Hot Mama Handbags {Bozeman, MT Photographer}

I've been itching to get through these images from Maranda's Hot Mama Handbags photo session that we did before I left for vacation! I had so much fun - it's amazing how quickly and easily things go when your subject is an adult who does exactly what I ask! How refreshing :) (Not to say that I don't also love kids, but it was a nice break).

Anyway... Here are a few more of my favs. Can't wait to hear what you think, Maranda!

Bigger is Better, part 2 {Bozeman, MT Photographer}

Since pictures speak louder than words, I'll let these speak for themselves. Which would you be more proud to display in your home?

A beautiful collage of two 16x24 and two 10x20 canvases?

Or a sad lonely 8x10

I Heart Faces Challenge - Photojournalism {Bozeman, MT Photographer}

This week's challenge on I Heart Faces is photojournalism. Of course I'm entering a collage from my Butte workshop this past April. Love these pink gloves girls!

Bigger is Better {Bozeman, MT Photographer}

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive from clients after they see their proofing gallery is what size prints they should get. Then they ask how to put multiple photos together. Here are (hopefully) a few answers to get you going in the right direction!

Below are two of the same photos (duh). On the right is the standard "oh, I think it's big enough I don't need anything bigger than that" 8x10 size. On the left is the next size up, an 11x14. More like a "Wow! That's my baby and he looks beautiful and I really want to showcase him" kind of size.

I've discovered throughout this journey of mine that an 8x10 just doesn't do justice to great photography, and I encourage you to step out of that comfort zone and go just a little bit bigger, and notice a pretty dramatic difference.

As for the smaller prints, you may notice that I recently removed the option to purchase a la carte 4x6's. I feel so strongly about my photography being artwork that deserves to be seen that I just don't feel comfortable selling prints that are going to be put away and get lost in an album. Don't worry: you still have the option to purchase 4x6 proof books or image boxes with all your images included, but if you've come this far and spent the time and money on a session, then you deserve to see these photos how they are meant to be! (You also have the option to sit down with me and custom design a photo book to have all your images be put together in a beautiful keepsake book).

Yes, I practice what I preach. Here is an 11x14 framed and matted to a 16x20 size, surrounded by small framed 5x7's. My house has a serious lack of surface area, so all my photos go on the walls rather than on a mantle or table.

If you're thinking of taking the next step from good size to awesome size, give some thought to canvas. We can certainly make large prints in the same sizes, but with canvas you receive a piece of artwork that is mounted and ready to hang on the wall with no framing needed. When you look at it that way, the price is pretty similar to purchasing a larger print and a frame to go with it.

Here is a great layout for above the couch (yes, that's my poor weiner dog in her spot on the couch - she never moves...) This is a 24x30 canvas (on a standard 1 1/2" frame) in the center, with 20x24's on either side (beautiful photography of my family courtesy of Amy Shertzer Photography - thank you!)

In my studio space, I have a similar layout with a 25x30 canvas in the center. On the sides are a thin mount 8x16 canvas (3/4" frame rather than the 1 1/2") and 16" square float wraps.

Since my house is so random and weird, I have a few of the smaller prints around the house, too. In the center here is an 10x16 with 8x12's on either side. These are the styrene mounted wall art, which I mount directly to the wall without framing. To the left is a 16x20 standout mount, and on the right is an 11x16 thin mount canvas.

There are SO many options, so many choices. I'm more than happy to show you samples of everything and sit down with you to come up with solutions that are perfect for your family, for your house, for your style.

Frey Family {Bozeman, MT Family Photographer}

I was so thrilled when the Frey family called to do their photos again! I had a blast with all three grandkids the first time, but this time just had two of the little ones. It was a beautiful evening and we had a lot of fun!

The kids are too cute. Seriously.

Grandma and Grandpa were just a little bit proud of the little ones... (wink, wink!)

They'll be welcoming baby #3 into the family in just a few more months! Congrats!! I can't wait to meet the little one!

Dads and Grandpas are usually pretty tough to crack, but toward the end this one really opened up. Rumor has it there's a very similar pose from their engagement many years ago... I'm glad he loosened up enough to do it again!

Product Highlight: Mini Accordion Books {Bozeman, MT Photographer}

These Mini Accordion brag books are one of my most often-ordered items! Available in either wallet or 3" square, they have up to 14 customizable panels and come with various cover options including fabric, leather, suede or custom designed photo cover. The hidden magnetic closure and frosted slip cover guarantee that they'll remain in great condition even after you toss them in your bag to show off to all your friends.

Minimum order of two identical books for $35 each, or add a third for less than half price for a total of $85 for three!

