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!

Igloos and Winter Fun

Christmas was really magical this year and Thomas was at that perfect age to enjoy all the festivities. He has finally gotten over his dislike of snow and went sledding with friends (until his friend fell on him and face planted Thomas into a snowbank--he liked snow slightly less after that). One favorite gift was an igloo-block maker, which Andy and Thomas put to good use after yesterday's sticky snow. Buzzy likes anything associated with the snow and will plow through any snowbank with the mere command "go get it!"

"The Unknown Santa"

Not sure if any of you remember "The Gong Show" back in the 70s and the Unknown Comic who told really stupid jokes while wearing a paper bag over his head. Recently we uncovered "The Unknown Santa", his lesser-known cousin....

The Quest for the Perfect Christmas Card Picture

It's always a challenge for our household to get a great photo for our annual holiday card. You would think this would not be a problem with a photographer for a mother, but trust me...it happens! This year Christmas just stole up on me. I don't know if it's because Thanksgiving was late, or if I was just overwhelmed with too many irons in the fire, but everything seemed like it was last minute this year. The card was no exception as I herded the kids down to the studio on Tuesday night to take photographs. Thomas is at that age where he has the cheesy grin photo, so it's near impossible to catch a genuine smile. Madelyn said she was having a bad hair day and wasn't feeling particularly photogenic, so I had my work cut out for me.

Here are the best of the lot. We had some fun outtakes that I'll upload later this weekend. I finished up the last shoot of the year on Dec. 22nd with a wonderful family of fourteen, and now I'm just doing planning for 2009 over the next couple weeks. I'm enjoying a much-needed rest! I've been doing some renovation at the studio with my new studio-mate, Ed Doyle, so we're excited to have the space renewed and maximized for the space.

Merry (Belated) Christmas to all, and a very Happy New Year in case I don't get back!

Puttin' the Book to Bed

I hit the 50,000 word mark for NaNoWriMo a week ago, and have spent this past week adding in details and tweaking some stuff. It's certainly far from a polished, final work, but I'm really happy at where things ended up.



The print jobs were all sent to the lab, and I'm finishing up some edits tonight before I head over to the Missoula Children's Theater to take performance photos for "Nuncrackers". Madelyn was cast at the last minute for the show when one of the performers had to drop out, so she's spent the past week learning blocking, music, and all the little details. We're so proud of our little postulate.

The show opens on Dec 5th but there will be run-throughs and dress rehearsals over the next few days. From what I've seen of the show thus far, it looks like it's going to be pretty funny.

Secret Garden images from November 15th and 16th will be posted to my proofing site by this afternoon. Check them out. Performance photos for parents are available on disk.

http://maureenroyphotography.nextproof.com

We are also excited to tell you of our newest arrival to our home. Elfie the Elf arrived on Friday afternoon, a gift from my sister and her daughters. He's our resident "Elf on the Shelf" and Thomas is smitten with this little guy. Elfie flies back to the North Pole each night to give Santa a report on Thomas's behavior, and hides in a new place each morning. I'll post some of the funny places he's ended up. Thomas has beene excited to look for him in the morning, although today was more of a challenge, as he was sitting on the molding on the kitchen door, so it took a while to spot him. Thanks for the new addition, guys! I wish I could have an elf all year!

Have a great week, everyone!

SUCCESS!!!

I've been out of posting-land for a few weeks, focused on a ton of photography jobs and writing, writing, writing like a maniac in all the spare time. I just passed the 50,000 word mark, completing the challenge of NaNoWriMo to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. It's a great feeling of accomplishment--YEE HAH!!! Now it's time to get back to working on the studio and getting print orders fulfilled and out for the holidays. Thanks to every one who emailed their support and kept sending hilarious messages on Facebook! You're all so great!

