Canyon Ferry Ice Boating (for Signature Montana Magazine) | Helena, Montana Commercial Photographer

What do you get when you have a bunch of brave (or crazy, perhaps!) people, ice-covered lakes, and tiny sailboats on ice skates?? 

 Ice boating.

Yep. You heard it right.  Ice boating.  For when skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and ice skating just aren't enough of a challenge any more ;)

 I headed out on a recent assignment for Signature Montana Magazine to photograph these guys taking part in their favorite hobby. They offered to take me out someday, but I think for now I'll stick to my own two feet. WOW! Talk about exciting and high adrenaline! 

 Check out the article in the Winter 2014 issue of Signature Montana Magazine.

No Sweat Cafe | Helena, Montana Commercial Photographer

Every place has a story. Every place has a feel. Some places make you want to stick around and chat with strangers. Some places have soemthing about them that you can't necessarily put your finger on, but it feels good. That's what the No Sweat Cafe has. Today was the first time I'd ever walked into the place -- having been hired to take a few shots for an upcoming article in Edge Magazine (a new publication to be circulated starting in June by Edge Marketing), I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  I'd heard about the no-cell-phone rule and their fabulous food, but that's about all.

Well, it only took one visit to know that I'll definitely be back.  I encourage you to stop by the No Sweat Cafe next time you're down on Last Chance Gulch (427 N. Last Chance, to be precise).  Rather than try to explain it here in words, I'll just give you a little tease with pictures, then you'll have to go experience it for yourself.  It's definitely worth your time.

It's a quaint, eclectic place, so if the seats are all taken, relax and wait for a table.  It'll be well worth it. 

Keep in mind the request at the door:

Without that cell phone in your hand checking the latest posts on Facebook, you can (and should!) sit and actually enjoy your meal.

Enjoy that steaming cup of coffee served with fresh cream.

You might even meet a new interesting person with a story of their own to tell!  

Did I mention you'll *really* enjoy the fantastic food they serve?  Fresh, hot, fulfilling.  

While you're waiting for your meal, open your eyes and look around.  Take in the unique surroundings and think for a minute about all the people who have come and gone through the past 25 years when the No Sweat first opened their doors.

Like I said:  You'll probably meet some interesting people while you're relaxing and enjoying a small part of your day without that cell phone in hand.  Take full advantage of that opportunity.

The Parrot Confectionery | Helena, Montana Commercial Photographer

As if just visiting The Parrot Confectionery wasn't enough... 


Now I've had the chance to photograph it!  Yay!

Next time you're downtown on the walking mall, be sure to stop by the Parrot (42 North Last Chance Gulch) to check out all their awesomely yummy Easter confections -- and don't forget to check out the window display - photos by Zo-Mak Photography!  Homemade ice cream, dozens of different chocolates and candies, sodas that will take you back in time, and chili that will warm your insides -- it's one of those places that you'll feel instantly at home.

I'm so excited to be a part of the marketing and advertising for The Parrot.  Owned by Kelly and Brian Ackerman, it's a super fun, laid back place to hang out with friends and family.  The best part is that it's just the same now as it was 90 years ago when it first opened.  It's a great piece of Helena history, and a spot that everyone should discover.

Stop by on a Friday evening from 6-8 for game night -- you'll find board games for the whole family supplied by Lasso The Moon (25 S Last Chance Gulch).  And don't forget to bring some quarters for the kiddos to choose songs all night from the jukebox as they gobble down the popcorn and ice cream.


Keep an eye out for news coming shortly about The Parrot's 90th birthday -- all sorts of fun stuff on the horizon!

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).  

Hot Mama Handbags | Helena Bozeman Montana Product Commercial Photographer

I love surrounding myself with creative people. I also love surrounding myself with people who have followed their dreams and made their lives exactly what they want them to be. My friend, Maranda Lee is one of those people. We started our creative journeys at about the same time shortly after our youngest kids were born (my baby girl and her baby boy were born three days apart!) and have just blossomed into something we never imagined was possible.

Maranda is the brains and magic (she does it all, from design to sewing to marketing and sales...) behind maranda lee - the original Hot Mama Handbags. She started making bags that were functional and fun for new moms, but it's become so much more than that. All sorts of different bags and accessories, fun, flirty skirts for mom, sun hats for the kiddos... Every time I turn around, she's got something new and awesome.

So glad to be a part of your journey, Maranda!

Check out some previous product sessions we've done together here and here!