BABY, CHILD AND FAMILY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY ~ Bozeman, Montana

New Year, New Blog!

2009-01-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

Blogger has been good to me, but I've long craved a more customized look that really matched my portrait photography website, my overall vision and style. I found exactly what I was looking for in WordPress. So, if all goes well, this will be my last blog post in blogger. I am about to import all of my blogger posts into my new WordPress blog so everything will be neat and tidy and organized and all in one place (just the way I like it) ...this blog will remain here for all blogger eternity (whatever that means), but there will be no more posts.

My new blog address is www.susannsaarelphotography.com/theblog.
I look forward to seeing you there!
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Thanks for stopping by and for your continued support and interested in my work!

Heartbroken

2009-01-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

I was absolutely heartbroken to learn of the tragic and untimely death of one of my recent clients, Travis Engstrom of Bozeman. He and his wife Kelly came to see me for newborn and family photos following the birth of their firstborn child, Kaden Lee. Now Kaden Lee is 6 months old... and his daddy is gone. At only 35 years of age, his father Travis, a huge lover of the outdoors, was a victim of an avalanche while snowmobiling along with his beloved wife and a group of friends near Cooke City this past weekend.

.Words cannot begin to express how my heart goes out to Kelly knowing what unimaginable pain she must be going through right now to lose her husband, her soulmate, the father of her child. Truly, I haven't stopped thinking about this since I received the news via email on Sunday, thankfully prior to reading it in the newspaper today. What breaks my heart most of all, is that their baby will never know his father, the man who gave him life and who loved him so deeply...except for the pictures and stories and any videos they may have taken as a family...
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All I know is this...that when I photograph a person, a child, a family...their image is forever etched in my mind and so it is that I can easily recall Travis Engstrom, a man who radiated like the sun itself when I photographed him with his beautiful baby boy. In all these years, I don't think I've ever seen a man more in love with his newborn child. He was awestruck, mesmerized...and it was so clear...his life would never be the same again for he was not only a husband, but a father as well and suddenly, life took on a whole new meaning. The connection he had with his wife Kelly was so effortless and deep. It was clear to see they were kindred spirits and that their child was truly borne of love.
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So please, allow me to share a few of the first and last photographs taken of the Travis Engstrom Family...

A family forever wrapped up in love...
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And lastly, to Kelly and Kaden Lee...may the light of that brilliant new star in the sky that shines upon you bring you peace and comfort you in all the days to come...

In deepest sympathy...
Susann

Update (1/21): I would like to add that a memorial fund has been set up for Kelly and Kaden at www.travisengstrom.org if you would like to donate.

A Living Legend...

2009-01-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Godfrey Saunders who recently announced his retirement as Bozeman High School Principal after 12 years in "one of the toughest jobs in town" according to the Bozeman Chronicle. Gail Schontzler, a Chronicle staff writer, did an amazing job in her article on Godfrey titled "Big man, big heart" in the Sunday, January 4 issue. It was much more than a story...it was a tribute!

I have known the Saunders family for years having done everything from family portraits to senior pictures and even a wedding so naturally, I read the article with great interest. Beautiful, just beautiful! Godfrey truly is a living legend! And honestly, the whole family is just wonderful...really sweet people.

With so many high school kids and folks in the community that love and respect Mr. Saunders, the next Principal of Bozeman High School sure is going to have some big shoes to fill.

Newborn Casting Call

2009-01-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

A new baby...a new vision...an exquisite portrait...

My newborn sessions typically take place in the comfort of your own home or outdoors at Sky Ranch (weather-permitting) and include a variety of poses, groupings and backdrop changes resulting in an online gallery full of meaningful images...

As a creative artist, I am constantly evolving and discovering new-found vision, inspiration and opportunity in the beauty that surrounds me...the beauty of Montana. I am therefore seeking newborn models - singletons, twins and triplets, boys and girls - to help me fulfill these visions by initiating my first ever newborn casting call.

If you are pregnant (or know someone who is) and are due between February and September 2009, and are interested in this unique opportunity, please e-mail me at info@susannsaarelphotography.com for details.

