Fall Mini Session dates! | Helena, MT family photographer

Fall mini sessions are here!

Limited availability on these -- I have two Saturday afternoons available and would love to get your family on the list! First come, first served.

And while we're at it... might as well start spreading the holiday spirit early.  Head on over to my Facebook page to get involved with my mini-session giveaway.  Nominate a friend who deserves a mini-session with Zo-Mak for free. 

Give me a call or drop an email to reserve your time.

406-600-2879 or suzie@zomakphotography.com

Fall Family Photo Special! | Helena, Montana Family Photographer

It's that time of year! 

Family photos make a timeless gift that everyone can appreciate and enjoy for years to come. 

Scratch this one off your to-do list early and receive 25 free Holiday cards as my gift to you.

My daughter as Elsa

My daughter is turning 7 this week. Her obsession (along with every other girl in America under the age of 10, I imagine...) is Elsa from Frozen. She'll be singing "Let It Go" at her school talent show later this spring, wearing this dress...

As I woke up this morning and realized that we might have gotten our last pretty snow, I decided to take the opportunity to have her put on a little Elsa photoshoot.....  She was very excited - and not at all bothered by the fact that she was a smidge late for school. 

Villalva Family | Helena, Montana Family Photography

Usually while planning for a photo session, I have a certain idea in mind of what it's going to look like before I even get there.  This session was no different - in the days leading up, I had in mind a beautiful sunset, frolicking in beautiful warm sunshine... Well, in case you haven't noticed, the weather in Montana doesn't seem to give a darn what we want...

Lucky for us, the dramatic skies and threat of bad weather added to the depth and moodiness of this recent family session.  We met at their home, played with their horses and had a wonderful time together on a stormy Montana afternoon.

Looking forward to showing the rest of these soon!!

Enjoy this little sneak peek in the meantime. And thank you again for the opportunity -- it was great to get to know you all and share in the love.

These are some of my favorite black and white shots in quite some time - I just can't get enough of the closeness and the love between the beautiful girls and their adoring parents.  

Someone was very curious what was happening in his pasture.

Danielson Family | Super fun Helena, Montana Family Photographer

You know those people who just seem to be doing everything *right*?  They're fun, they're good looking, they have a great sense of humor, and wonderfully behaved kids?  They get along great and don't think it's corny to hold hands with their little brother (ok, maybe a little corny, but they do it anyway) and there's just something about them that makes you want to get to know them better and spend more time together?  

That would just be the tip of the Danielson family iceberg.  I kinda didn't want the night to end - it was that great.  

For fear of getting any more corny myself, I'll just show you what I mean -- more to come after they see the rest at their ordering session at the end of the month (and by the way, that day can't come soon enough - I can't wait to dig into all of their proofs with them.  I could only narrow it down to 52 shots.  For the record, that's a record.  I usually provide 20-30 proofs for a family session.  This one takes the cake.)

Macie & Lance (and MJ!) are getting hitched! | {Helena, Montana Engagement Family and Wedding Photographer}

I don't usually get to ooh and aah over a beautiful little baby girl at my engagement sessions - but this time I got lucky! MJ's mommy and daddy are getting married this summer, and I am the lucky one who gets to photograph it all!! 

 We got together for their engagement session on a beautiful early spring evening and spent some great time together. MJ stole the show (of course) but when Grandma took her home for bed, Mom and Dad got some time to focus on themselves.

  


  






 











 

6 adults + 5 kids + 17 degrees = Fun. Montana Style | Helena Montana Family Photographer

As a photographer, I have ideal times to schedule photo sessions and plans in mind so that I get the best possible images to present to the client. 

Newborns do best in the morning; during the summer time an engagement session is best scheduled about 90 minutes prior to sunset....   Families with small children do best in the spring or fall, generally mid-morning so the kiddos don't get crabby during their nap or dinner time. 

In that ideal world, the best time to schedule an extended family session of 11 (5 kids under 5!) probably wouldn't be when it's well below freezing a couple weeks before Christmas...

But then again, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do and you end up with something great!

Luckily, the family I was recently photographing under these circumstances (did I mention it was 17 degrees?!) was totally flexible and very willing to go with the flow.  Between darting in and out of toy shops, taking a break for cocoa, then heading up to play in the beautiful mountain snow, we came away with some great images of a fun-loving group of people.

I've only begun delving into the images, but here are a few early favorites :)

Last minute minis | Helena, Montana Family Holiday Photographer

Have you seen that weather forecast?! 

 Hello, SNOW! 

This weekend will be perfect for a little Holiday mini-session fun. Last chance to get photos with Zo-Mak Photography (Montana Parent Magazine's November cover photographer) in time for Christmas cards.

Saturday, 1-3 pm. Only four spots available.  

Call (406.600.2879) or email suzie@zomakphotography.com for details.

