BOZEMAN CHILDREN and SENIOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER, BOZEMAN BABY, CHILD, FAMILY and FAMILY REUNION PHOTOGRAPHY by SUSANN SAAREL

These are a few of my favorite {Winter} things.

Susann — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:45:38 +0000

I love that Montana has 4 distinct seasons…well, some might say there are only 2…summer and winter, haha. And yes, that certainly was true last year when winter stretched a whole 6 months from November to May! So how do I do it? Survive 6 months of winter, I mean? In a cabin (ok…log home) on a mountain-top at 6,100 feet? Well, first of all, there is the issue of plowing 2 miles of private road, so we don’t consider our Snowcat Bombardier a luxury item or sport vehicle (as in snowcatting), but rather, a necessity for which we always keep plenty of extra diesel fuel as well as hydraulic fluid on hand. Then of course, there is the mile of snow fence that keeps some of the drifting snow at bay and the snowsticks whose reflective tape leads us home at night during a whiteout. Our “littlest barn” is always fully-stocked with a long winter’s worth of firewood. And the propane tanks are filled and refilled when we’re down to 30% or 20 or 10%… But beyond the necessities that allow us to get up and down the mountain and keep our house warm and toasty, are these “favorite” things (some of which are on my wish list) that make me happy, that I enjoy, that make my life just a little bit easier and more comfortable in the wintertime and I thought I’d share them with you here in no particular order…

1. This Silver Lake Parka from Gorsuch is on my wish list…(a girl can dream, right?). 2. My new iPhone4 (a birthday gift). 3. A warm cozy bed with faux fur throw (no, this is not my bed but I wouldn’t mind if it was). 4. My fabulous new ring from Free People (a Christmas gift). 5. Soaking at Chico Hot Springs. 6. Snowy Fawn bouquet by Olive & Cocoa. 7. Pedicures at Sage Spa in Bozeman. 8. International wedding photographer, Jasmine Star’s EXPOSED magazine (a Christmas gift). 9. Creme de la Mer (an occasional luxury). 10. Bull elk in snowstorm. 11. Homemade Navajo Lamb Stew (with Indian fry bread). 12. Playing board games in front of a roaring fire. 13. Cardigan from Anthropologie (a Christmas present in 2009). 14. My Ugg Adirondack Boots (for outside) 15. Our Finlandia Sauna (I really should use it more!) 16. A skinny latte, double shot. 17. The classic 1954 musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” 18. Wine and cheese. 19. Pothos chandelier earrings from Anthropologie (no longer available, darn it!) 20. Watching our twins race the Slalom and Giant Slalom from Bridger & Big Sky to Discovery and Whitefish! 21. Paperwhites 22. Lollia’s “Imagine” eau de Parfum (available at HeyDay in Bozeman). 23. Jeep Wrangler 2012 Unlimited Sahara (this car would look good on me!) 24. Pj bottoms from Anthropologie. 25. Christmas cards…both sending and receiving them (this is ours from 2010). 26. Spirutein High Protein Shakes (to get back in shape after the holidays). 27. “Best of the Bunch” Cardigan from Anthropologie (a Christmas gift in 2010). 28. Our backyard view. 29. The shell boxes Larissa and I made (they remind me of the beach). 30. ”The Brooklyn” Ona Camera Bag (on my wish list). 31. Niederegger Marzipan Bars (only during the holidays). 32. Fatwood from Plow & Hearth. 33. Sleepy Hollow Pencil Cup by Anthropologie. 34. Carharrt jacket (available at Murdoch’s in Bozeman). 35. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream (available at Target, CVS, Walmart). 36. Aviator Headphones by Skullcandy (a Christmas gift ~ for the twins iPods…LOVE the peace & quiet). 37. Dinner by candlelight. 38. The non-traditional Christmas Tree in my studio. 39. My mink scarf 40. Deerskin insulated gloves from Murdoch’s in Bozeman. 41. Tyre Grip (for traction on ice without chains). 42. Our trusty log cart by Plow & Hearth. 43. Sunday morning frittatas whipped up in our fabulous frittata pans by William Sonoma. 44. Our treadmill. (Gotta keep movin’…). 45. Ugg Sundance Boots (for at home). 46. Jingle bells and sleigh rides. 47. Necture Bathing Gel by Lady Primrose.