Newborn casting call sessions are limited.

A New Year, a New Cover Child!

2009-01-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

Starting off the New Year 2009 as Montana Parent Magazine's Jan*Feb 2009 Cover Child is darling Clay of Bozeman. What a cutie-pie! Also, congratulations to Montana Parent and publisher, Laura Abshire on your 7th year!!! My, how time flies...

Happy New Year everybody and especially to Clay who was lucky enough to score 2 months on the newstands!

My new baby...Thank you SANTA!

2008-12-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

I must have been a good girl this year because not only did Santa bring me a new pair of Uggs (which I pretty much live in 6 months of the year), but also the award-winning Nikon D300!...my 5th Nikon camera...

Isn't she just gorgeous??? I can't wait for my first photo session with her...in the meantime, I'm conducting workshops...truly!!!...our 9-year old twins also received Nikons from Santa...the Nikon Coolpix P80, that is...so not only are they taking a ton of pictures of everything from the dogs and goats to the snowy scene here at Sky Ranch, but they are also taking movies and recording music! Check 'em out...

Certainly a far cry from the Kodak Instamatic I received on my 7th Birthday way back in '67!!!

Hoping y'all had a beautiful Christmas celebration...see you in the New Year...if not sooner on the slopes...

Merry Christmas from Sky Ranch!

2008-12-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like a sleighride on Christmas Eve at Sky Ranch!

And there's nothing like you, my wonderful clients, that have come from far and wide to be photographed by Susann Saarel "Windows of the Heart" Fine Art Portraiture at Sky Ranch this past year! Many of you, I've known for years and I am always thrilled to see you again and watch your children grow. Many of you, I met and photographed for the first time this year and I am so happy to know you! To ALL my clients whom I also consider as friends, I thank you for your business this year. My life is blessed in so many ways and I am so very grateful.

From all of us at Sky Ranch, we wish you the Merriest of Christmases!!!

A forever love.

2008-12-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

My parents met in a sandbox in Hamburg, Germany when they were 5 years old. (Their parents were friends and so the two played together when her family came up to visit from Bueckeburg). I don't know if it was love at first sight then, but when they met again years later, it was...for my dad anyway. My mom had been sent to Hamburg to work in a big fancy hotel as a cook when she was 16. When she and a boy she was dating would go for a walk at Planten und Blomen, a huge park across the street from my dad's family apartment on An der Verbindungsbahn, he'd peek his head out the rooftop window and spy on her. Even while she dated another, my dad unfailingly promised her he'd always take care of her. Eventually his persistence paid off and my mom fell in love with the tall skinny man wearing cowboy boots who dreamed of coming to America.
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My dad landed a job in Toronto, Canada that he hoped would bring him closer to his dream. He saved up for 8 months to earn enough money to fly my mother over. It was during this time, they wrote each other love letters, a collection my mother still has to this day. My father asked his brother, Karl Heinz, a boxer, to watch over my mother in his absence and he did. And she waited...

Fifty years ago today, my parents walked hand-in-hand through the snow to the clergyman's office in Toronto to get married. Two witnesses were in attendance. When I first ever saw these wedding pictures, I asked my mother why?...why was she wearing a black dress on her wedding day and she replied simply, "It was the best dress I had."
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Toronto 1958

It was a simple wedding and a simple reception, and even 50 years later, my parents opted to keep their Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration small and intimate. Along with my mom's beloved sister, Brigitte and her husband, Horst, who flew over from Germany for the occasion, they drove up the California coast to Seattle, to celebrate along with my mom's best friend, Anne. My mother is spending the day preparing a delicious dinner.

So, Mammi & Papa...

Tonight, as you all raise your champagne glasses and toast 50 wonderful years together, remember that we are with you in spirit. That we love you very much and are so proud to have parents that share a forever love...

Four little feet...

2008-12-17T11:17:00.001-08:00

When Doug and I were first married and living in a beachfront condo in Marina del Rey, California, my sister's boys who live in Phoenix came to spend a night with us. The next morning, I awoke to the sound of little feet tapping against the slate floor as they ran from the guest bedroom to the balcony so they could see the ocean.

