• Dawn McKinstry Photography Blog
  • Dawn McKinstry Photography Blog
  • Dawn McKinstry Photography Blog
  • Dawn McKinstry Photography Blog
  • Dawn McKinstry Photography Blog
  • Dawn McKinstry Photography Blog
  • Dawn McKinstry Photography Blog
  • Dawn McKinstry Photography Blog
  • Dawn McKinstry Photography Blog
  • Dawn McKinstry Photography Blog
Dawn McKinstry

Hi!

A little about me… I’m a small town girl who loves to travel and is a bit on the shy side.  ;)  That may be mostly due to the fact that I am a twin, and she was the talkative one growing up. But get to know me – and I’ll chat up a storm.  I love talking photography and weddings, so give me a call and we’ll chat!

A little about my experience… I’ve been shooting weddings throughout Florida and the Southeast US since 2008.  I am also a PPA Certified Professional Photographer.

Email or call me and we’ll chat!

 

dawn(at)dawnmckinstry.com

352-258-5047

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Junior League of Gainesville Kick-off Party

September 15th, 2012

Last month the Junior League of Gainesville kicked off the 2012-2013 league year by getting together with good friends over good food. I have the honor of being not only a league member, but also the official league photographer this year.

Are you a League member? Were you there? Click on the photo below to check out the gallery and see…

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Claire & Cameron – Tallahassee Wedding

September 5th, 2012

Earlier this year, I had the chance to second shoot for my friend Catherine (Woodland Fields Photography) at one of her weddings in Tallahassee.  The wedding ceremony was at the beautiful Trinity United Methodist Church and the reception was at the historic gem: Goodwood Museum & Gardens.  Claire & Cameron were married in a touching and personal ceremony, and their reception was filled with many custom and personalized touches.  I loved the table settings of vintage glass, silver, and milk-glass.

bride and groom first dance

black and white bridesmaids

bride's reflection in mirror

custom wedding programs

custom wedding program with ribbon

bride with veil and green and white bouquet

bride and bridesmaids in garden

ringbearer in suspenders and bowtie in garden

methodist church wedding

Claire & Cameron wanted to include communion in their wedding ceremony.  I’ve seen it done before, but they personalized it by having their parents serve the bread and wine to their guests.  It allowed them to look each guest in the eye and connect with them.  It was a very touching and personalized detail.

communion during wedding ceremony

stained glass and altar at wedding

viburnum, rose, and hydrangea wedding bouquet

bride and groom at altar

bridesmaids in tan dresses

breaking bread with bride and groom

casual bridal party

lantern, milk-glass, flowers

simple, modern, white wedding cake

vintage silver wedding details

wedding reception cookie and milk bar

martini glass mashed potato bar

first dance at Goodwood Museum and Gardens

Carriage House at Goodwood Museum and Gardens

father-daughter dance at Goodwood Museum and Gardens

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Sauls-Wilson Family Session

August 24th, 2012

A few months ago I received a call from Megan.  We had never met, but she was friends of former clients and raved about my work and their recommendations of me.  She explained that she was from Anthony, a small town outside Ocala, but didn’t live in the state anymore.  She would be back in town for a quick visit, and wanted a family session with five generations of women born and raised in that area.

So on a rainy Fourth of July, I headed down to Anthony.  As I got closer and closer, the skies grew darker and darker.  By the time I arrived to meet the Megan & her family, it was a full-on monsoon.  Not good!  Three of the family members were from out of town and  were flying home early the next morning; it was now or never.  So we all stood in their dining room, looked at the radar, and formulated a plan.  We were going to outrun the rain.

Now, let me pause for a moment to make a point – something I rarely do here.  I prefer to let my images speak for me. But… this is why you hire a professional.  Yes, camera technology has advanced to the point in recent years where most people can purchase a “fancy camera” and do it themselves.  But it takes the knowledge, skill, and professionalism to know how to use that camera and handle whatever is thrown at you to make any situation work.

As we drove down backroads, making random turns, only looking at the sky, I had to think on the fly to find a location and situation that would work for the family to produce the images they expected when they hired me.  All while beating the setting sun.

I think I can say that we made it work.  And I am thankful every time my clients put their full trust in me and my work.  See the result for yourself…

Family Photography Session

Five Generations…

five generations of women portrait session

baby, mom, and great great grandmother photography session

family photography

family portrait session

natural family photography session

garden dedicated to baby

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Jhanna’s Maternity Session

July 29th, 2012

Shortly before Harper was born on July 8th, happy and healthy, we squeezed in a maternity session with her mom and dad.  After weeks and weeks of drought, afternoon rains threatened the session every time we scheduled it.  As a last resort we scheduled a sunrise session and made some beautiful images with amazing early morning light.  Congratulations again you guys!  :)

natural maternity session

high springs maternity session

maternity session with gorgeous light

maternity among cypress knees

pregnant woman profile near water

husband and wife maternity image at river

maternity photography in spring

natural maternity photography

maternity session in a field

maternity session in a field of flowers

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Amanda & Alex – Golden Ocala Wedding

February 5th, 2012

Amanda & Alex were married at the beautiful Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club on a gorgeously mild winter evening.  I felt so honored to photograph their special day.  They have become wonderful friends, and their relationship was beautiful to photograph.  I have photographed Amanda a few times before, at their engagement session, Katelyn & Kyle’s Wedding, and a Graduation Session with her friends.

The combination of a gorgeous venue, and people who mean so much to me, resulted in way too many favorite images.

Enjoy!

blue heels and birdcage veil

blue shoes with sparkly heels

custom wedding invitations by Wedding Paper Divas

family tree with thumbprints

bride applying makeup

bride dressing in window light

bride with engagement ring holding water glass

While I was with the bride, my awesome second shooter, Naomi Chokr, captured the men getting ready.

groom putting on tux in window light

bride and bridesmaids dressing in dramatic light

groom putting on tuxedo

groom sitting in green chair

bride and her mother in window light

portrait of bride in window light

Amanda’s blue shoes were fabulous!

bride's blue high heels

bride with blue shoes and champagne

bridal blue wedding high heels

Sources:

Wedding Dress: Bridals by Marisa from Solutions Bridal Designer House

Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

Venue: Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

DJ: Florida Wedding DJs

Photobooth: Snap Shoot Photobooth