Wintry…an inspiration board.

Susann — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:16:43 +0000

I never thought I’d say this, but “oh winter!…wherefore art thou?” After all, what is winter in Montana without snowballs, sledding and snowmen? Instead we’ve got record highs in Bozeman! Yep, 58 degrees yesterday! OK, so truth be told it has been nice, almost a luxury in fact having a break from last winter’s snowmaggedon, but our twins ski racing season starts tomorrow with only a 24″ base at Bridger and only one possible snow shower forecast in the next 10 days. So I say, bring it! And just in case Mother Nature needs a little inspiration, here’s a quick look back at some of the beauty of last year’s winter here at Sky Ranch.

win·try/ˈwintrē/

Adjective: Characteristic of winter, esp. in feeling or looking very cold and bleek: ”a wintry landscape”.

Welcoming 2012 with a grateful heart.

Susann — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:37:51 +0000

Happy New Year!!! Wow! What an amazing hear I had! Oh sure, it started off with a doozy of a winter and an unplanned 2 month hiatus as I became a full-time nurse to Doug after his accident, but professionally, 2011 was my greatest year ever! So I never got around to building my mobile websites, pulling all the garden weeds or sending out Christmas cards for that matter, but I won’t complain because for me, busy = blessed. I had the privilege of meeting and/or working with dozens of families from all over Montana, the U.S. and from as far as Europe and have enjoyed making new photographer friends through Facebook. To top it all off, our family celebrated the Grand Opening of my new boutique studio in Livingston in August to rave reviews, were featured in the Livingston Enterprise and in the Bozeman Chronicle’s B2B (Business to Business) Trade Journal (see page 2…the Comings and Goings section), and were also featured on The Savvy Photographer Blog, an inspiration blog for photographers with a world-wide following.

Decorating and outfitting the boutique studio was a 10 month long labor of love. In between, I shot my first newborn and baby studio sessions ever, a handful of family reunions, and a bunch of family/child sessions mostly here at Sky Ranch. I am so grateful to the people who invite me into their lives trusting me to photograph their most important family moments. I want to remind each and every one of you how beautiful you are…how special your connections are…what a gift to your family you are. So, with a grateful heart, I created something especially for you…the first of hopefully many more, “Year in Review” videos. Here, are a few of some of my favorite images from 2011…”The Year in Review”!!!

May God bless you and your families in the coming year!

xo,

Susann

‘Twas the eve before Tea. {a poem}

Susann — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:33:45 +0000

"Twas the eve before Tea, when all through the town,
We two ladies went shopping for a new Christmas gown.
She settled on pants and a black lacy top,
Ballet flats with rhinestones to top it all off.

I tucked her in bed and I kissed her goodnight.
In the morning we primped, it was quite a sight.
I presented her corsage and we hopped in the car,
Singing carols with joy, we traveled quite far.

We arrived at the Inn and to her delight,
We sat right by the fire, her eyes lit up bright.
The server presented us with Christmas Tea,
Per tradition, we sipped it, 'twas just she and me.

For this was a day for a girl and her mum,
Nibbling sandwiches, chatting, taking photos for fun.
The pianist played and the flautist, she fluted,
But when my girl smiled, all sound became muted.

We ordered more sandwiches, we requested more tea.
We dragged out the hour until far after three.
When nothing was left on our plates, but a crumb,
We knew it was slowly time to move on.

She posed with the Nutcracker under the tree,
She signed the Inn's guestbook for both she and me.
Dismayed, homeward-bound she declared she was sad,
I asked "Why dear?", after all, today made me quite glad.

"It was over so fast," she replied with a tear.
My daughter, an angel, So precious and dear.
"I know, I'm sad too, I will cherish this day.
And forever hold on to the memories we've made".

The smell of her hair and the gleam in her eye,
The sound of her laughter, the curl of her smile.
For she is my daughter, I have only one.
I've loved her before the day she was born.

I've waited a lifetime for moments like this.
Sweet Larissa, I love you. You make my life bliss.
There is joy in the knowing that traditions held dear,
Will continue forever year after year.

