one frame at a time

2011 End of the Year Wrap

2011-12-29T15:42:00.004-07:00

Oh hey. I haven't been posting here much lately but it is more because I've been working and shooting and traveling and basically -- not blogging. I sat down to do an end of the year wrap up and I don't have much to post. I have several stories that people are sitting on till next year. Until they are published I don't have tons that I can post here....so...this will be a short wrap up.

In more ways than one this was a growth year for my business as a photographer. I'm still growing in my shooting but if I could show images of how much more organized my business life is it would be boring but accurate. Oh -- and the whole getting married thing was kind of a major part of things -- but I didn't take photos of that. So instead I'll just show you neat locations ... does that even out?

View of Glacier National Park from a helicopter ride in June.

Bikers -- East Glacier, Montana.

View from St. Mary's -- East Glacier, Montana

Two images from the Lorraine Motel in Memphis where Martin Luther King Jr. was killed.

Those were some of the more memorable locations I visited this year that I can show without spoiling publications for next year. As things move forward there should be more work on the blog but till then Happy New Year!!

September 11, 2011

2011-09-11T08:55:00.007-06:00

On September 11th 2001 I was living in the Oglethorpe dorm on The University of Georgia campus. My friend Katie and I had gone to breakfast at Espresso Royale in downtown Athens. While we were drinking our coffee a random person ran into the coffee shop and shouted to everyone that a plane had hit the World Trade Center and then ran out. We all kind of looked around, commented that it was strange, and assumed he was just a crazy person. It wasn't until we got into the car where NPR was reporting the attack and playing live audio from Ground Zero that we realized the man who ran into the coffee shop wasn't crazy.

My friends and I watched the news together on the TV in our dorm later that morning. We ate lunch together in the O-House dining hall where they were playing the news over the radio so we all would know what was happening. Everyone ate in silence as we listened to the news. Class was canceled the next day and I have a distinct memory of going to sit out on the quad, sun shining, to take some time away from the radios and T.V.s that were continually giving us the news. I remember thinking how strange it was for everything where I was sitting to feel just like every other day but knowing that it wasn't the same at all.

I wasn't a photojournalism major yet, but I did take a point and shoot disposable camera around town in the following days. A group of us took candles to light at The Arch and I took a photo of the memorial set up there by students, teachers, and community members. I took the second photo of The Georgia Theater a couple days later. I'm grateful for these photos now. They represent a time of unity in a place I love. That time of unity seemed to dissolve so quickly to the divisive place our country is today.

As I step back to reflect on September 11th today, I hope we can remember a time when we came together as people despite our differences. It is one of the strongest impressions I was left with from this time.

Published :: Rick Bass for Smithsonian Magazine ::

2011-07-22T10:24:00.001-06:00

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of shooting author Rick Bass for Smithsonian Magazine. It was late spring in Montana which means it's still a hell of a lot colder here than most other places in the country. Mr. Bass had written a piece on why he loves living in Missoula, Montana for the Smithsonian. I spent a couple of days in Missoula shooting places he particularly liked before our time together for portraits.

Bass is known for being an author particularly enamored with place. Originally from the South he has been out West for the majority of his career. His most recent book focuses on the controversial movement of oil from Canada into the U.S. on highways running through rural Idaho and Montana. He was a pleasure to talk to and we discovered he takes yoga classes at the same spot as my assistant. Always a good way to start off a session. Despite the freezing temps and gusty wind Mr. Bass was more than happy to spend some time with us on the banks of the Clark Fork River. The fish were just starting to rise as we left.

You can see more of the images from this shoot and read the accompanying story on the Smithsonian website here.

Echo Lake Cafe - Extra Serving

2011-05-18T13:15:00.003-06:00

Earlier this week I posted about a shoot I did for Montana Magazine about Echo Lake Cafe. Echo Lake Cafe sources local organic food and is a favorite among locals. These were some outtakes that didn't get used. Makes me want a cup of coffee right now.

Shooting food is something I've been doing more of over the last couple years and I really enjoy it. Here's to hoping there's more shoots like this one in the future.

Casket Maker for Montana Magazine

2011-05-17T08:10:00.002-06:00

Its been almost a year since I drove backwood, dirt roads to Willy von Bracht's studio outside of Kalispell, Montana. Such a nice guy and what he creates makes for interesting converstion for sure: caskets. Willy has been been handcrafting caskets since 1972 and he is happy to take your order if you're so inclined. He's committed to crafting caskets at affordable prices for folks. If you've been thru the funeral process before you know how expensive caskets can be -- and Willy wants to provide an option outside of that. He also makes caskets that can be stored in your home as a functional bookshelf until you need it. Not something I would have thought of -- but I must say that's pretty smart.

Montana Magazine has sent me on some memorable assignments and Willy definitely falls into that category. This article ran last year in the June/July issue of the magazine. I'm just now catching up with categorizing some of my clips so look for more updates throughout the month.

Echo Lake Cafe for Montana Magazine

2011-05-16T09:36:00.003-06:00

It's been a little while since I update here. More because I've been working lots and having to sit on the shoots than anything else. I shot this feature on Echo Lake Cafe here in the Flathead Valley back in January and you can find it in the current issue of Montana Magazine. I love doing shoots like this and while only a couple of images were used for the article I took oh-so-many more. I'll post more of the outtakes later this week but for now I just wanted to get on the blog updating train.

Commercial Work :: Shawna Moore for Blick Art ::

2011-03-15T10:02:00.004-06:00

It's always nice to see the final product come together after a shoot. I shot Shawna Moore in her studio earlier this year and this is the final ad that the work will be used for. Cool projects with people you enjoy working with really make all the difference and this one is a nice way to start the year off.

