing me into your lives to photograph you and to share in your memories.

Calgary family photographer in calgary, calgary family photography in calgary, family photo session in calgary.

BIG News!

It is my greatest joy to share with all of you that my husband and I are expecting our first child early this year! As a first time Mom this is an extremely exciting time :) Any advice from parents out there is always appreciated!

calgary photographer, calgary top wedding photographer, photographer in calgary edmonton banff canmore.

What does this mean for my clients?

calgary newborn photos, calgary newborn photographer in calgary, calgary maternity prenatal photos in calgary.

I am planning to start my maternity leave on March 1st, 2009.

Next year I will be taking on a limited number of wedding and portrait sessions starting mid-summer. I also have amazing associate photographers who are available while I am on leave.

Calgary maternity photographer in calgary, calgary maternity prenatal photo session in calgary.

Our baby's first portrait!

Calgary kids photos in calgary, calgary childrens photos in calgary. Calgary kids photographer in calgary. 

Print and Album Deadlines:

calgary childrens photographer in calgary edmonton banff canmore red deer family photographer, family photography in Calgary.

This is a busy time of year for print labs and album binders and I want to make sure everyone has enough time to order and receive their products on time.

Calgary family photographer in calgary, calgary family photography in calgary alberta. calgary family portraits in calgary.

Hard Cover Coffee Table Albums:

calgary family portrait session in calgary. calgary portrait photographer in calgary, fine art portrait photographer.

February 1, 2009 - Initial order, design consultation and deposit paid by February 1, 2009.

calgary photographer in calgary, alberta photographer in alberta. Fine art wedding photographer in calgary.

February 20, 2009 - In order to have coffee table albums (portraits, guest books, and/or wedding albums) printed and delivered on time, final album designs should be approved no later than February 20, 2009.

Calgary fine art wedding photographer in calgary. calgary fine art portrait photographer in calgary.

Photographic Prints:

hard cover coffee table wedding albums in calgary alberta. photo guest books in calgary photographer.

February 15, 2009 - All orders for prints, enlargements, frames, and canvases are due on or before February 15, 2009. This includes new orders and reprints.

canvas portraits in calgary. calgary wedding albums in calgary. Calgary wedding planner in calgary.

All ordered images are archived for 2 years, any images not ordered by the specified dates above will be deleted. 

calgary wedding videographer in calgary. calgary wedding video in calgary. calgary wedding videography.

All print orders can be placed online through your V.I.P Gallery on my website, via email, or over the phone. Custom orders and album designs can be placed via email or over the phone.

Calgary best photographer in calgary, calgary award winning photographer in calgary. best wedding photography in Calgary.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me anytime. I wish everyone a very happy and fulfilling year!

kids photographer calgary, children's photographer calgary. kids photography calgary, children's photography calgary.

My best,

wedding photos calgary. wedding photographer calgary. wedding photographer calgary. alberta wedding photographer.

M

calgary professional headshots calgary. calgary headshots, calgary headshot photographer in calgary. actor headshot calgary.

WEB: http://www.melissamckinnon.com

EMAIL: m@melissamckinnon.com

PHONE: 403.808.8825

calgary dance photographer in calgary, calgary dance photography in calgary. bridal photos calgary.

Melissa McKinnon Photography ~ In the Media

National Article 

in the Sun Newspapers Across Canada

Calgary family kids portrait photographer in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Calgary portrait photography in Calgary.

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.

*****

Calgary kids photographer in Calgary, Calgary family portrait photographer in Calgary, Canmore, Banff, Edmonton, Alberta portrait photographer.

www.melissamckinnon.com is LIVE!!!

The new and improved website went live this morning! 

It's fun, energetic and has lots of hot, juicy color to showcase my photos. The site is much easier to navigate and has a lot of new features that makes it the coolest site EVER! It has a ton of new images, music that I love, and private online proofing galleries for clients to view and share all of the best images from their photo session with me. 

Check it out and leave me a comment to let me know what you think! :)

www.melissamckinnon.com

Lots of Love,

Melissa 

Calgary wedding photographer, wedding photographer in calgary, portrait photographer, engagement photos, engagement photographer in calgary, trash the dress, hard cover coffee table wedding albums, wedding photographer, calgary, alberta, canmore, banff, edmonton wedding photographer, destination wedding photographer, destination wedding photography.

www.melissamckinnon.com is getting a makeover!!!

Calgary wedding photographer, calgary wedding photography, wedding photographer in calgary, edmonton wedding photographer, calgary, alberta, canada, wedding photographer, maternity photographer, kids photographer in calgary, destination wedding photographer, travel photographer.

That's right! I have been hard at work designing a brand new website that will have a new look and tons of new features. 

Since the new website will be constantly updated showcasing new work that I have created, I wanted to archive some of my past weddings on the blog. So take a walk down memory lane and check out the posts below.

Melissa McKinnon Photography is growing faster than I ever imagined possible and I want to thank all of my past and current clients, friends, and family for their unwavering support. 

I encourage you to visit my blog often to see what's new and please leave lots of comments to let me know what you think or just to say hi. I'd LOVE to hear from you!