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

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!

Happy Halloween from two little witches | Helena, Montana Children's Photographer

Feature: Children's Photography Network | Helena Montana family and children photographer

The Children's Photography Network blog is a great site for photographers and clients alike. Highlighting different photographer's work on a regular basis, it's a great spot for photographers to check out in order to get some inspiration for an upcoming shoot, or for someone to get some ideas of what to wear for their upcoming session.

I'm excited to share today's blog post from them -- featuring Zo-Mak Photography! Yay! Go check it out -- and leave some love ;)

The Photographer's Kids | Helena, Montana Children's Photographer

I don't often include my own kiddos on my blog, but I can't resist sharing these. I got them out recently (before it got WAY too cold for short sleeved dresses) to capture some images to use on our Christmas cards this year. They did really well (in-between shivers). It's nice to have them growing up a little bit - although if I had it my way, they'd stop right now!) - so I don't have to bribe them too much, or use too many tricks. Maybe at this point in the game they're just used to it.

Either way, here are a couple early favorites from our quick session.

My baby.....


and my big girl...


Love!


Daddy even got in on the action for a couple minutes.