Published: 406 Woman

2011-02-21T21:00:00.006-07:00

At the start of this year I was approached by 406 Woman to shoot a feature on Tate Pastor Interiors. Heidi and Monica were a treat to shoot and I'm glad they put up with me for an hour. You can see this shoot in the most current issue of the magazine which is on stands now. Thanks guys! And thanks 406 Woman for the fun assignment.

shawna moore :: in the studio

2011-02-10T09:54:00.004-07:00

Encaustic artist Shawna Moore recently asked me to do some shots of her working in the studio. Shawna is always fun to work with and it was nice to hang in her studio and get some shots of her most recent work. She's opening a show at Gallery Mar in Park City soon -- if you are in the area you should check it out. And as always she has work at Jest Gallery here in Whitefish.

For me it is always a treat to shoot creative people. It's fun to see how someone else works and thinks about being creative. It's fun to see what it takes for them to create. It's the same and different for everyone.

Sled Dog Days - Olney, Montana

2011-01-12T08:58:00.005-07:00

I love shooting this event. It's so fun and everyone is so nice. And really - the dogs just love it which is so fun to see. This year the sun came out and it was absolutely beautiful. Here are a couple frames from over the weekend. You can also see some more images over on Lido's blog. Hope everyone out there is staying warm!

Best of 2010

2010-12-27T23:20:00.007-07:00

I started 2010 in a power outage in Montana, searching for puppies in the snow. I'm writing this now from my parent's home in Georgia. Later this week I'll back in Montana to start the new year and hopefully it won't involve lost dogs or being stuck in the dark.

Looking back at the start of this decade it's strange to think that in 2000 there was no 9/11, or orange alerts, or Katrina. I wasn't in college when this decade started and people were worried about Y2K. I wasn't even a photographer yet. Not really. Lots can change in 1o years - or just 1.

What the last 365 days have involved is family, friends, travel, and fantastic food. I've put together my favorite photos from 2010 - both personal and professional. For me there isn't a way to separate them. I hope wherever you are (home, stuck in an airport terminal, toasty in a coffee shop) you get to celebrate the end of this decade with people you love. Happy New Year and enjoy the photos.

Olney, Montana

Watkinsville, Georgia

Serenbe Farms

Athens, Georgia
Nick & Ginny, Park Slope - Brooklyn, New York

Serenbe Farms

Ginny - Brooklyn, New York looking into Manhattan

Lido - Yellowstone National Park

Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Olney, Montana

Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park

Trego, Montana

Cheers to 2010

2010-12-23T19:06:00.002-07:00

Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park 2010

I think there are so many blog entries out in the interwebs that start with "I haven't been good about updating this blog." Let's just both give a nod of recognition and move on.

2010 brought a lot of changes for me personally and professionally. The more I've embraced my own photography the more opportunities and changes I've been presented with. I'm now a contributing photographer with Redux Pictures. I'm really excited about this partnership and how nice they have been to work with so far. Travel continues to be a major part of things: Atlanta, St. Thomas, New York, Tennessee, St. Louis, Wyoming and of course Montana and parts therein. That won't be changing next year and I'm looking forward to putting together the schedule in the coming months. You can also expect some changes to the website and new work as well. But as far as this year goes I got to spend so much time working on projects I really care about and seeing people I love. If those two things continue into next year I can't wait.

Here's to 2011 - cheers to you and yours. I hope the end of the year brings happy memories to you and excitement for things to come.

Isn't it pretty to think so?

2010-10-06T20:10:00.008-06:00

Since 2001, I've lived in Georgia, France, South Carolina, England, Tennessee, and Montana. When I left college in 2004 I thought I'd be living in France right now working on whatever it was I was supposed to be working on. Turns out, life went a little differently and now I'm working on whatever it is I'm supposed to be working on in Montana. A little different, but pretty none-the-less.
The funny part of it is, in all of those places I was always ready and planning on being in the next place. The next fence over, the next job, the next thing. It hasn't been till recently that I started to get more comfortable with the idea of being right where I am the moment that I'm there. But that place is more like my actual seat than my current longitude and latitude. I'm not sure if that's really all that healthy but I'll take what I can get.
I realize that I've been struck with a certain kind of wanderlust that only a few a really hit hard by. I'm one of those lucky ones. Lucky in that I know I won't stop wanting to see just what's over the horizon. Not-so-lucky in that the members of my wandering club seem to dwindle more and more the closer I get to "adulthood." The farther I look down the line the more I see marriages and babies and responsibilities and bills. And I'm not against those things, it just seems to me a easy way to get trapped in one place. And one place was never on my itinerary. My feeling on the that life being fantastic was more "Isn't it pretty to think so?"

So it has come to a surprise to even myself to be walking further and further down that path. The trick, so far it seems, is to have a great travel companion. Or at least one who is understanding of needing to go those few extra blocks, have that extra drink, or stay out a little bit longer. Just a little. So today, with less than a week before I head out again into the world of airplanes and long lines and unknown roads, I'm thankful for that understanding. Here's to that extra drink with a lifelong travel mate.

What the Geyser!

2010-10-01T10:24:00.006-06:00

If you haven't been to Yellowstone National Park and visited the geysers you are really missing out. I was kind of pessimistic on geysers in general, but after seeing the surreal colors in the ground I was sold. I'm a sucker for color anyways and I have never seen anything else that compares to the vibrancy of these. It really is worth the trip. More posts to come on Yellowstone. And Nate -- I swear I'm getting close to sending you pics from Lido and me from this trip. :)

a girl could get lost

2010-09-13T16:45:00.002-06:00

It's easy to see how a girl could get lost out in the Tetons and not want to come back. I'm home now from the Yellowstone adventure. More photos and stories to come.

Opening & Out of Town

2010-09-03T08:37:00.005-06:00

Two quick updates.

Update one: Tonight (September 3rd) I will be at Miss Zula's in Missoula, MT for a show of my photos as a part of September Gallery Nights. Stop by and say hi if you are around town.

Update two: I will be traveling in Bozeman and Yellowstone park September 5th-12th. If I don't return your call or email immediately it is because I'm camping and without cell service. Don't be offended -- I'll be back in the office September 13th returning calls and emails. We will catch up then.

