Congratulations Noelle and Sandino

Here's a little sneak peek of a few of my favorites from Noelle and Sandino's wedding, held yesterday in the lobby of the old Florence Hotel. This charming couple have been together since high school, and they are a LOT of fun! Their wedding was an intimate ceremony with close friends and family. The fireplace definitely came in handy, since a chilly windstorm blew in while we were all inside, warm and cozy.





It was an honor to be a part of your day. Your love for each other and your laughter will carry you both so far! Can't wait to get the rest of the images finished and ready for you to enjoy!

Two years...it seems like just yesterday...

It's been two years since we suffered the loss of my daughter's good friend, Barry Simon. Barry died, curled up in his mother's arms, two years ago today, on a sunny Saturday afternoon after a five year battle against Fanconi Anemia. He is sorely missed, and his photo is on our refrigerator next to that of Alex, my nephew, who we lost nearly 15 years ago from a virulent strain of meningitis.

I miss you both. Thomas has started a little game of make-believe about my nephew. Alex died when he was five and a half years old, exactly how old Thomas is now. I cannot imagine losing my son at this sweet age. Thomas talks about his cousin who lives with God and talks about how Alex is all better but can't come to play with him, but he wishes he would. My mother recently sent a toy to Thomas that Alex had played with years ago, and my son, who is notoriously harsh on toys, is incredibly gentle with this one, almost giving it a type of reverence.

I was with both Barry and my nephew on the day before they passed away. Barry was tired, but talkative (see my blog post from September 2008). Alex was unconscious and on life support. I remember sitting next to his bed holding his hand, just amazed at how big it was. In reality, I'm sure it wasn't much bigger than Thomas' hand is now. I just wanted him to wake up so badly. We all did. And when the time came where his heart stopped beating, while listening to the soundtrack from The Lion King, we were all saddened beyond belief.

I am inspired by parents who have lost their children, who get up day after day in the face of insurmountable loss, and are able to care for their other children, to comfort those around them, and to, eventually, laugh and smile again.

So in honor of Barry Simon, and Alex Bleau, and to Cindy Wamsley (Barry's mom) and Trish, my sister, and to countless others who have lost their children far too soon, I wish you peace, and I hope that all of us, at some point in our lives, can experience the love and joy and sweetness that was personified in these two boys.

So, Maureen, What Did You Do All Summer Anyway?

I've had that question posed to me more than once since I quit my corporate job in mid-July. Whoa. It's been a wild ride, I assure you!

After 8 1/2 years working for a corporation, I took a MAJOR plunge and left the safe, secure world of the steady paycheck to venture into the unknown and scary world of the artist. Did I face criticism for putting my family in financial danger? Yes. Did I think about the consequences of my actions? Assuredly, yes. Did I have any reservations? Absolutely, yes. Do I regret my decision. Decidedly NO.

I can feel myself coming back to a person I used to be. That sounds dramatic, but I assure you that it's absolutely true. I've been able to pay all my bills with my camera since the day I left the day job. I've been more attentive to the needs of my children. I sleep through the night without the assistance of Tylenol PM. I am happier. I am kinder. I am slower to anger. I have cooked regular family meals almost all this week. Essentially everything I sacrificed, rightly or wrongly, to a corporation that didn't really care about me personally, I have begun to rebuild. And it feels intensely, almost insanely, good.

What I did discover during these last seven or so weeks was the impact of burnout on a person. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I was hit and destroyed on all of those fronts. The further I get away from it, the more I see it and wish I had intervened for myself long before it got to this point.

So in the midst of all this healing, I have had some fantastic experiences.

1) I was hired as the photographer for Next Step Prep, a seven-week performing arts academy associated with the Missoula Children's Theater. You can tune in to the blog I created for that program to see what these amazing 26 inaugural students did and the amazing experience I had documenting the process (there are about 10 more blog posts to do...sorry...things got a little hectic there).

2) I had a fantastic wedding with Suzanne and Bobby, two amazing actors who chose me to tell the story of their day. What wonderful people. What a beautiful wedding. I was blessed to have been a part of it.

3) I have been back in the studio doing what I love to do most--creating!!! I am also experimenting with some new lighting techniques that I think will knock the socks off some of our senior photos.

4) I am also hard at work developing marketing plans, strategies, and great deals to re-launch myself in the photography world, now that I have all the time and energy to do so.

5) I get to volunteer at my little boy's school. Thomas started kindergarten this year. It's amazing that this little teeny preemie baby is now sitting nicely in his chair at circle, engaged in lesson plans, and able to do the monkey bars unassisted (this was a LONG process of physical and occupational therapy this past summer and he has just excelled). I am so excited to be a part of his elementary school experience. If I'd kept that old job, I doubt I would have been able to do much. I also get to go to Madelyn's cross-country meets and cheer her own without the worries of having to schedule it around a corporate schedule.

