Shop Local! Small Business Saturday with Zo-Mak Photography | Eagle River Alaska Photographer

 

Give one, get one special is back from Zo-Mak Photography. Buy a gift certificate for a friend and get one for yourself in the same amount for nothing! 

AND this is your last opportunity to buy mini sessions until next Fall. Buy the mini session now and use it any time before June 30, 2015.

This sale will remain active through December 5th.  Contact suzie@zomakphotography.com for more details or visit the website to purchase this deal!

Winter Minis are upon us! | Eagle River/Anchorage Family Photographer

Is anyone else as excited about the snow as I am?!  Oh my gosh!  I'm giddy up here in the mountains!

This SATURDAY is the day!  I still have availability to get two more families on the schedule for some beautifully Alaskan family photos.  November 6, 10am-12noon.  Call or email me to reserve your time (907-622-2880 or suzie@zomakphotography.com)

Did I mention one lucky family will receive a free session?  Head over to my facebook page and like/share/comment, then tag your friends for a chance to win!

See you soon.

Fall Mini Sessions! | Alaska Family Photographer

It's time! Zo-Mak Photography's fall mini sessions are on the books.  There are a limited number of sessions available on two dates.  Contact Suzie to reserve your time and date. 

Alaska-Bound! | South Central Alaska Photographer

Have you heard the news?

Zo-Mak Photography is Alaska-bound! 

Less than four months until Zo-Mak will be serving Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer and the surrounding areas of South Central Alaska for all your wedding, senior and family photography needs.

Leaving Montana is seriously a bummer  -- I've been blessed with incredible friends, clients and opportunities in Bozeman and Helena and throughout the state.  But I must admit I'm pretty darned excited about coming back to AK to raise our family and expand my photography business. 

The part of this relocation that gives me the most anxiety is reviving my client base.  But then again, I have an awesome opportunity to meet new folks and provide them with incredible service that I've come to be known for in Montana.

I've been the sole owner and proprietor of Zo-Mak Photo for over six years now, and I'm thrilled to take all I've learned and offer my expertise and experience to a whole new group of wonderful people throughout South Central AK. 

To celebrate the move, I'm offering some great incentives for my first clients of the year.  I've got deals going for weddings and seniors right now - and family session specials will be coming soon.

Contact me to chat -- you can email me at suzie@zomakphotography.com or call to reserve your date on the calendar.  406-600-2879

CLASS OF 2016 SENIORS:

Book your session now for summer of 2015 and save half off your session fee.  Even better: Refer your friends!  If two of your friends book a session, you'll get your session for free.  FREE!!! 

BRIDES AND GROOMS:

My first two weddings in Alaska will be offered at 25% off my current prices.  And the very FIRST couple to book me will be the lucky recipients of a 50% discount.  Half Off!  OMG! 

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.

Holiday Mini Session Dates | Helena and Bozeman, Montana Family Photographer

There's nothing like crossing things off your Christmas to-do list in September!  (What, you don't have a Christmas to-do list going yet?! You're welcome for the reminder.)

The time is here to sign up for your holiday mini sessions with Zo-Mak Photography.

I'll be offering a limited number of sessions in Helena and Bozeman, Montana, and Ithaca, New York!

Please contact me to get penciled in with your preferred date and time.  They'll fill up quickly with only four sessions per date, so the sooner the better.     

Want to see samples of previous years' card designs? Check them out here and here. New designs for 2013 coming soon.

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.

Baby Evie | Helena, Montana Newborn Baby Photographer

It's been a while since I've had a newborn in front of my lens, and I think I kind of forgot how amazing it is.  Little Evie is every bit as sweet and lovely as she appears in these images.  She slept for the majority of our session as her parents, auntie and grandma looked in on us.  Smiles spread infectiously from one person to another throughout the house the entire time we were together.

It's always amazing to me to watch the love of new parents -- and this time was no exception.  The whole world stops when you have a baby -- your first baby -- and nothing else matters.  Watching these loving parents with their precious little girl really made me step back and remember what is important in life.  There is nothing more incredible than this time in life.