Mental Vacation

2010-07-29T16:37:00.007-06:00

I don't know if, for me, there is any way better to relax than with the sand between my toes. Growing up as a kid my family took a yearly trip to Florida where there was usually no agenda and lots of beach time. As an adult, I miss having a whole week to just hang out by the water, eat seafood, and read. This summer has been non-stop, full-tilt, busy-to-the-max. But it did start off with some beach time.

These are a couple of out takes from my trip earlier this year to St. Thomas for work. Don't worry: we were able to squeeze in some margaritas between work. From Trunk Bay to Maegens Bay it was like being in Florida all over again, only with prettier water and more Rum. So from here at my desk I'm taking a little mental break and pretending I'm by the water again. If only for a couple minutes before heading back to my to-do list. You should too.

What Can You Get for $25 Million?

2010-07-08T09:09:00.001-06:00

This island in the US Virgin Islands. You know...if you're into owning a whole island. Just thought you should know.

Stop - St. Thomas Time

2010-06-17T15:21:00.004-06:00

More from the St. Thomas outtakes file. I just loved these colors.

Young Farmers Project: Jason and Laura Mann

2010-06-14T15:20:00.001-06:00

Say hello to Jason Mann, 33, and his wife Laura, 32. Together this young couple owns Full Moon Farms in Watkinsville, Georgia. Originally a history and philosophy major at Berkley, Jason has spent the last 11 years involved in farming. Now he runs Full Moon Farms and owns Farm 255, a restaurant serving the farm's organic food in downtown Athens, Georgia.

In addition to running the farm and dealing with the restaurant, Jason is committed to bringing more people into farming. "My best crop is future farmers," says Mann and it seems to be the case. Among the twenty-somethings crew working at Full Moon Farms is Jared Pickard, 25, originally from New Jersey. Pickard left a job in finance to pursue farm work and has been doing so since February. He now works as a Farmers Apprentice on the farm and has started a blog documenting his time there.

From left to right: Jason Mann, 33, Moose Terry, 24, and Jared Pickard, 25 work the field on an early morning in May.

A place setting at Farm 255 in Athens.

Left: Farm 255 entrance. Right: Farm 255's Bloody Mary made with farm fresh ingredients.

Farm 255's Butcher Board: housemade pork sausage, pastrami, pork liver mousse, trotters,  boiled egg, sauerkraut, housemade pickles, grilled casatillo brea.

Farm 255's Mojito with mint from Full Moon Farms.

Digging in to the Butcher Board.

Mann is committed to bring his organic food to as many people as possible. The newly opened Farmburger in Decatur, Georgia is now serving his grass fed beef burgers nightly. For Mann this is just the next step in connecting people with their food. Mann is commited to "a new role for restaurants and transforming our food systems." Between his farm, his staff, and his two restaurants he's off to a good start.

St. Thomas :: Outtakes

2010-06-11T16:18:00.003-06:00

It was rainy when we landed in St. Thomas, USVI. But despite the rain it was ridiculously beautiful. The islands, the people, the water. In the coming weeks there will be more images to come from this trip (once I have time to sit and edit them all out). But for now here are a couple of outtakes. Cheers to the islands.

Planes. Cars. Boats.

2010-06-08T16:48:00.002-06:00

I'm back in Montana after a month of travel in the South and Caribbean. In the next coming weeks look for travel focused posts here as well as more profiles on Young Farmers across the country. I'm so happy to be back in Montana and am hoping to zip through some major editing projects so I can get back outside where it is sunny and beautiful here. It might be a while but I'm really so happy to be back in the mountains.

Left: View from a villa in St. Thomas, USVI. Right: Cacti at Trunk Bay, USVI.

Young Farmers Project: Hitting the Road in Georgia

2010-05-24T11:32:00.005-06:00

I'm currently in Atlanta and have been for the past week working on my Young Farmers portrait project. For each Farm I'm shooting a portrait of an organic farmer under 35 and then a portrait of a dish made with their food.

Earlier this month I headed to Palmetto, Georgia where I met Paige Witherington. Paige is 28 and has been farming since 2002. She currently is the Farm Manager at Serenbe, a 3 phase development committed to sustainable agriculture and development south of Atlanta. The farm she manages supplies food for CSA members in the Atlanta metro area as well as to restaurants within the development including The Hil and soon the Blue Eyed Daisy Cafe. I spent some time with her out in the field taking portraits. The plot of land set aside for the farm where she is now working was originally used for cotton farming. "It's really nice to see the positive change you can see on a really run down piece of land," said Paige about what she enjoys about farming.

Garlic and Spinach Flathbread at The Hil.

Wedge Salad at the Hil.

The dining room at The Hil.

The Blue Eyed Daisy Cafe.

Check back for more updates as I travel the roads this summer from Georgia to Missouri, Montana and places in between.

Travel Update

2010-05-11T15:13:00.001-06:00

I am currently traveling in Georgia and will be based in the Atlanta area May 8-25th. I will then be in St. Thomas/Virgin Islands May 25th-June3rd. Please contact me if you have specific needs in these locations. Thanks!

valentine to montana

2010-02-16T14:15:00.004-07:00

wintereverafter walk

2010-01-31T22:07:00.003-07:00

Sometimes it's nice to just take a little break. A little walk. And look around.

It was a quiet Sunday and I took a break outside to just walk around and shoot for myself. It was a nice treat. I've been working on lots of the administrative (sometimes boring) side of photo stuff so it was nice to be outside. My brain needed a little break from bookkeeping, mailings, and filing receipts.

Now back to work.

Female Mushers at Flathead Sled Dog Days

2010-01-17T10:29:00.005-07:00

Lido and I spent some time recently at the Flathead Sled Dog Days in Olney, Montana. Everyone was very nice and and I was struck by how many female participants there were. One of them is even going on to a race in Alaska later this year. The whole experience was really fun but REALLY cold. That being said I'm very happy to be in my warm little house now as I write this.