So there you have it. I feel like a butterfly newly released from a cocoon. Cliche, yes, I know, but it's the God's honest truth.

I want to express a heartfelt thanks to my dearest friends, who not only supported me through thick and thin, but who also gave a rousing HURRAH when I made the decision to leave, to my clients, who were patient with me when I got a little behind, to the Missoula Children's Theater, for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to work on a fantastic project, and for my husband, Andy, who ultimately encouraged me to work 100% on the studio.

Life is good.

Maysa--Sneak Peak

Could you not just eat this little one right up? Maysa came in for her third photo shoot today. I've been photographing her since she was still in her mom's tummy. What an adorable, sweet, happy little girl. Even with a summer cold, she turned on the charm. Get a hoot out of this ginormous bear!!!


Tyra Banks...eat your heart out...here comes your future competition :)




I couldn't even wait to edit these before I had to share them, so these are "rough drafts", but I just adore this little one. Thanks to her wonderful parents who continue to share this little wonder with me and make my day.

Suzanne and Bobby Sneak Peak

I had a FANTASTIC time photographing Suzanne and Bobby's wedding in Virginia City, Montana at the end of July. They are actors in different companies and have spent the summer living apart due to their work schedules. The wedding was held at noon on a Wednesday because nearly everyone had to be in a show that night (except for these two!). What a beautiful, genuine, heartfelt ceremony. I was so touched by their words and the little details and jokes inserted into their wedding. And even though it was outside and a bit breezy, we could hear EVERY word because hey...everyone in the wedding party was a stage performer!


More to come, but I just wanted to share a little sneak peak. We had the opportunity to do an "after the wedding" shoot at sunset on Boot Hill and in the old section of Virginia City.



Thank you so much, Suzanne and Bobby, for letting me be a part of your day. It was an absolute pleasure and an absolute honor.

The Bigger Picture

Photographers, like many artists, have moments where they feel tortured. Some of us feel this way more than others. If there is any feedback that my friends (photographers and otherwise) give to me is that I am my own worst critic, my own worst judge, and more often than not, my own worst enemy. I'm not sure if it was turning 40 this year, or if it was something else, but one day recently I woke up and started asking myself if I'd chosen the right path as a photographer--was my decision to pursue this passion something that would be ultimately incredibly rewarding, or would it lead to the demise of every comfort I've worked the past forty years to acquire. It might just be some intense soul-searching. It might be the effect of a very gray and overcast February. It might be the realization that life is what you make of it. Regardless of the reason behind it, the feelings and emotions are quite real.

Then I came across this guest blog entry created in February by Zack Arias. I realized that I was not alone, and judging by the 10,000 + views and comments made on this mini-documentary, Stick with it...it begins like a photography tutorial, but ends on a dramatically different note.

Oh...and the "big changes" I alluded to earlier...I quit my day job this week. Let the new adventures begin!

Big Changes

I cannot believe I haven't posted anything to the blog since March. The past few months seem to have passed in a vacuum. I don't know where the time went!

Madelyn left for her three-week trip to Australia today after months and months and months of fundraising. My normally poised eldest child showed just a smidgen of apprehension as she packed up the last items into her suitcase, but has already sent me an email from LAX indicating that she has a new crew of "besties" (I need to get up on lingo...this is apparently new best friends), was eating spicy Kung Pao Chicken and awaiting a 1030 PST departure to Sydney. It seems like yesterday I was bringing this little preemie baby home, and now she's getting on an airplane with a student ambassador group. Actually, I'm ok with the whole thing. It was a surreal moment, but I didn't feel weepy or apprehensive. I wish I had her kind of guts and courage at her age and I look back at all the years I wasted trying to "find myself" when in fact I was right there all the time.

Bringing some pics from friends and family to ward of any potential homesickness.


Send-off from Thomas always involves some kind of tackling.


Big changes for our little girl. I have a feeling an entirely different person is going to be at the airport when we pick her up. I'm looking forward to hearing about everything and seeing what pictures my budding photographer captures.

On the personal/professional front, I have been really busy (hence the lack of blog posts, but I'm determined to do better this summer). I have photographed some wonderful families, beautiful babies, and gorgeous expectant mothers over the past few months. I also got offered a fantastic opportunity to photograph the Next Step Prep, a performing arts program that was launched this summer in conjunction with the Missoula Children's Theater. I'll be posting here, as well as on a blog site for Next Step (forthcoming), but all I can say initially is WOW.