Thank you for the opportunity to step into your lives and create these memories with you.  Can't wait to look through all your proofs with you.

Bearrow Family | Helena, Montana Family Photographer

You would never know now that Sam-I-Am was a preemie.  He can run and balance and laugh and tumble and communicate with the best of the almost-two crowd with no problem.  I first met Sam back in January of 2011 when he was almost three months old.  He is as sweet now as he was then, and I love that I keep getting to spend time with him (and his mom and dad) as he grows and changes.  

Evans Family | Helena, MT Family Photographer

I was forewarned that this little guy would be pretty easy to photograph since he always has a smile on his face.  Sure enough, despite our session being at dinner time and the family having driven from Big Timber to Bozeman, he was great.  So were mom and dad, for the record ;)

It was a pleasure to meet you and to catch your infectious smile, Hays!  Keep it up.  Mommy and Daddy are doing a fabulous job.

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 :)

Product Highlight: Digital Files | Helena Montana Photographer

Yes, everyone and their brother likes digital files these days.


In case you're wondering, you *can* get them from your session with Zo-Mak Photography.  You won't, however, just end up with any old disc in a clear jewel case and be on your way to print them  at Walgreen's.


Check out these beautiful customized tin cases and DVDs.  


Each digital purchase from Zo-Mak Photography includes a custom designed keepsake case and disc, and also comes with a spiral-bound proof book that includes every image on your disc printed at a professional photography lab.


Of course you're welcome to print your images wherever you'd like, since you now own the privilege to print them where you'd like.  (Keep in mind that if you purchased a low-resolution disc, the files will only print up to a 5x7.  If you'd like to print larger than that, you'll either need to purchase high resolution images or contact me to order a large print). 


You'll probably notice that if you take your disc to the 1-hour lab down the street, the color and quality will be far inferior to the prints in the proof book you ordered.  That's because the lab-down-the-street doesn't use the same quality printers, ink, and paper that my Pro Labs use.  They're also not calibrated.  In a nutshell, you'll probably be disappointed (do you remember my rant a while back on the problem with digital files?  No?  Go ahead -- click and check it out.  Then come back.  Yes, I've morphed and now sell them, but along with your purchase comes some education.


OK, so you've done your test print at the lab-down-the-street and decided perhaps I knew what I was talking about.  What to do... What to do?!


Well, first and foremost, DO NOT put them in a drawer and forget about them.  Can you imagine if we're talking about your WEDDING PICTURES and 50 years from now, your grandkids come across this weird looking round disc that they have no way of looking at?  The HORROR!  Seriously.

Here's what to do:


1. Go to Pinhole Press.  
2. Peruse around.  
3. Find things you love.  
4. Keep looking - you'll find more.  
5. Upload the images from your disc.  
6. Enter "ZoMakPhoto" in the "photographer code" section.  
7. Purchase. (Yup, they know me there.  It's nice to be known.  And to know that you'll be taken care of).
8. Go about your life, and rest assured that in a few short days, a very beautiful package will arrive at your door that you'll be proud to display and love forever.


After having spent so much time and putting so much love into making these memories, you might as well stick with the best.

:)

Happy shopping.   

Baker Family | Helena Montana Family Photographer

I recently traveled down to Bozeman for a family session that has been in the works for quite some time.  I'm so happy that the timing worked out the way it did; it was a beautiful evening, and such a special family.  We spent some time at their home to include grandma, then headed down to a beautiful outdoor spot with the dogs -- mountain vistas, beautiful evening light and a lovely family.  I couldn't have asked for more!!


Thank you, Baker family, for this opportunity.  It was so refreshing to spend time with you and spend some time in your lives with you.  What beautiful memories we have made.


The album from their session is coming together beautifully - I can't wait to see it in print!!

Spring and summer are the perfect time for lovely outdoor family sessions like this one. If you'd like to talk about making beautiful memories like these for your family, drop a note or give a call. (suzie@zomakphotography.com ~ 406-600-2879). Hop on over to my website to peruse the family gallery and get an idea of what beautiful images you could come away with.  I look forward to hearing from you soon! 

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).