Flyfishing Women

2010-01-11T16:51:00.004-07:00

It's a balmy 30 degrees here and so I'm thinking back to warmer times. Times when I actually would want to get in the water. This shoot of Hilary and her sister fly fishing in the Flathead River was such fun. These two really love the outdoors and were great to let me tag along. I'm going to think about these pics when I really can't take winter anymore.

good morning montana

2010-01-06T13:45:00.003-07:00

After quite a crazy night last night, this is what Montana gave me this morning. Love it.

well hey there 2010

2009-12-30T19:22:00.004-07:00

I've seen so many articles and editorials out there about how the last decade was really a big waste. Just lots of people dying, multiple wars, and everyone generally losing lots of money. I get that. I really do. But for me it was a time where I met some of my very best friends, spent time doing work I love, and really enjoyed my life. So I hope there is more of that plus some in the next decade. So here's to 2010. Bring it.

blur of joy

2009-12-28T10:30:00.012-07:00

Today is the first day I've had more than a little time to myself to do whatever I want. No deadlines. No rushing around. Just some quiet time with fresh, Montana snow falling out my window. After dozens of airports, hours of travel, and just generally working my tail off...this is an uber-treat. I'm planning on taking some time to focus goals for 2010 and organize some myself from this past year. But today, I'm so grateful to just have a little downtime.

This has been a year of tying up loose ends. I made some scary changes that are really paying off. I've started doing more work I actually love and less work I can't stand. I got engaged. My grandmother passed away. Friends/soon to be family welcomed a new baby to the world. I was able to spend lots of time with close friends and family that I often never see. I traveled more than I have since I left Chattanooga (Atlanta, New York, Jekyll Island, Arizona, Salt Lake City, Vancouver, Seattle). I'm even embracing Montana winter. So the following photos are the last breath of wrap up before the new year. 2009 seems like a bit of a blur right now but a warm, happy, laughing blur.

That's a good blur in my opinion. Happy end of 2009 ya'll.

foys to blacktail trails

2009-12-07T10:06:00.012-07:00

I have been on the move over the last couple months. And one thing that travel hasn't left much time for is blogging. So for those of you out there that do follow my blog (Hi Mom!) I'm going to be updating more now that I'm back in Montana for a bit.

In October I had the pleasure of creating some new imagery for the folks at Foys to Blacktail Trails in Kalispell. This non-profit is working hard to secure public access to the trails above Herron Park and provide long-term maintenance of the trails. Everyone there was such a pleasure to work with and I am happy to support this organization in their efforts to create more public spaces for people to enjoy Montana.

You can learn more about Foys to Blacktail Trails here. There are numerous way to volunteer, give back, or make a donation on the site so take a minute to check it out.

Jean Barham ::: 1918-2009

2009-11-25T08:07:00.005-07:00

The day my Grandmother died there was a magnolia tree out the window of her room. The sun was hitting it just right and there were Camillias in bloom. If she had been concious, she would have pointed out to me how beautiful the blooms were, or how much she loved watching the birds taking baths in the puddles outside. She wasn't concious, and pretty soon - she wasn't with us anymore.

I was the only person in the room when she passed away. I feel very grateful to have shared those last moments with her. She has been an integral part of the last 27 years of my life, and anyone who knows me well can attest to this. I was lucky to have a firey, independent, and sometimes kooky woman like her in my world.

A few days after she died my Dad recycled her classic Chevrolet Caprice. That car has been as much a fixture in our driveway as my Grandmother was in our lives. For the last several years it has been sitting inoperable at my parents home. My Grandmother couldn't drive anymore but she wasn't going to let them take the car away. So it sat in the driveway. Over the years it was the car she carried her crafts in, hit a Fed Ex truck with, carried her to and from the grocery store, and made sure she made it to Thelma's Beauty Parlor for hair appointments.

I really couldn't believe I would come back to my parents home and not see it there.
So before they towed the car out of the driveway I took a couple of photos. This Thanksgiving I will be so thankful for having been able to share so much of my life with a wonderful, frank, stubborn, and sometimes crazy driver like my Grandmother. She will be missed.

tomato fun

2009-10-06T18:53:00.002-06:00

montana does october

2009-10-01T10:21:00.001-06:00

and i can't complain ....

delicious fruit tart

2009-09-17T15:15:00.003-06:00

montana :: old dirt road truck

2009-09-17T11:08:00.000-06:00

fall is here :: summer leftovers

2009-09-11T13:30:00.003-06:00

This summer went by in typical whirlwind Montana fashion. I'm sad to see it go but so far Fall is shaping up to be busy and full of travel so I can't ask for much more. These are just a couple lost frames to welcome September back.

glacier park :: end of summer

2009-09-07T20:27:00.005-06:00

Today Lido and I took a little drive into Glacier Park today for some Labor Day adventure fun. At Logan's Pass it was snowy, windy -- really downright miserable. But we kept on driving into East Glacier and eventually outran the storm that was chasing us. While we didn't hike as much as I would have liked we did get to see some of the park I normally don't make it to. I have a tendency to stick on the western half of the park and I'm glad we hung out on the other side today instead. Logan's Pass will be closing early this year so we took our last opportunity to drive all the way through to the East side and back around home to Whitefish. While the snow at the top of the pass drove home just how over Summer is -- it was still a perfect way to spend the day.