The following morning I awoke and began crying..."What's wrong, baby?", Doug asked. I miss Wesley & York, I told him... (Oh, how I longed for the sound of little feet the first thing in the morning...):

Nine years ago today, my dream came true, when our beautiful twins, Sam & Larissa were born. It was a wild ride for sure...making our way down the snowy mountain from Sky Ranch to the hospital only to find myself in an ambulance moments later on my way to the airport for a Medi-flight to Great Falls and then another ambulance to Benefis Healthcare. Learning upon arrival that our daughter was in fetal distress and being told the twins would need to be born NOW. Born 6 weeks early by C-Section, Larissa weighed in at 4.3 lbs and Sam at 4.7 lbs....tiny, tiny, tiny...

We spent the next 2 weeks, including Christmas, in Great Falls, making trips from our hotel room back & forth to the NICU 3-4 times a day for feedings, diaper changes and snuggle time. Oh, what a happy day it was when we were finally able to take our babies home, breathing monitors and all, on New Years Eve 1999...(remember Y2K???).

Of course it would take another year or two to hear the sound of little feet tapping against the floor in the morning...and now they are NINE! The last of the single-digit birthdays!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAM & LARISSA!!!...my favorite boy and my favorite girl in the whole wide world...I love you beyond words. And no matter what size shoe you wear, I will always cherish your little feet...

Love, Mom

Frosty and cccccccold....

2008-12-14T13:51:00.001-08:00

It's going to be mighty chilly tonight with an Arctic blast covering two thirds of the nation. Here in Bozeman and Livingston, blustery northerly winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph...combined with temps falling to below zero tonight are going to create wind chill temps of 30 to 40 degrees below zero!!! YIKES!!

As if it isn't cold enough already...Here is my boy, Sam after coming in from feeding the horses and goats this morning after a trek on foot to the barn during during 20 below temps. I couldn't resist snapping a photo after seeing his hair frozen "a la Farrah Fawcett" to his hat and frost on his gorgeous eyelashes. And yes, those are ice crystals that formed on his black balaclava...

Stay warm everybody!

A Gift of Love...times TWO!

2008-12-10T11:24:00.000-08:00

I have just learned of a wonderful grass-roots movement begun by Pennsylvania photographer Kristen Kalp called Giving is Awesome which is quickly turning into an international gift giving phenomenon. Nearly 450 photographers in at least 8 countries are participating. The ultimate goal?...to give away $1 million in custom photography! Its a simple effort by photographers worldwide to give back to their communities and in particular, to worthy families and individuals. Having always been a firm believer in giving back, I am signing on...

Living in the Bozeman Pass, equidistant from both Bozeman and Livingston, and being involved in both communities, I am giving away not one, but two gifts valued at $1500 each to include a custom fine art photo session, a personalized session album to include up to 60 images, a dvd slideshow, and a 20x30 fine art canvas print. One winner will be selected from Gallatin County and one from Park County.

Here's how it goes:

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom portrait photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You may not know them personally, but perhaps you've heard about them or read about them.

I would like to know who they are and I'd like to give them the chance to experience custom fine art photography...$1,500 worth, to be exact....a gift of love that will be treasured for years to come.

The Rules:

You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services.

The nominee must reside in either Gallatin County or Park County. Tell me who you know or have heard about, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both you and your nominee.

You must email me the full story (please limit to one page if possible) to info@susannsaarelphotography.com. All entries must be received by December 22nd. A panel of judges will decide which family or individual in each county is most deserving.

The winners will be announced on Christmas Eve!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Susann

**To view the latest Map of Awesome, showing all participating photographers, click here.**

'Tis the Season ~ Our Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

2008-12-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

It's tradition here at Sky Ranch to break out the Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving and "deck the halls" while listening, singing and dancing to Christmas music all day long, stopping only to eat Thanksgiving leftovers...

That same weekend with nightfall and a snowstorm looming on the horizon, we decided to hurry and get our tree before the snow got any deeper. So here is our Annual Christmas Tree Hunt...finally documented in photos...and, if you're interested in seeing a few more photos...a slideshow.