Today I got to watch not only two amazing instructors but also a group of 26 absoultely amazing, talented high school students who just blew me out of the water. I couldn't believe watching this group of young people, their amazing strength, courage and, at times, vulnerability, and their abilty to support one another...and they just met three days ago. I anticipate a phenomenal summer experience for them...and for me (hooray!).

So many changes are coming up both personally and professionally for me I can't wait to share them with you. But I'm celebrating having the house to myself (Andy took Thomas camping tonight), and I'm going to go to bed early.

Sorry to be so absent, but I'll try to post a lot this summer. So much to share!

Studio Updates and Baby Maysa

I had the opportunity to photograph the newest addition to Katie and Jeremiah's home...little Maysa, who was born in November and is just one of the cutest little girls I have ever seen. She has these adorable little petite features (except for her lungs, which are NOT petite!), and has the happiest little squeal. She was very tolerant of our clothing changes and loved her special cow blanket. I wanted to share one of my favorites from the day.


It was a bit of a whirlwind week at the studio. I had a wonderful maternity shoot with Liza, who has recently relocated to Missoula from Alaska and is the new owner of the Canyon Salon. I met baby McCaul, who decided to nap through a good chunk of the shoot which made for some absolutely beautiful portraits with daddy (as soon as I get permission to post, I'll share him with you!), and today I finished up a shoot for the cover of the United Way of Missoula County annual report. I was hired this past summer to create images for this year's "Live United" campaign. We did a group shot of about 40 people who gathered in the lobby of the old Florence Hotel, and we shot the image from the balcony above. Ed Doyle assisted me and even jumped around and made funny noises to get the kids' attention (which only proves that he is my friend, as this is sooooo not characteristic of my studio mate! THANKS ED!!!). Once I get initial edits done on those, I'll post them, too.

Busy weeks ahead, as Bye Bye Birdie opens at the Missoula Children's Theater on Friday, March 13th. If you haven't purchased tickets, get them quick. They are selling like hot dogs and apple pie! I'll be shooting the performance photos for that show, as well as Jack and the Beanstalk, the last after-school camp of the season for MCT. In April, I'll be traveling home to Boston with Thomas in tow to visit my parents for a couple weeks. My father finishes his radiation treatments on Friday, March 13th (HOORAY!!!). If you recall from my earlier post about Thomas's birth on a Friday the 13th, I consider that day to be very lucky in my life, so it's only fitting that Dad should end on such a good note!

I've been asked to do a couple photo shoots for families while I'm back in the Boston area, so if you know anyone who might be interested in scheduling a shoot, have them give me a call at (406) 240-6050 and we'll see if we can work something out. I'm going to limit the number of shoots I do so I can spent time with my parents, see some of my oldest and best friends, and sit by the ocean. I don't CARE if it snowed a foot this past week. I'll bring blankets and a parka if I have to. I miss the water.

Wedding season is also fast approaching, and my phone has been ringing frequently with inquiries about wedding packages and availability. We're starting to book up for our dates this summer, so if you are a bride interested in booking your photographer... call quick!

I have been burning the midnight oil (and the 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. oil) for the past week, so I'm going to take a much-needed nap and sign off here. I've been remiss about posting updates due to the crazy schedule, but I'll work on it, I promise!

My little boy turns FIVE.

It seems surreal as I sit at my computer on a chilly February morning, the sun just barely peeking through the clouds, that I dropped off a very happy Thomas at preschool today, where he declared, "I'm much more than four!"

Five years ago I didn't think this little guy would be with us, and today I am counting my blessings. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. It was five years ago today that I went in for a "routine" doctor's appointment at the tail end of a very difficult pregnancy. We almost lost Thomas at 20 weeks due to a placental abruption. The we did injections to build up his lungs, knowing he'd likely come early. Then at 33 weeks, I could barely feel him move, and Dr. Garnass's wonderful nurse, Gina, could not pick up a heartbeat. My heart dropped that day, a day before Valentine's Day, wondering if he was gone. I was at the hospital ten minutes later and his faint bud-dumph was picked up, but was fading in and out so quickly. An Angel arrived in the form of Craig McCoy (who is married to a dear friend of mine), and an emergency c-section was planned. Our scrawny little guy was born at 9:51 pm, weighing 3 pounds, 7.5 ounces, and a hulking 17.5 inches long. After a month in the hospital, he finally came home to roost, where he presently rules.

(photo below by Tony Rizzuto of Sandbox Studios, Missoula, MT)

Happy Birthday to my BEST Valentine's Day present. Ever. I love you, Thomas.

Friendship

I have some amazing friends. By the jokes and taunts I get on my Facebook page, some would say I have too many friends. But as we all do, we have friendships with differing levels of intensity, intimacy, social function, risk. I have been amazed at the number of people I've reconnected with in the past two or three months on Facebook, and while I will agree that it is an amazing time-sucker, I would not trade these past few months for the world. I've rekindled relationships with people I haven't talked to in twenty years, opened new doors, relied on the expertise of the careers of my classmates, and healed some very old, deep wounds. I can't condemn something as a time waster when it's been such a powerful thing.