Alpine Theatre Project 2009 Production Shots

2009-08-21T13:02:00.001-06:00

I just have to give a quick shout out to the folks at ATP. For the past three summers I have done production shots for them. They are a group of fantastically talented people who will stop at nothing to put on a stunning show. It has been my pleasure to continue capturing these visually engaging works with my camera. If you are in Northwest Montana this weekend don't miss their closing weekend of "World Goes Round" at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. This is a selection of images from our production shoots this summer. Thanks ATP and best of luck with your last two shows!

dreamy montana summer

2009-08-12T20:49:00.003-06:00

How can you say no to a yellow field in bloom? I can't. I'm glad Katelynn couldn't either.

vancouver makes me want to sing "oh canada"

2009-07-30T13:57:00.004-06:00

I can't stop saying enough good things about Vancouver, BC. It was beautiful with tons to explore. I ate so much delicious food I was ecstatic to be walking everywhere. I only wish I had been able to spend more time there. But what little time we did have was wonderful and I can't wait to start planning my next visit. If it isn't on your list of places to visit -- go find your list and add it immediately.

granville island :: vancouver, bc

2009-07-24T14:05:00.001-06:00

museums in seattle

2009-07-21T20:56:00.006-06:00

If you are in the greater Seattle area any time soon I have a good tip for you: spend some time in the museums there. No seriously. Do it. They are fantastic. While in town last week we hit up the Seattle Art Museum, the Experience Music Project, and the Science Fiction Museum. Between the three you can catch an exhibit on the Muppets and Jim Henson, a special show on the Hatch letterpress studio from Nashville that specializes in posters for rock shows and the Opry, and an Andrew Wyeth exhibit. If you are like me by the end of it your brain will be a little mushy but I am still really glad I got to see all of it.

Sculpture at the Experience Music Project.

Outside of the Experience Music Project.

Left: Michael Jackson's glove. Right: Ceiling at the Experience Music Project.
Lido and a Museum.

Restroom in the Muppet exhibit.

Above and Below: Two more shots from the EMP. Ok..I love this museum.

seattle time is my favorite time

2009-07-20T17:46:00.005-06:00

I just got back from a fantastic trip to Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Apparently Seattle is awesome. This was something I was previously unaware of. It has tons of things I love including great art museums, seafood, unending city blocks, some super awesome members of the Vizzutti family, and direct access to the ocean. Also: apparently Lido and I have the same eye in more ways than one -- you can see his work from Seattle over at his blog Latitude.

So here are some of my pics from this recent trip. Don't worry -- there are tons more. I was totally absorbed in the Experience Music Project and could have read everything there if my brain could have taken that much stimulation. So... there are more photos to come but for now here is just a taste.

published: montana magazine - flathead valley mint farms

2009-07-17T10:39:00.003-06:00

Last summer I had the chance to spend some time on a couple local Flathead Valley mint farms. Not only did they smell fantastic (almost overwhelming) they were absolutely beautiful. The story is running in this month's issue of Montana Magazine, on stands now. I'll post some more of the outtakes here soon, but for now here is the current layout. I always enjoy working with Montana Magazine and I thought they did a particularly nice job with the layout.

paradise found

2009-07-04T14:37:00.001-06:00

I'll be spending my evening here watching fireworks. Happy 4th.

video fun

2009-06-30T22:38:00.002-06:00

The last couple months have been a bit of a whirlwind. I've been bad about updating things here and am trying to do a bit of catch up.

At the end of May I worked as a production assistant during filming and then edited this commercial for our local non-profit professional theatre company, the Alpine Theatre Project. If you are in Northwest Montana this summer you should definitely check out one of their productions.

last moment in last best place

2009-06-18T21:58:00.003-06:00

406 design

2009-06-17T15:54:00.002-06:00

layout for food spread

layout for real estate advertisement

layout for article on reece fisher

layout for mcdonalds gospel project

layout for mda business card

layout for nanny business card

layout for letterhead

layout for invitation postcard

layout for long board advertisement

the difference a week can make

2009-06-15T15:07:00.006-06:00

I started this week in Atlanta and ended it in Montana. I'm amazed how quickly you can go from one place to another. There couldn't be more contrast between downtown Atlanta and Polebridge, Montana. I woke up in both places in one week and it struck me how they couldn't be more different -- but part of me loves them both.

a pretty little night

2009-06-12T10:30:00.000-06:00

lipscomb three

2009-06-01T19:52:00.004-06:00

environmental portraits

2009-05-20T12:49:00.004-06:00

you are spring to me, all things to me

2009-05-18T20:30:00.004-06:00

Spring has finally, fully reached Montana. Every year, just when I think I can't quite take anymore, Winter finally eases off and let's Spring in. And I am always ridiculously thrilled. Farmers markets are open, grass needs mowing, and the Flathead Lake cherry trees are blooming.

If you've never had a Flathead cherry you are truly missing out. They are so delicious and such a simple Montana Summer treat. Last year, my friend and I bought a giant sack of them and ate them on a drive home from Missoula. I'm surprised anything but pits made it back with us at all.

So here's to Spring -- I know most of the rest of the country has already enjoyed it and is moving on to Summer....but sometimes the best things take a little longer in Montana.

published: montana magazine -- bigfork playhouse

2009-05-11T16:48:00.004-06:00

This year the Bigfork Playhouse celebrates 50 years. I spent some time last summer shooting this feature on the playhouse and this milestone while the company presented a production of "Footloose." This story is featured in this month's issue of Montana Magazine and here are a couple of the images from the story, plus a couple of outtakes.

published: montana magazine -- nancy cawdrey

2009-05-11T16:32:00.005-06:00

Earlier this year I shot this feature on Bigfork artist Nancy Cawdrey for Montana Magazine. She was absolutely delightful and welcomed me into her studio while she was working on a piece she was commissioned to do celebrating the Centennial of Glacier National Park. Her work is vibrant watercolor on silk and was a welcome antidote to the dreary winter weather outside when I was there. These are a few of the images from that shoot (including a couple that didn't run with the article).

the economy: part one

2009-04-27T15:36:00.006-06:00

As the economic slowdown continues there is no shortage of the ways it is effecting the Flathead Valley and our surrounding areas here in Northwest Montana. Over the next couple of weeks look for this ongoing series of images about the economy here and how Montana is dealing with the changes.
The Flathead Valley has over 85,000 residents and has seen a 25% increase over the past decade. The valley has seen rapid growth over the last several years, but recent changes in the economy and layoffs at major employers have changed how quickly housing is moving in the market.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

In 2006, Kalispell's city council approved the annexation of Silverbrook Estates. The area encompasses 325 acres off of highway 93. Since the annexation, the development is underway but slow. Summer is traditionally a strong time for real estate in the Flathead Valley, but till then many of the lots remain empty.