(And check here for card designs)

Marcille Family | Helena, MT Family Photographer

You know how you meet someone and you just feel better for knowing them? That's how I felt with the Marcilles. They are just the nicest, most down-to-earth family. We had a great session this fall before the leaves were covered in snow. I truly enjoyed spending time with these guys, and I'm so glad they finally have a great piece of art on their wall to take the place of their last family photo that was taken over five years ago. Thanks for inviting me into your lives -- see you down the road!

Tee hee heeeee. They *actually* have four kids.

2012 Holiday mini sessions are here!

Sit back and relax. 

Check the holiday cards off your to-do list early this year.

Zo-Mak Photography's eagerly anticipated mini-sessions are here! There are three dates to choose from over the next two months -- but keep in mind, it was about 20 degrees on the day that last year's November families headed out for their session. 

If I were you, I'd choose an early date. Although you know, we do live in Montana, and those family-in-the-snow pictures do seem to impress our friends in more...normal...climates. So I'm not sure which I'd go for. All I know is that they'll all be fab. 

Exact locations will be determined closer to the time, but there will be one at Spring Meadow State Park (pictured above), one urban spot, and one super awesome surprise spot (the super awesome surprise spot is where I need to hire someone to take MY family's photos this year.) 

Keeping it simple this year -- the package details are listed on the photo above. You are always welcome to add more prints, cards, or other options at a 25% discount off regular prices. 

 Give a call or shoot an email to reserve your spot. 

Card designs will be blogged shortly -- and you'll be informed. 

 406.600.2879 suzie@zomakphotogrpahy.com 

 Can't wait to see you :)

Model Search! | Helena, Montana Photographer

Model Search!

I'm honored to be shooting product again for Maranda Lee Designs and the original Hot Mama Handbags!  

Check out Maranda's facebook page, like her stuff, then let me know if you'd be interested in participating in the photo session as a model.  I'm looking for fun, fashionable moms with babies (under a year -- older siblings OK) who would be available in the next couple weeks for a photoshoot in downtown Helena.  


Respond to this post on facebook or to this blog post then email a photo of you and your kids, along with a short explanation of why you'd make a good model to: suzie@zomakphotography.com

Ready, GO!  

Tell your friends about it and send them this way if you know someone who would rock this opportunity!


(Model search will go through March 30th, with the photo shoot taking place in the first half of April).  

Zoe is 3! | Helena Montana Child Photographer

You know every mom says it on a regular basis:  We don't know where the time goes.  Days drag by, bedtime never comes soon enough, and if you wipe another butt you're going to LOSE YOUR CRAP.  (No pun intended there.  Ooops).  But then you wake up one morning and realize that months, if not years, have passed before your eyes.  You blinked and all of a sudden your wiggly chubby baby has turned into a longer, skinnier talking version of the tiny being you could swear you just gave birth to the other day.  Between the dishes, the laundry, the poop, the messes, the toys and the routine, our babies grow up.  Right before our eyes.

I'll always refer to Zoe as my baby -- she *is* my baby.  But she's turning three in a couple weeks.  My baby is turning three.  She tells me all the time that since she's turning three, she gets to take piano lessons (like her big sister) and go to school (like her big sister) and make her own toast in the morning (like her big sister).  But she's my baby.  I just want to hold her in my lap for a while longer -- to brush her teeth for her, to make her breakfast for her, rather than her doing it by herself.  It's flown.  The days, the months, the years.  They've all flown by and I *HAVE* to remind myself to slow down and watch it happen.  With my eyes.  Not always with my camera lens.  Note to self..........

Since I can't stop time, I'll graciously celebrate her birthday.  I'll make her minnie mouse cake just as she requested, and we'll invite her friends and play and have fun and look forward to another year.  Because that's what we do.  We're glad they grow up and become their own little people and carve out a path in life. We're happy for them.  We nurture them, we love them, we guide them, then we let them go.  Right?  That part scares me.  But there's no sense getting ahead of myself, right?  I have a good 15 years to prepare for that part.  A long, slow 15 years, please.

Happy birthday, baby Zoe.  Mama loves you to the moon.  And back.  And then some.



Zoe's proudest accomplishments on the cusp of her third birthday:

~ giving up the paci with no complaints (the paci fairy had to come to our house and *trade* the paci for a rainbow dash toy... details)
~ going potty all by herself
~ making her own toast in the morning
~ opening the door for the dog to go in and out
~ clearing her own dishes from the table after meals

Season of Love - Valentines Day Special | Helena Montana Child and Family Photographer

Happy Heart Day :)

In honor of all the things I love such as family, kids, photography, snow (yes, snow), and Valentines Day (especially Valentines Day -- did you know it's my wedding anniversary?! Yes, we're those silly lovebirds who went to the beach in Maui to say our "I Do's" on this, the most lovey, squishy, sappy day of the year...) I can't resist offering up this fabulous deal! 