Photos, Writing, and McDonald's Playland

Today marks the end of week 1 of NaNoWriMo, and I have to say that I'm impressed with myself. Either that or I'm completely insane, but I prefer to go with impressed. Early this morning I passed the 25% completion mark, logging just over 13,000 words that actually gel together and make sense. Not quite sure I'm ready to call myself a novelist, but I've always enjoyed writing and for some reason this particular story is coming very easy to me. I'm writing it in parts, so I'm not sure how they'll all tie together, but it's been fun so far and I'll have to tip my hat to my neighbor, Russ, who encouraged me to do it.

It's been a horrific week with the day job. My work cell phone holds 20 calls in the voice mailbox; my office phone holds 40....both maxed out several times this week...one day they maxed out...TWICE. I thought my head would explode. It couldn't have come at a worse time, when I was trying to get eight shoots edited and proofs back to people, as well as work on a very technical edit that has required some consultation.

Short and sweet of it is that I hit a bit of a wall, but now I've gone through it (insert cartoon characterization of Maureen's outline in the brick wall), and I'm getting everything done that needs to get done. My apologies to friends and family if you've been waiting for me to call you back. When I emerge I'll have a lot of chatting to do.

I did take a much-needed break last night and took Thomas on a little date. I've been working so much for the past two months that he finally came downstairs to my basement office, tugged on my sleeve, and said, "Mommy, when Daddy is gone this weekend, can you and I play?" Enough said. I have no remorse about typing this right now as he's engrossed in a Jimmy Neutron episode, but I shut the computer off last night, dropped Madelyn off at MCT (she's helping backstage) and took Thomas out to dinner and then to the new play structure in the newly rebuilt McDonald's. He's four, but this was our first venture over there. He had a blast and played on the thing for THREE HOURS. The way the place was rebuilt, there is very little echo in there and, sad to say, it was almost pleasant (!!!). He made a bunch of new friends and it was so much fun to watch him run, climb, squeal, and use his imagination to make up all sorts of games. I knew he was tired because when I finally told him it was time to get going home at 9 pm, he didn't even put up a fight. We got home, read some books, and cuddled up together until we both fell asleep. Who knew that going to Mickey D's could be rated as one of my favorite evenings, but it did.

Andy is off in Pittsburgh for the annual trip back to see his brothers and go the Steelers game. I'm jealous. I know tonight he'll be sitting at Delallo's eating his favorite ravioli and kicking back a Rolling Rock...ON TAP. What I would do for a slice of pizza from Fiori's in Dormont. Ugh. Guess dads are allowed their fun, too!

I've not taken ONE photo of my NaNoWriMo experience...sorry. Just didn't happen. I'll just steal other people's images instead!!!

Take care and have a happy Saturday. It's been raining here all day today, and I procrastinated on raking leaves, so I get my punishment by raking wet soggy leaves to the street. Fun fun fun. At least in Missoula everyone rakes the leaves onto the street and they come by and suck them up, recycling them for mulch for the parks and stuff. That's a pretty cool thing about living here.

Of course, now I'm a bit afraid of raking! My neighbor Pat, who raked that HUGE pile of leaves for Thomas last weekend, suffered a heart attack this past week. I saw him out there raking one afternoon, and the next thing I knew, a fire truck and ambulance were whisking him up to the hospital. Luckily he recognized the signs early and called 911 right away, so he's expected to make a completely recovery. Gosh, between Pat having a heart attack while raking this week, and Andy having an episode with his arrhythmia while shoveling snow last winter, I have a feeling there'll be a lot of manual labor in my future.

The Muse Has Struck

Patience is a virtue, right? Unfortunately I've never considered myself particularly virtuous. I waited. And waited. And waited and waited and waited. Watched Poltergeist on t.v. Started watching The Shining. Still feel that that is the scariest horror move. Ever. Then, at 10:24 pm...it came. The muse arrived. The words started to flow. In a sort-of coherent order. I. Am. A. Novelist. Officially. In the same vein that Andy declares I. Am. A. Master. Electrician. when he is able to replace a light fixture. Danger lurks.

2216 words logged. 47784 to go.