goodness

2009-04-24T20:08:00.002-06:00

This week has been a something different everyday. From the weather (which has been everything to sunny and 70 to sunny and snowing) to my work (I've started a new project on the economy here in the Rocky Mountain West). I'm also happy to announce that an exhibit of my work will be on display at my favorite morning stop for pastries, Ceres Bakery in Kalispell. The show will be a collective of local Montana artists and be up for the month of May. More info to come and hopefully some of you out there can make it!

mountain time

2009-04-14T07:46:00.001-06:00

spring skate

2009-04-10T17:10:00.003-06:00

Spring is here and I spent some time shooting at the skatepark yesterday. It has been beautiful weather here all week and I think everyone in Montana is pretty eager to get outside and enjoy the fact that it isn't snowing. One of the guys there said that there was still snow covering the rink so they kids got together and shoveled the snow out themselves. That way they could use the rink. I think that's really cool.

shoe of my dreams

2009-03-30T14:07:00.003-06:00

inertia

2009-03-24T17:22:00.007-06:00

In the past couple weeks I have watched several people I greatly respect and admire lose their jobs. As upsetting as it is to watch newspapers like The Rocky Mountain News close, it makes me much sadder when those effected are people I really care about and know personally. The thing that sticks with me the most is that in the midst of it all they still are hopeful. Hopeful that these changes will work out the best for them and that they will triumph because of their work and their attitudes. I find these perspectives inspiring and the best antidote for all of the bad news that is out there.

For every sad story that you find of someone losing their job and unable to keep it all from falling apart, there are stories of people picking up the pieces and putting it all back together. Maybe it doesn't look quite the same but they believe it will look brighter. It might even look like something that wasn't possible before.

carnegie building for Montana Magazine

2009-03-18T17:16:00.003-06:00

I shot Kalispell's Hockaday Museum of Art (above) for this month's issue of Montana Magazine. The article profiles buildings across the state that were originally built as Carnegie libraries and are now used for other purposes. Check out the article on stands now.

patience in snow

2009-03-16T14:52:00.003-06:00

I had the chance to shoot some ice fishing last week and it was a nice treat. The kids were excited, the weather was not as cold as it had been, and I had fun watching the kids wait for a bite. The fishing was part of a birthday party for a little one turning two. Ice fishing is really a far cry from the roller skating parties I had as a kid but it was pretty cool. And now when these kids grow up they can say they have been ice fishing since they were 2.... no seriously.

little people, big adventure

2009-03-10T17:21:00.002-06:00

While I am hearing about warm weather down South from friends and family, winter keeps on going here in Northwest Montana. I happened on the wind skiers today on the way home from Kalispell. While the temps have dropped here, the wind has picked up and these kids decided to make the best of it. By the time I had climbed up the hill where they were skiing they were already dots in the distance. Still, I thought it was a pretty sweet way to make the best of a sunny day. The two kids in the bottom image were heading back inside after ice fishing. After a brief warm up in February, it has been cold enough to head out onto the lakes here again and catch some fish. More photos from outdoor adventures to come in the next few days.

winter in montana :: or :: when will it end?

2009-03-04T13:02:00.004-07:00

So this week there was a moment of sunshine. Just for a day. And then it was back to business as usual and winter weather. Even though this is my third winter in Montana I still miss the South like clockwork come March. I miss random 70 degree days where you can get away with flip flops and t-shirts. I miss not wearing snow boots till May. And most of all I miss sunshine. Montana winters last so much longer, and while they are beautiful, I really just love warm weather. But for now all I can do is try to enjoy how calm and pretty this winter is until eventually it melts away. So till then this photo is my wintery silver lining.

snowy zebra

2009-02-26T13:31:00.002-07:00

portrait of two llamas

2009-02-25T16:04:00.006-07:00

On the way home from an assignment for Montana Magazine today I stopped for some quality lama time. These two really made me laugh with how serious they look. So I thought I'd share their serious stares here. Check out the blog in the upcoming weeks for some of the work I've been sitting on for a while. I've just been waiting till things get published to run them here.

fashion show 2009

2009-02-23T14:14:00.002-07:00

As part of the Bridal Expo this weekend I shot these photos during the fashion show. You can check out more fashion photos from the event on modwest's modblog.

love day 2009

2009-02-14T10:00:00.005-07:00

So it's Valentines Day. For all you romantics out there here are some sweet pictures of some sweet couples. I'm not a huge Valentines Day girl but part of me can't help but be partial to a day devoted to love. What a nice break from winter, depressing news, and the like. So on that note I give you two happy couples who are lovely to be around. The first one is one Lido caught this past fall of our friends in Atlanta. The second one is from an engagement shoot I did at the end of last year.

If you are really feeling romantic you can check out more photos of happy couples at modwest photo. I'm really excited about this new opportunity to photograph couples, their weddings, and their families in a modern, romantic way. Enjoy!

adventure in trego, mt

2009-02-10T14:35:00.005-07:00

cabin fever celebrates 50 years

2009-02-08T11:55:00.004-07:00

Here in Whitefish there is a tradition every February. The town throws the Whitefish Winter Carnival and activities include a "Penguin Jump," parade, and the crowning of the Carnival Royalty. I haven't shot everything affiliated with the carnival this year, but I did makes some time yesterday to shoot the plunge. No matter how many times I see it I just can't imagine jumping into a frozen lake in the middle of February. However, I still love shooting other people doing it every time.

just a normal day

2009-02-03T16:11:00.004-07:00

On my way home I spotted a dog sled team offering day rides. I couldn't resist stopping for a photo. Then down the street I spotted some border patrol agents on horseback outside the hardware store. Turns out they were desensitizing their horses to the city and being downtown before this weekend's Whitefish Winter Carnival Parade. You know, just your normal downtown stuff.