My friend Carel sent me this link by Kelly Corrigan, author of "The Middle Place", from YouTube today. If you have a moment, watch it. If you have a half hour, watch it several times. It's based on the strong friendships of women, but I'd like to say that I know a few men who would rank right up there with her amazing list and tribute. Think of your friends today. Write them a quick note, or an email, or a text. In the long run, you will be very happy that you did.

Where did January go?

I cannot believe I haven't posted anything in A MONTH?!??? I guess I can chalk that up to being very busy this past month. January has been a great kick-off to the New Year. Ed and I finished the last of the painting at the studio (Joyce, Ed's wife, was INSTRUMENTAL in the project. She likes to paint. We don't.). We now have white walls again, and a crisp clean look. Ed took this photo once we'd finished the job.


I had a wonderful shoot with the Wanberg family--all fourteen of them-- just before Christmas. I can't think of a better way to close out the year than spending it with this family. All four sons, their spouses and children were all home together for the first time in TWELVE years! Now THAT is cause for celebration!
January started off great with headshots for MCT's production of Bang the Drum Slowly, followed by performance pictures, several portrait sessions, and a headshot session with the Honorable Mayor John Engen. What a super person he was. We ended our session so he could run up to read to the elementary school children at Chief Charlo--his choice, "The Stinky Cheese Man". I have a fondness for Mayor Engen, who has a big heart and is always willing to lend a hand to help agencies, causes, and individuals in Missoula. My father was also a mayor, so it was so cool to me to be asked to do new photos of "the new John". Thanks for the opportunity (and the laughs!), Mayor Engen!



I have also spent the past month deep in design with my absoultely FANTASTIC, STUPENDOUS, WONDERFULLY TALENTED graphic designer, Sara Lindquist, of Sara Sunshine Design. Sara took my vague concept of wanting a logo "that looks something like this, or maybe that, or maybe even a little of this and that" and hit it out of the park! Stay tuned to this blog, my website, and perhaps even your mailbox for the first of many promotional campaigns. And if you need any kind of design work done, contact Sara at (406) 544-0202. She's the best!

Today I had the honor of doing a family photo shoot for the Archibald family in Hamilton (though they came from far and wide). The family had gathered to honor the passing of Cynthia Archibald, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. The family knew they weren't likely to get together again for a long time, and hired me to do a family portrait for them. Thank you, everyone, for allowing me to participate in your day this way. May peace, healing and blessings be with you at this difficult time. Thanks, also, to Eileen Keenan, who assisted me with the shoot. Eileen is masterful at getting large groups of people configured quickly. I could not have done it without you :)

I also want to note that at the Archibald portrait shoot, I had the distinct honor of meeting Carrie Spradlin Fields, blogmistress and QUEEN CUPCAKE, of Fields of Cake. Carrie makes amazingly delicious cupcakes, but sadly lives in MAINE, so I don't get to be her taste tester. If you live anywhere near Brunswick, you'll need to look her up.

Eileen and I are finishing up some last touches on our new wedding website. We are still booking dates for 2009 so if you'd like to book a complementary consultation, give us a call. Our wedding photography phone number is (406) 370-9307. As soon as it goes live, I'll have the link posted here.

WHAT IS UP WITH THE GROUNDHOG? I'll accept six more weeks of winter in Missoula, but if I have to put up with winter, the least Mr. Groundhog could do is SEND SNOW.

We did bask in the glory of a Pittsburgh Steelers win yesterday, although my husband definitely chewed his fingers down to the second knuckle with two minutes to go in the game.

Thomas has been very much into Legos these days. On Sunday he revealed his newest creation--Mr. Manyheads. Mr. Manyheads consists of every Lego with a face, all stacked on top of each other, and topped with a Lego baseball cap. He was very proud of Mr. Manyheads, who now sits proudly on the bookshelf...that is, until the next creation comes along. I'm not sure about you, but these heads remind me of propane tanks for my BBQ grill.


I will be exhibiting at the Missoula Women's Symposium on February 14 at the Hilton Garden Inn. I attended the symposium as a participant last year and learned some great information at the workshops. The workshops range from business planning to personal growth and development, so there's something for everyone. The Symposium is produced by the Missoula Businesswomen's Network, a fantastic group of amazing, accomplished women in this wonderful city. If you live in Missoula, consider joining. I've made some wonderful business contacts and friends through this network and I'd be happy to host you as a guest for one of the monthly luncheons.

More posts to follow--I promise!