Doug and I put up the tree and he strung the lights. This is the first year the twins decorated the entire tree by themselves, getting up on ladders to reach the top of the 13 foot tree.

We're ready for Santa and any other pop in guests!

Montana Parent Magazine...December Cover Child!

2008-12-01T07:09:00.001-08:00

Beautiful Lila graces the cover of this months' Montana Parent Magazine. Wearing a festive holiday sweater from exclusive children's boutique, LillyLu in downtown Bozeman, Lila was a shoe-in as the cover child with her mischievous smile and ultra-blonde hair blowing in the wind...

You won't want to miss this issue's Holiday Events & Winter Fun Guide which includes a ton of exciting things to do in December including all the Christmas Strolls from Livingston to Three Forks, opening night of "A Christmas Carol" at the newly refurbished Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, performances of The Nutcracker Ballet at the Willson Auditorium (in which Lila, above, has a part!), opening day at Bridger Bowl Ski Area and Holiday Candlelight Tours of the Lewis & Clark Caverns!!! Oooooo...THAT sounds really cool!

It's going to be a busy month!

Oh What a Beautiful Morning!

2008-11-29T07:55:00.000-08:00

It's not often I ask clients to be here shortly after sunrise (7:29 a.m.!) for their photo session, but since Maria just came home from college the night before and the family was heading out to Bigfork for the Thanksgiving Holiday the next afternoon, the morning (that ONE morning) was it...and what a beautiful morning it was! Warm (ok...30 degrees, but that's warm in Montana!) and not a stitch of wind!

What better backdrop for a Holiday portrait than the snow-capped Bridgers...
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Rikka, Henry and Maria...home for the Holidays!

The Absaroka's don't make a bad backdrop either!...Heck, this family looks great in front of any mountain range!

And to think we were all done by 8:45 a.m.! Thanks Kate & Mark for making the trek up to the ranch and so early too! Hope you had a great Holiday!!!

Gift Certificates Available!

2008-11-28T07:52:00.001-08:00

Give a gift that is treasured forever...

Receiving a gift is a pleasure. Receiving a memory for a lifetime is a treasure...

CUSTOM GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE FOR:

Photo Sessions in 2009

Boutique Items including Photo Jewelry and Handbags

Fine Art Canvas Prints

A la Carte Print Photo Credit in denominations from $50

{credit cards accepted for your convenience}

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T18:00:00.001-08:00

Thornton Wilder (1897-1975) once said:

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

Well, everytime I look at this photograph of our twins, Larissa & Sam (taken a few years back), believe me, I am alive! This was a simple snapshot taken at Rocky Creek Farm in Bozeman when we went corn-pickin' one late summer day. The twins dressed themselves up in these matching outfits and Sam tossed on his "farmer" hat. What I love most is all the missing teeth. They looked like two scarecrows in the middle of the cornfield. What I also love is how much they obviously love each other.

Together, they picked so much corn, we ended up having to give most of it away!

Live.Love.Laugh.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tiny Prints BIG two-day Sale!

2008-11-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

Starting today, Tiny Prints is having a big two-day sale, so if you haven't yet ordered your Holiday or Christmas Cards or Birth Announcements, NOW is the time. These coupon codes are valid through November 26th only:

10FREE = $10 off + FREE shipping on orders of $99 or more

15FREE = $15 off + FREE shipping on orders of $149 or more

Just click on the Tiny Prints link right here on the blog and you're on your way!

Ain't Love Grand?

2008-11-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

Family reunions are really a special occasion, but how about celebrating one big happy family that lives in the same town! Now, THAT's REALLY special! Susan and Peter have 3 gorgeous daughters who married 3 handsome men. So what would you expect, but a bunch of adorable grandkids!!!

Here's the gang...of 15 and counting???

Seven beautiful grandchildren!....

I remember when oldest daughter Lisa brought her kids, Grant & Averie, to be photographed with Santa at LillyLu in downtown Bozeman!...where does the time go?... Just look at them now...

Love this photo of Lisa and her beautiful daughter Averie...