The horses are freeze branded as a part of the BLM Wild Mustang Program. This more humane way of branding leaves a mark that identifies them as part of the BLM program and gives their age.The crew leaving downtown Whitefish.

view from the top

2009-01-19T16:57:00.008-07:00

I spent some time today up on Big Mountain. Here in the Flathead Valley there has been some dreary weather all around unless you head into the upper elevations. There it's clear skies. Right now you can even look out above the clouds. We are having an inversion where warmer air is trapped on top of the mountain and colder air is stuck below the clouds in the valley. Lido spent some time shooting this on Saturday and today was my turn. It really is one of the cooler things I've seen since I've been here. Plus, any excuse to be in the sun is a good enough reason to do something for me right now. So, these are some shots from my adventure today starting at the top and winding my way down to the bottom where it was ridiculously foggy. I think I might try to spend every Monday this way.

MLK and Inaugural Words

2009-01-19T11:51:00.003-07:00

MLK has always been a "day of service" when I was living in Atlanta. A day to get out, plant a tree, build a playground....you know...help the community. Since I am working today and there is no community service project to work on here I thought I'd check out the Ebenezer service for MLK in Atlanta.

If that makes you feel inspired then be sure to check out this new interactive graphic on the NYTimes site. It's all about the most used words by each president in their inaugural speeches. Pretty cool. Only makes me ask why aren't "awesome" and "tubular" on their more?

Happy MLK. And yay almost inauguration day and news media frenzy.

welcome modwest photo

2009-01-15T15:54:00.003-07:00

After lots of long hours in front of my laptop, I'm happy to announce the new modwest photo website is up and running. This new business will focus on modern wedding and portrait photography. You can always see what's new in the world of modwest on the modblog. If your looking for wedding photos and resources it's the place to head. So yay for 2009 and new possiblities. Welcome modwest photo.

the turtle man

2009-01-13T12:46:00.004-07:00

I've spent a lot of time in the last couple months watching multimedia and web videos. I've been trying to see how different people are using new technology. What stories are they telling? What is their production quality like?

That being said this video is now one of the more hilarious and awesome things I've seen in a while. The Turtle Man is a Southern twang of a man who catches and relocates "apple-stealing, horse-biting, cow udder-clutching, jaw-snapping turtles." No seriously. And it's awesome.

If I can't go watch the turtle man catch a turtle in real life, this multimedia piece is the next best thing.

ski time

2009-01-11T13:12:00.005-07:00

I spent more time on Big Mountain this weekend than ever before. Lido was covering a ski competition and I tagged along to take some fun photos for myself. I'm pretty pumped to go back and actually ski now. And I'm less terrified than before (which was a pretty significant amount of terror). So happy ski season to the skiers out there. It's a good year for snow in Montana.

some of my favorite peeps

2009-01-06T17:45:00.002-07:00

The start of a new year can be an uncertain time. The financial markets are a mess. Layoffs are imminent. It's frankly scary. All of it makes me very thankful for the people around me who are supportive and caring. My friends and family are my biggest champions and I can't thank them enough.

In my month off the radar I had a chance to hang with the Greesons and took some photos for them. I very much understand always having photos of everyone else and none of yourself when you are a photographer and wanted my former coworker Kathleen and her fam to have some happy pictures to start the new year. The Greesons basically just rock and I'm so thankful I had a chance to see them for a bit. Thanks for your constant support guys.

2009: let it snow

2009-01-02T12:25:00.006-07:00

I've only been back in Montana for a couple days. In the short time I've been home the snow has been falling non-stop. Today there is an "Emergency Only" travel warning out because the roads are so snowy. This is a far cry from the 75 degree temps I left behind in Atlanta. And it seems it is only the beginning: we are supposed to have another eight inches fall tonight here in Whitefish.

So as I work from home today editing photos and catching up on paperwork from being out of town I'm watching the snow fall out my window. It's pretty...but I hope it stops soon. Just so we don't have to shovel the sidewalk 3 times in one day.

the best ever

2008-12-28T19:07:00.004-07:00

It was so nice to be with my friends over the holidays. So to my ladies out there thanks for an awesome month in Atlanta! I miss you girls.

christmas and kudzu

2008-12-23T18:19:00.005-07:00

More antiques. This time at the antique store Kudzu. I really enjoyed finding fun Georgia stuff (like the B-Dog salt and pepper shakers). I also loved finding an entire wall of Christmas salt and pepper shakers. You know you're a nerd when you get excited about salt and pepper shakers.

Go Dawgs and Merry Christmas!

love and the classic city

2008-12-14T20:16:00.002-07:00

I had a chance to do an engagement shoot back in Athens, Georgia today for an old college friend and her fiance. They were a pleasure to work with and it was great to hang out and catch up on our lives a bit. You could tell they genuinely care for each other and Athens was a great background to play with. Thanks for a fun afternoon guys and look for an email this week with your proofs.

three girls, a room full of people, and annie leibovitz

2008-12-11T08:03:00.004-07:00

Last night I had the chance to hear Annie Leibovitz speak to a gym full of people at the Marcus JCC in Atlanta. We parked at a different location and took a shuttle to the location which promptly sat in traffic heading to the event for about 2o minutes. Once we arrived I was amazed just how many people were attending. Tons.

I spent last weekend at the Atlanta Photojournalism Conference where I heard several accomplished photographers speak. In the end felt like most of the current shooters were pretty scared about losing their jobs or being turned into videographers. It was highly refreshing to see a room full of people clamoring to hear this one photographer speak about her body of work. Not everyone was a photographer. Lots of people just really enjoyed her work, or avidly read Vanity Fair, or were just a little interested in photography. They were willing to sit, wait, and listen. I often think that in today's digital age of immediate gratification people are no longer patient enough for a single photo. They are already on to the next thing. So for one night it was nice to sit with a group of people who wanted to know more about photography and just look at a photo or two.

Thanks to my friend Brooke for the free tix to the show. Here she is looking for a friend of ours in the audience.

Brooke's signiture boots.

