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!

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.

  


  






 











 

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.

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.   

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).  

Super sale on prints and digi files from existing galleries -- two days only!

I'm jumping for joy over my new website!!!

Soooo close to launching!  I've been sitting in front of my computer for FAR too many hours getting everything re-organized and uploaded for a bigger, better, more beautiful website.  I can't wait to get it up and running - I'm thinking it'll live within the next few days!

ROCK ON!  YAY!

One thing I wasn't counting on with this change, however:  deleting all client proofing galleries and starting fresh.  Yikes.  


In honor of the move, I'm offering all clients who have had a proofing gallery in the past this incredible last opportunity to get images from those sessions:

25% off all print orders from any existing gallery

20% off all canvas orders from an existing gallery

High Res Disc with ALL files from a single session gallery for $500 (regularly $900!)

Low Res Disc (printable to 5x7) of ALL files from a single session gallery: $300 (regularly $450)


The fine print?  
This offer expires TOMORROW NIGHT! 


So RUN!!  To the phone, to your email, to your phone... whatever!  Just GO!  

That's right - you have until tomorrow, 1/29/2012 at midnight to get me your order.  Let me know if you'd like your gallery turned back on to make decisions.  After tomorrow, the galleries are all going to disappear!  Now is the time to get those images you were waiting on!


It's now or never, folks!  


Email Suzie at zo.mak.photography@gmail.com or call 406-600-2879 with questions.  

..........what are you waiting for?  Go!  Call!

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 digital. Cyber Monday deal on digital files | Helena, Montana Photograhper

Cyber Monday calls for a deal on digital files, don't you think?!

Here's your one and only chance to get all your files from a previous session with Zo-Mak Photography.



Low Resolution (suitable for print up to 5x7) for $249, or
High Resolution for $449.

(That's a savings of over $200 and $450 respectively!)

Get your files on disc in a custom designed keepsake case along with a 4x6 spiral bound proof book of all those images.

Of course there's always fine print, but nothing too surprising:

*This offer is non-refundable

*Offer is good only on galleries that have already been completed.

*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

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