And don't middle daughter, Debby, her hubby Keith, and their 4 gorgeous kids look like they just popped right out of a Ralph Lauren ad??...

.Last but not least, there is youngest daughter, Sunny and her husband Aaron...new parents to daughter, Ave. Oh, how they love her...

And to think all this beauty started with just the two of you...
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Ain't love grand?

Holiday Lollipops

2008-11-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

It's CRUNCH time and I'm even shooting weekends to make sure you all have beautiful family and children's photos to grace your holiday cards. My "Baby it's Cold Outside ~ Holiday Mini Sessions" are going going gone...and I'm still getting calls. Deadlines, shmedlines...if I can work you in, I will. It's finally snowing up here at Sky Ranch, so some honest-to-goodness wintry portraits are in the immediate forecast!

Here are a few faves from a mini-session this past weekend.

I bought these fabulous red lollipops last month on our family's long weekend trip to Fairmont Hot Springs that included a stop at the famous Sweet Palace in Philipsburg. Bronwen and Decker were more than happy to accept my little "gift"...plus I just love the added shot of red.

Meg & Travis, thanks so much for making the trek up to the ranch! It was a pleasure meeting you all!

Grateful for clients like YOU!

2008-11-18T12:53:00.001-08:00

I just love it when I receive cards from my clients featuring images I took of their children. Here's Ryan from Butte, Montana, who is gracing the family's Thanksgiving Cards this year. Isn't he just the cutest??...and aren't these cards by www.yourbeautifulcards.com just spectacular??

Thanks Maureen and John for sending me your beautiful greeting. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

~ Baby Ave ~

2008-11-17T18:13:00.000-08:00

Sweet Baby Ave was the youngest today in a family of 15 I photographed this afternoon here at the ranch. I will soon be sharing images of the whole family...actually 4 families in one, but for the moment, I wanted to give Ave's parents, Sunny & Aaron, a sneak peek and beautiful baby Ave (as in Ave Maria) her own moment in the sun...

Love the baby drool in this photo (above). Although Ave was cutting her first tooth, she never stopped smiling and laughing. What an angel!! She even happily modeled her beautiful winter gown!

Given that her mother's name is Sunny, it's no wonder this little one sparkes & shines the way she does. Sunny & Aaron...congratulations on your new family and your absolutely darling baby girl. Ave!

Oh, and if you're wondering where these adorable baby outfits came from, head on over to Country Flowers on the corner of 8th & Main.

Award-winning DVD Slideshows!

2008-11-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to introduce the award-winning dvd slideshows I am producing for my clients. These designer slideshows are absolutely stunning and a great way to share images from your session with Susann Saarel Fine Art Portraiture with all your friends and family.

Your custom designer slideshow can also be produced as a webshow hosted on ShareItVideo.com which is integrated with facebook and myspace!

Once I send you the link to your webshow, with a simple click you can send the show to your own personal page. High School Seniors especially will LOVE showing their friends their senior photo session images in an impressive slideshow put to music!

The DVD's come packaged in an elegant leather folio and gift box and make a wonderful gift for the holidays!...think grandparents!!! Of course, you will want one for your family as well...

I will soon be uploading several dvd samples onto my website. Until then, I invite you to view a sample webshow of a Children's Fantasy Session.

Click here to view the show!

Password: enchanted

Dog Day Afternoon

2008-11-08T07:06:00.001-08:00

It may as well have been the dog days of summer the day my session with Larry & Dickey took place in late October! It was so warm, even their dogs had to cool themselves off in the creek! Larry was the highest bidder on my pet & family photo session in a rousing live auction a few years back at the Stafford Animal Shelter's annual Fur Ball fundraiser...and then he took off to the Bahamas to grow orchids!

Now he and his wife, Dickey are back and breaking ground on a new home east of Livingston at this stunning location! They love it and so do "The Cabana Boys"...Boomer, Diesel (the goldens) and Otto (the Cardigan Corgi)...