 Check it out:

 

Call now, book your spot, and be entered to win the whole photo session for free. Yup, one family who books this special will be drawn to get it ALL for free. How can you beat that?!  You can't.  

So.  To recap:

Call now.

Book your Season of Love Mini session.  It can be for anyone -- kids, couple, or family.   You can only be eligible to win if you have booked your session date and paid a deposit (if you are the winner, you'll receive your deposit back).

Want extra chances to win your session free?  Here's how.  Book your session.    Then you'll get one additional entry for each of the following things you do (just leave a comment for each thing.  your comment is your extra entry).

* Refer your friends.  Send them to Zo-Mak's Facebook Page, have them "like" it, and tell them to leave a comment.  You'll receive two extra entries if your friend books a Season of Love mini session!

* Comment on this post telling me what your favorite Zo-Mak image is (from the blog or website - whatever!) and what type of session you want to have.

* Leave some love on Facebook.  I'm not picky.  Any type of love will do ;)

I can't wait to see you soon!!

**Session must be booked no later than 2/14 for a session no later than 2/29**

**Limited spots available on a first come, first served basis**

**session must take place in the greater Helena, Montana area**

** not valid for newborn session**

I Heart Faces Challenge: Holiday Bokeh | Helena, Montana Children's Photographer

Bokeh is a Japanese term used to refer to the effect of shallow depth of field that creates a pleasing blur of color behind the subject. Christmas offers ample opportunities to take advantage of this aspect of photography. For this week's I Heart Faces challenge, I offer this shot of my baby hanging out in front of the tree a couple days after we put it up.

Merry Christmas!

Check out more fun entries at I Heart Faces!

Get one, Give one | Helena, MT Photographer

It's simple -- 'tis the season of giving. And getting. So give a gift of everlasting memories from Zo-Mak Photography, and get one for yourself.

Two sessions -- one for yourself and one for someone else -- for $150.

That's it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy knowing that you gave someone a priceless gift that will last for generations. (...and start thinking about what you're going to wear to yours!)

The fine print:

*Both sessions must take place in 2012

*Offer is good for any baby, child, family, senior or maternity photography session (the value of the gift may be applied toward a wedding package, but is not valid for an entire wedding)

*Non-refundable

*Minimum print order applies for both sessions

*Payment must be made on Monday, 11.28.11 by paypal, credit card or cash

*email me at zo.mak.photography@gmail.com to place your order beginning now through 11:59 p.m. Montana time on 11.28.11

*You will receive two gift certificates by mail, each good for one full photo session with Zo-Mak Photography

I Heart Faces - Autumn Splendor | Helena, Montana Family & Child Photographer

When I saw the theme for this week's I Heart Faces challenge, I knew immediately that this was the image I would submit. So much love and such a happy memory preserved.

Head on over to IHF to check out some other awesome entries.

Rhet! | Helena, Montana Children's Photographer

I recently finished up another set of holiday mini sessions and am working feverishly on proofs so everyone can choose their images and cards in time for Christmas. This time we were out at Reeder's Alley, and all four of the families who braved the crisp day will be pleasantly rewarded when they get their proofs - promise! (I usually say that clients will receive about 10 images from mini sessions. I think the smallest gallery I've put up so far has 24 images! Sweet!

I've been posting some sneak peeks up on my facebook page as usual, but since I know this little guy's mom doesn't use facebook (how DOES she survive?! -- wink, wink), I just have to post this one image here now.

Love, love, love!

radley Family | Helena, Montana Family Photographer

I always learn something new every time I go out with a client. Always. This time, it was to not be deterred by the weather, and be sure to have a backup plan. The wind was blowing steadily at 20 mph this afternoon. I got to our location (outdoors, field next to a lake...) a few minutes early and knew there was no way the kids would be able to handle the cold, and that the wind would really detract from the faces in the images. A quick new plan led us to a new location for the first half of the session, nice and sheltered from the wind, then we headed back to the original location after the wind had subsided just in time for some beautiful light before sunset.

Aaaaahhhhhh..... A year or so ago, I probably would have just cancelled. I'm so glad we didn't. As usual, this last session is my new favorite. A beautiful family who really had a good time in front of the camera and weren't afraid to be themselves. That always helps the final images really turn into something to treasure.

And the best part about this family? They booked two sessions -- one now and one this winter. I can't wait to see them again in a beautiful winter wonderland!

Product Highlight: More Card Designs | Helena, Montana Photographer

I have to admit I'm a sucker for Holiday cards. I just came across these great new designs today, and I can't resist. The newest additions to the 2011 Zo-Mak Holiday card collection. So now you can choose between these four, or any of the ones I blogged earlier.

Good Luck :)

Christmas Gifts (trifold)

Happy Hanukkah

Joy

Happiness

(please note, these images are not mine -- photo credit is next to each card)