Someday there'll be three of us, you, me and she.
My precious Larissa and your daughter at Tea.
Until then, I'll cherish the times just us two.
My delightful companion, Merry Christmas to you!

This marks our 3rd year attending Christmas Tea at the historic Gallatin Gateway Inn. What my poem does not mention is that the woman sitting at the table next to us recognized as we walked in, although I had never met her! She had clicked through a series of links while on the internet or Facebook and ended up at my blogpost from last year’s Christmas Tea! She said it looked so lovely and sounded so wonderful, she ended up making reservations for she and her husband! How cool is that? Perhaps we’ll see them again next year!

Feeling the love…

Susann — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 02:37:24 +0000

It was an unusually warm winter afternoon when Jennifer and her adorable 5 yo son, Alec arrived for their Holiday Mini Session at Sky Ranch. Jennifer and her son are so so sweet together. And the way little Alec snuggled with his rescue Boston Terrier, Max was equally as charming and sweet. But when Alec looked up at the sky and outstretched his arms toward the warmth of the sun, it was then I knew he was really having fun and feeling the love!

On the slopes.

Susann — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:31:44 +0000

This dee-lightful fellow ski family could not stop giggling during their session! What fun it was to share a few laughs and get to know them better! Kids, Riley (9) and Quinn (13) are on the Bridger Alpine Ski Team along with our own 11 yo twins. Mom and Dad, Laura and Tracy, the owners of the UPS Store in Bozeman, were the high bidders on a live auction photography package I donated to the Bridger Ski Foundation‘s annual fundraiser this past summer. Summer and Fall came and went, but being a ski family it was fitting that our session took place in the snow, on a mountain-top with views of the beautiful Bridger Mountains in the background. Ski season is just around the corner…see you on the slopes!

Giving.

Susann — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:14:52 +0000

When your dog is bigger than you are…you give her as many treats as she wants! All joking aside, Mucinda is very sweet to her little master. Adorable 23 month old Wells has grown so much since last year’s Christmas portrait session seen here. I am already looking forward to next year’s session when his new baby brother or sister joins us. How I love watching your families grow!

Welcome Winter!

Susann — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:58:02 +0000

“Snowflakes are kisses from heaven.”…I am going to try to remember this quote each time it snows this winter and revel in all the kisses! It didn’t snow the day I photographed this beautiful Bozeman family, but there was plenty of cold white stuff on the ground already and a blustery wind to boot! Mom & dad and their gorgeous children are old pros with me…this being their 7th annual portrait session with me here at Sky Ranch. It has been so amazing to watch this family grow. May you all enjoy many kisses from heaven this Winter!

Pumpkin

Susann — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:56:25 +0000

I love this little pumpkin. I mean how can you NOT love him? But what I love most…how his parents love him, dote on him, lavish him with kisses and laughter. I’ve been documenting Luke’s first year, from his newborn session to Luke at 7 months. And finally his studio birthday session (photos coming soon) to his first official family session here at Sky Ranch. It has been a beautiful journey watching this little one grow.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boys…

Susann — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:30:57 +0000

Have you been to Kid Stuff in Bozeman? Gently used fine clothing and gear for kids? Not only does Kirsten own and operate Kid Stuff, she is also the fabulous interior designer behind Habitat Interiors serving clients from Bozeman & Big Sky to the New York metropolitan area as well as being mom to these two beautiful boys, August (3) and Everett (21 months). As I was editing these images, John Lennon’s song “Beautiful Boy” written for his son, Sean, played in my mind. Such a beautiful song for all little boys everywhere…

JOHN LENNON
“Beautiful Boy”

Close your eyes,
Have no fear,
The monsters gone,
He’s on the run and your daddy’s here,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Before you go to sleep,
Say a little prayer,
Every day in every way,
It’s getting better and better,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Out on the ocean sailing away,
I can hardly wait,
To see you to come of age,
But I guess we’ll both,
Just have to be patient,
Yes it’s a long way to go,
But in the meantime,

Before you cross the street,
Take my hand,
Life is just what happens to you,
While your busy making other plans,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,
Darling,
Darling,
Darling Sean.