And there's nothing like concluding a session with a glass of wine served from the trunk of Larry's car, to celebrate the beauty that surrounded us, the love that Larry & Dickey share with one another and their Cabana Boys, and the joy their future holds on a perfect Dog Day Afternoon...

Here's Dickey's response to their online gallery:

"You are a master! Genius! We love them...will place order tonight!"

...and they did!

At the Country Club

2008-11-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Shooting on location is so much fun!...you never know what you're going to get and you always discover the most beautiful places...

Zipping around in golf carts at the Riverside Country Club, I was thrilled to discover piles upon piles of fall leaves! Perfect. And how much fun!!!...

Tori and Lindsay are some of the sweetest sisters ever! And yep, that's Lindsay...this month's Montana Parent Magazine cover child! My, how she's grown...but she still has those EYES!

And isn't older sister, Tori as cute as pie?

Thanks Kevin and Heather for suggesting the Riverside for your family and child photo session! Loved it! And Heather, I think the leaf stuck in your hair is the absolute perfect touch!

Special Delivery

2008-11-07T00:32:00.000-08:00

When you live on a mountain-top in the Bozeman Pass at 6,100 feet, NOTHING arrives at your doorstep unless you ordered it, invited it or it just happened to wander out of the woods and onto the deck or into the yard...

So naturally, I was stunned yesterday, when a red Hummer zipped up the drive and left a bouquet of roses and 3 gallons of ice cream in its wake before disappearing back into the wild blue yonder...

Every now and again, we all have a bad day. And when we do, it is a beautiful thing to receive a special gift of love and encouragement, selfless and unexpected.

Thank you dear friend...

Sunshine on a Rainy Day

2008-11-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

So here we were in the middle of a really great photo session with plenty of late afternoon sunshine when suddenly it became dark. We'd been too busy to notice the huge black clouds that had gathered overhead. We scrambled into the car and then it came...the downpour! Session over!

Now I knew we already had plenty of shots, but I like to give my clients a WHOLE bunch to choose from, so we "finished" the session a few weeks later where I got my new favorite family shot! Mom Kylee knew 18-month old Bodie needed to be kept busy so she brought the Tonka Truck along. I love it!

Getting Bodie to blow up balloons, kept him still long enough to focus and shoot!

Sister Makinlee is not only a classic beauty, she was also an absolute peach!

And if this isn't the world's sweetest kiss, I don't know what is...

Who doesn't love a little sunshine on a rainy day?

Montana Parent Magazine...November Cover Child!

2008-11-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

Beautiful baby Lindsay with those eye-popping blue eyes graces the cover of this month's Montana Parent Magazine...my 8th cover shot for this publication!

November is the "Babies & Expectant Parents" issue and it's chock full of great articles including one of my favorites, "13 Cool Things a Montana Mom Knows". I admit, I can't throw a Frisbee to save my life, but I can do all the rest and more...including plowing our road in winter, baking bread when we've run out and are snowed in and building a playhouse for my kids...one of the things I am most proud of...(and yes, it's still standing after almost 8 years!...& I think it's gonna last!).

. Be sure to pick up a copy of this month's issue which also includes the first "Are We There Yet?" covering local family day trips! This month...Norris Hot Springs!

For more information, check out

Montana Parent

www.mtparent.com

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T10:09:00.001-07:00

Wishing you all a safe and fun Halloween and Happy Trick-or-Treating for all your little ones! Living on a mountain-top in the Bozeman Pass, there aren't a whole lot of trick-or-treaters that show up, so we go to them! Here are a few scenes from Halloween 2007 along beautiful Yellowstone Street in Livingston. They really know how to do it up there! Our Sam & Larissa were Darth Vadar and The Ghost...

Paradise found...

2008-10-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

When you're young and in love and living in Paradise Valley, Montana, life is pretty darn perfect. So it would figure that the day of my session with Carrie and Ellis would be perfect too! In fact, haven't we been having the most awesome weather???

The newest addition to Carrie & Ellis' "family" is Chimba, now 6 months old. (Get a load of the size of him!) I think puppies and dogs are harder to photograph than children, but their "baby", Chimba was on his best puppy behavior. Obeying commands, only occasionally to burst forth in joy...