Baby and Bags {Bozeman, MT Product Photographer}

I've said it before, I'll say it again. Check out Hot Mama Handbags for the COOLEST mom bags on the planet. Love Maranda, love her bags, love her new model (and totally love the '56 Thunderbird named Baby!)

Frey-Cromer Family {Bozeman, MT Family and Children's Photographer}

Special thanks go out to this South Carolina mom for bringing her kids out (after delaying twice...) in misty rain and clouds for their photo session! I knew the clouds would part eventually - we just needed to be patient!!

At one and a half, sometimes I'm lucky to get anything other than a shot of the little ones running away -- but with parents' help and a little bit of magic, we can sometimes get their attention!

I cant' help but post one of the (many) silly faces Little Miss gave me during our session! She was having a great time, and couldn't help but pass on the sillies to me.

Often times the parents get stressed out at the kiddos making faces and being silly, but I find that in-between the silly faces, the honest smiles come sneaking out...

Thanks again, guys! You were all troopers (that includes you, dad...)!

Lee Family {Bozeman, MT Family Photographer}

I was honored to photograph my friends, the Lee family, yet again! They've been with me since the beginning of this Zo-Mak journey, and it's always fun to look back at their old photos to see how their family (and my photography!) has grown in that time.

Thanks again for the opportunity :)

Major daddy's boys in this family...

We've certainly figured out how to get dad to enjoy himself a little more... He seems to loosen up a bit every time I see him. I might even say {gasp!} that he's starting to enjoy these family photo session!

Talk about inspiration: These two have known each other since preschool, and are high school sweethearts. I think we could all use in on their secrets!

They certainly make some good looking boys.

Love the mama love happening in the background...

Happy Trails, Lee family :)

Back to School Mini Sessions {Bozeman, MT Child Photographer}

As you're out there rushing around to get new pencils, backpacks and the perfect back-to-school outfit for that first day, why not put it all together to remember the FUN part of this time of year?

Is your kiddo starting kindergarten? First grade? Did you totally forget to take a picture of them last year getting on the bus for the first time and need to make up for it in a major way? There's your reason to sign up for a back-to-school mini session with Zo-Mak Photography.

What better way to remember this fleeting time in your kids' lives than with a laid back, relaxed photo session?!

Give me a call (406.600.2879) or shoot me an email (zo.mak.photography@gmail.com) to reserve your time -- one day only!

Jackson {Bozeman, MT Newborn Photographer}

This adorable little 1-week-old guy made me work! But it was totally worth every minute. He is the son of two wonderfully polite, friendly and welcoming parents, and is surrounded by extended family and friends. No doubt he'll be growing up with more love than he knows what to do with!!

Hello, cheeks!

These two are going to have some adventures together -- I can tell already!

Hard at Work {Bozeman, MT Photographer}

I've posted some pull-back shots in the past to give folks an idea of what to expect when I come to your home for a baby photo session, but this is a new one even for me! This baby's grandma was snapping shots as I worked and, to my surprise, got some good action shots of me at work! It's an interesting perspective for me to see, and I hope it allows you all to see what you can expect to see when I come to your home for your newborn or baby session!

Special thanks to Wendy for sharing these shots with me. I appreciate it!

Ribbit {Bozeman, MT Newborn Photographer}

I can't help it -- I have to share this!! I got this hat at the Sweet Pea Festival yesterday with every intention to use it on this little guy this morning. I can't stop looking at him!! The squishy cheeks and those big froggy eyes just kill me every time! I have lots more awesome shots to proof from this session, but couldn't wait to share this one!!!

This is Montana {Bozeman, MT Photographer}

I just love it here. Can't get enough. I love that this scene is practically in the middle of downtown Bozeman, yet you'd never know it. This place is home.

Anderson Family {Bozeman, MT Family Photographer}

I headed out a few nights ago in the midst of a typical Montana windy evening to photograph the Anderson family (for the third time!) These folks are truly sincere, kind, and thoughtful people, and it was an honor to spend this time with them (not to mention the dad is the best vet I've ever had for my pets -- go see him at Faithful Friends Animal Clinic). Despite the crazy wind, we got some really great shots and I'm excited to share them!

At first we hid in a stand of pine trees to try and get out of the wind the best we could. It didn't work.

Then we decided the scenery was too beautiful, and the wind was going to blow regardless, so we stepped out to take advantage of it. I can't get enough of these beautiful girls!

I'm a firm believer that the "keepers" aren't always the ones that turn out technically perfect...

I'm so happy with this new spot I found, thanks to a couple fellow photographer friends. It really encompasses so much about Montana - the mountains, the rolling hills and grasses, the seemingly endless wheat fields and the sky. The great big, beautiful Montana sky.