I've also received an additional challenge from my photographer friends...document my month not only in words, but in pictures as well. With friends like these who needs enemies? Ok. But today I have to start with someone else's picture. This was uploaded onto the NaNoWriMo Facebook page and I thoroughly howled. I especially like the reference to Full Metal Jacket.




I told you. Danger lurks. I am also enjoying the threatening posts people are making, saying that if you tick them off, they will kill off your character. This could get waaaay interesting.

Let the Games Begin....NanoWrimo 2008

Well, I've gone ahead and done it...again. I'm hopeful that this time my attempt at NaNoWriMo is successful, as I crashed and burned three days into it last time. What is NaNoWriMo you may be asking yourself? National Novel Writing Month. It is a courageous effort made my thousands of would-be novelists, bloggers, cigar-smoking bureaucrats looking for a distraction, teenagers, housewives, crazed lunatics, English majors, and yours truly to write a 50,000 word novel all during the month of November. My dear neighbors, the Thayers, have this year guilted me into the project, noting that almost every week I loudly exclaim, "I've got my novel written...it's all right here!!" (insert visual of me pointing vehemently at my noggin'). In a last ditch effort to have me put up or shut up, they said, "Great...you're all set for NanoWriMo!".

Looking for a quick exit. Stage left. Trying to jump out the window. My office is in my basement.

Damn. I'm committed.

It is now 7:21 pm MST. I have written...um....nothing. It's amazing that when you boast about having an entire novel already written (insert previous visual) when it comes time to put pencil to paper or finger to keyboard, nothing happens. Well, lots of things happen, actually...you find the laundry that hasn't been done. You begin to identify the various types of mold and fungus growing in your refrigerator. You say, "Wow! A 5700 piece jigsaw puzzle! Awright!". You create other projects. The dog gets fed. And you write nothing.

So here I am. The monitor mocks. I wait. In this linguistic duel I am already compelled to admit defeat. But a little piece of me (insert previous visual once again), reminds me that it's in there.

I have four hours and 35 minutes left to get my first 1500 words down. I have consumed 1500 chocolate calories consuming leftover Halloween candy waiting. I have wasted 1500 minutes surfing the Internet and playing on Facebook today. But the words...nope.

Four hours and 34 minutes to go....33...32...31.

If you care to join me in this month-long exercise, see the link to the right. Happy writing. Or not writing.

One Perfect Day

So I haven't mentioned it here, but I have been sick as a dog (well, actually the DOG is quite well, as you'll see below) this past week. Sinus infection and bronchitis...it's been MISERABLE. Today I felt marginally better, Andy went to a friend's house to watch the Steelers lose (bummer), and Madelyn was running spotlight at Jesus Christ Superstar, so it was just me and the little man chillin' out. We went outside and raked up leaves. Our neighbor, Pat, raked a pile at least six feet high and we spent the better part of an hour tossing Thomas into the pile. I think it was fun for Pat to play with Thomas, but also hard to be reminded of his son 14 year old , Colin, who died two years ago this month after he was hit by a car three blocks from our house. Thomas was so thrilled with playing with Pat that he squealed for the entire time and then drew Pat a thank you picture and shoved it in his mailbox. This was a first...Thomas doesn't often spontaneously draw pictures, let alone FOR people, so this was truly a little gift from the little guy. There's just something about Thomas that makes people feel better just being around him.

Later in the day we raked up the leaves in our yard and Thomas suddenly donned his knight costume (a pass-over from Trish, from Alex), and was hacking away at the leaves. All afternoon long he would tell me "Fare thee well, maiden". It was adorable. We let Buzzy join in the fun with her new tennis ball, acquired after yet another adventure to the park (this time she jumped the fence and I was greeted by a phone call at 9:15 am saying, "uh...we're at the park...and your dog is here..."). So what else is new? I finally got her to sit still for a couple shots, only by balancing the tennis ball on the top of my camera lens so she'd look at me.

I finally threw it.

A boy and his 100+ pound beast...

Being goofy.

Happy Sunday!

We're supposed to have temperatures in the mid-50s all week, so it looks like it won't be a sub-zero Halloween. Hooray!!!