Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep | Affiliate Photographer Helena, Montana

In July I finally took the leap and applied to be an Affiliate Photographer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. It is an amazing organization out of Denver, Colorado, that helps connects families greiving the loss of a newborn child with Photographers who donate their time and talent to help these families heal. I had heard about the organization some time ago but was not confident enough in my skills as a Photographer yet to apply. So in July I got the courage up to apply, submitted my application and portfolio. Their screening process is very stringent due to the nature of this type of photography, but I knew if my portfolio passed I would be good. I have more than 10 years experience in the medical field as an X-Ray Technologist and I knew that this was right up my alley. I know the hosptial environment like the back of my hand and feel very comfortable there. It was like my second home, and I believe that is why I am so passionate about Birth Photography and this new venture. I love documenting life and I believe that the parents of these tiny angels deserve a great way to remember their child long after their gone. So, I was estatic when I got the email several weeks after submitting it, that they had approved my application. I was like a kid in a candy store excited! So now a couple of weeks later, I am in the process of going through their training manual,training videos and getting information together for the medical communities in Helena and many of the surroudning commuities I hope that by helping provide these services many of the families affected by losing their child will find a way to cope and heal. I have never suffered the loss of a child, but my second pregnancy had major complications that nearly took my life and that of my childs 10 weeks before she was due, and it could very easily turned out much differrent than it did. I am thankful everyday for the experiences I went through and the gift of life. I know my compassion comes from my own difficult and trying experiences and and I hope that I can somehow help these families during such a tragic time. Please take the time to watch the video and spread the word in our community. And if you are a Photographer and interested in applying to become an Affiliate Photographer, September is Recruit a Photographer Month for NILMDTS, and I would love to chat with you about joining such an amazing and worthy organization. NILMDTS Video

Maci | Child Photographer Helena, Montana

This little girl has won my heart over this last year. I may be partial since she is my neice, but she has a great little personality and now know as my "red head sassy pants". My husbands sister and her family moved to Helena last fall and stayed with us for a while and during that time this little spitfire and I bonded. I love photographing her because she has quite the personality and it shines through. We had fun during this session modeling items for Nordeen's Baby Couture, an ETSY shop out of New York. Maci was in heaven playing dress up and showing me her moves as she calls them. If you get the chance make sure to check out Nordeen's Baby Couture on Facebook and on ETSY. This shop has some really cute stuff and I am so excited to be able to work with them.

Royal | Pet Photographer Helena, Montana

This was a totally random shoot but I couldn't resist after my brother brought this little guy over. He was watching him for a friend and since my husband wouldn't let me keep him I had to at least photograph him! He is probably one of the most beautiful Pit Bulls I have ever seen. The color of his coat and his eyes are amazing! He did such a good job in the studio and with a little bribing we got some great shots of him. I may have to dabble a little bit more in Pet Photography because of this little guy!

Samuelson Family | Family Photographer Helena, Montana

This shoot was by far one of my favorites so far! This family did such a great job planning for their Family Session and envisioning what they wanted the final photographs to look like. Their outfits were amazing and combined with the perfect private location I knew we were going to get amazing photographs of all them. I also knew I had to nail it because they drove all the way from Miles City to get them done. It was fun getting to catch up with an old classmate from High School and meet his adorable family. His wife is amazing and their 3 little boys are darling! I couldn't be happier with the way this session turned out and I am glad that they are in love with their photos just as much as I am. Thank you again for asking me to photograph your family, it was a pleasure and a joy!