Carleigh, me, and Brooke kicking it on the back wall before the lecture. Thanks for a fun night ladies.

the great herman miller chair search of 2008

2008-12-08T23:30:00.006-07:00

So I spent most of today hanging out with my very good friend Katie and wandering through antique stores in Chamblee. I use to go here quite a bit the last time I was living in Atlanta. It was fun to go with Katie since she is currently in the process of decorating her new house. While she was looking for Eames chairs and a Herman Miller rocker, I was getting lost in the the craziness that is antique stores.

I am not one for random self portraits ... but I liked this one with the crazy masks.

I'm not quite sure this thing above is an "antique" exactly but it was crazy. It made me think of both a crazy dentist office and that mouth that use to advertise Twizzlers.

Katie eyeing a table she wants for her living room. Really I think both of us could have taken home a lot of things here.

I will say in the end I got lots of Christmas shopping done and I'm pretty excited to wrap my gifts up and stick them under the tree (or in the mail as the case may be).

not just a photo nerd

2008-12-03T22:30:00.002-07:00

but a photo nerd with a new business card:

I think this is what happens listening to Madeleine Peyroux and playing with Illustrator.

man and beast

2008-12-03T17:38:00.005-07:00

"The dog is man's best friend.
He has a tail on one end.
Up in front he has teeth.
And four legs underneath."

- Ogden Nash - An Introduction to Dogs

I had the chance to do this fun shoot last weekend. Dave was so nice and his dog was even nicer. It was a fun chance to get outdoors and enjoy Whitefish before the snow really comes (ie now). I'm back in the Southland now so look out for some upcoming posts on Southern sillyness, my friends, and all things Georgia.

trego thanksgiving

2008-11-29T17:32:00.004-07:00

This Thanksgiving Lido and I packed up the car with his Mom and headed up to Trego. This is the Vizzutti family homestead and his cousin Katie and her boyfriend Keith now live there. We had a great time hanging out with everyone and I snapped some photos while we were there. It was nice to have a break from everything and just enjoy yummy food and good people.
Lindsey on the echo stump.

Lido calling his Grandparents to say Happy Thanksgiving while Keith prepares dinner.

Keith with a newly killed deer.

Katie and Lindsey.

Lido and I got into a camera war. This is one of the frames. I love it!

Andrea outside of the woodshed.

Awesome birds that I am going to learn how to make! How cute are they? My first attempt was horrible but I bet if I practice....

Andrea and Katie outside the woodshed.

Thanks for a great Thanksgiving everyone!

i'm thankful for:

2008-11-28T15:56:00.002-07:00

So yesterday around 11pm Mountain time I got a text message that I am thankful for:

"Happy Thanksgiving! Be grateful its only one day a year that you have to eat yams with marshmallows and play monopoly with your drunk uncle Lloyd!"

I didn't eat any yams with marshmallows or play monopoly. I also don't have an uncle Lloyd or know who sent this text message. But man it made my day. Happy Thanksgiving!

jim flora

2008-11-25T09:11:00.002-07:00

I love these whimsical and somewhat dark illustrations from Jim Flora. You can check out more of his work here and pick something up for me for Christmas.

It also reminds me of this cartoon from when I was a kid....wonder if it's the same guy or they just have the same hip, jazzy style:

design nerd takes a weekend

2008-11-23T22:35:00.004-07:00

This weekend flew by faster than I could even imagine. But don't worry.... I managed to cram in lots of nerdo time. My man (here) and I watched Helvetica. That's right. The documentary of the font. It was great. We then tried to count how many places here in Whitefish use the font. The answer was not really that many (mostly street signs). But watch out Copperplate fans...Montana might be your font heaven.

Also: I caught this mini film from both Lido and our good friend Nate:

You can check out the whole story on Nate or Lido's blogs. It's pretty sweet to think that sneaking into John Lennon's hotel room could result in such a cool creation.

All in all a fun design nerd weekend.

montana fashionistas

2008-11-21T09:32:00.004-07:00

So in the past week I have been to two fashion shows here in Montana. It's been fun to see what local stores have ready for the holidays. Really -- it's just great to see people getting out and doing things to bring the community together. So I'm sharing a couple images here from the last one I attended. The show featured clothes from the store Fawn in Kalispell and Savannah's Boutique in Whitefish.

a vegetable medley of internet fun

2008-11-19T08:33:00.002-07:00

OK...so there's really no veggies. But this is a hodgepodge of cool stuff I like out on the internet.

A cute synopsis of the political system can be found here. I'm a big fan of Patrick Moberg's work and A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy so there you have it.

You can make your own canvas prints of photos on this website. Check it out they are running holiday specials.

And if I just had money lying around I'd buy this. And then you'd find me reading my New Yorker in it daily.

Ok..enjoy. And I promise there will be more photos soon.

blacklist

2008-11-18T11:09:00.004-07:00

I'm slow in updating lately but I've just been slammed with work stuff. Today's tidbit is a project a friend of mine worked on that I think is really interesting. Check out the trailer and I'll post more info when it's released.

Mike Eldred "Hear Me" in HD

2008-11-14T16:19:00.003-07:00

I worked this summer as an associate producer, location manager, and now film editor on this project. More to come but so far it has been great to really learn some new skills.

headshot funtimes

2008-11-14T08:54:00.004-07:00

I recently took some head shots for my friend Jess and I thought I'd share this one. I was really happy with it and I think Jess was too. I had a great time doing the shoot even if we were fighting against some gnarly wind. :) Thanks Jess!

lightness from above

2008-11-12T21:55:00.003-07:00

Everything is blooming most recklessly, if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night. -- Rilke

dear cafe intermezzo,

2008-11-10T22:37:00.008-07:00

i miss you. i visit every chance i get when i'm in the area but it is still never enough. please forgive me. i hope these pictures can make up for my lack of attention:

love,
jessica

ps: i'll be back soon i promise.

home sweet mid century home

2008-11-10T08:01:00.002-07:00

My really good friends recently purchased a new home in Metro Atlanta. It's a classic mid century modern home and I can't wait to see what they are going to do with it. I'm so excited for them and it has been a long road to owning their own home. I can only imagine how happy they are to just shut the door and have a place of their own. Congrats guys!