Isn't Chimba absolutely gorgeous? I had never seen a Rhodesian Ridgeback before! They are also known as the African Lion Dog. He was one big ball of bounding energy! And oh, THAT FACE!!!

This is the darling look you get from Chimba when you call out "Cookie! Cookie!"

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Carrie and Ellis are pretty cute too! And yes, I do believe they've found Paradise!

A taste of winter...

2008-10-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

A touch of snow really makes for the perfect holiday portrait. Luckily, there are still a good few patches of it up here at Sky Ranch following that magnificent mid-October snowstorm. The cool pastel colors and light combined with the warm and vivacious personalities of these two spunky sisters made for a session that was not only beautiful, but fun!!!

I love how relaxed and easy these two family portraits are...can't decide which I like better!!!

Thank you Terry & Teresa, Lila & June, for your dedication in coming to me every year for the past 4 years for your annual portrait session. It's one I always look forward to...

Happy, Happy Birthday Baby...

2008-10-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy 1st Birthday to one of the cutest sets of twins in Bozeman! Beautiful Lauren and her happy-go-lucky twin brother, Ryan, are 1 year old today and will be celebrating with a big party in their honor this weekend!!!
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Oh, I remember when our own twin babies turned 1 year old...how I did cry remembering how far they had come since they were skinny little preemies in the NICU with all those tubes, IV's and monitors...

As any mother of twins knows, the first year is pretty much a blur so the 1st birthday milestone hits you pretty hard...suddenly you realize that the amazing year of firsts is over. Your baby will only be a baby for one more year. After that, they're off and running into toddlerhood and childhood...

So thanks again, Maurissa and Phil, for choosing me as your children's photographer and allowing me to document your family and twins as they grow...

double proud...

2008-10-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about being a mother of twins is not only do you have double the pleasure and double the fun...you also have double the pride!!!

Sam & Larissa could hardly contain themselves waving us down at the schoolyard today with their Presidential Physical Fitness Award Certificates and patches in hand. They were among 6 students in their ENTIRE school to win the Presidential distinction. Winans Elementary in Livingston has a total of 230 students.

The Presidential Physical Fitness Award recognizes students who achieve an outstanding level of physical fitness in school testing. Boys and girls must score at or above the 85th percentile on 5 events including curl-ups, shuttle run, endurance run/walk, pull-ups and sit and reach.

Sam & Larissa have regularly placed either in the National or Presidential categories since they began the testing in public school. Oh sure, they have inherited our good sporting genes, but more so, they are encouraged to run outside and play all summer long and every day after school. Like we used all used to do as kids...remember??? They chase after butterflies, build volcanoes in the sandbox and tunnels in the snow and all the while, they are running, climbing, digging and becoming physically fit children without even thinking about it. They get extra bonus points for mucking out horse and goat stalls and hauling hay.

In an age where children are lured by the computer, TV and video games, let's remember to invite our children into nature and let them run and play, climb, fall down, get dirty and get up again. It will prepare them for life...

They will become physically fit, stay healthy and live long!!!

For more information, visit:

THE PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE

Introducing Luxe Holiday Cards by MINTED!

2008-10-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

I am always on the lookout for the best products to offer and boy, was I thrilled to discover these gorgeous holiday photo cards by minted. They were recently featured in both Town & Country and Cookie Magazines.

Here's what I really love about them...gone are the days of the tacky holiday letter insert. These cards address the issue of keeping friends & family up-to-date in a most elegant style.

Here is minted's version of the "holiday letter"... the letter card!

And another unique way of sharing the year's special events in your life (and a few more photos)...the yearline card!

To top it all off, minted also offers calligraphy services.

I am proud to have been selected as an affiliate of minted and I am confident you will love their fresh designs from indie designers, their luxuriously thick paper and their impeccable service. Prices start at $67 for 25 cards.

Visit minted today by clicking on the link on my blog!

What I Love About Park County!

2008-10-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

It's another big night for the Saarel Family...we'll be attending an artist's reception for our twins, Sam & Larissa (only 8 years old) and other community artists, professionals and amateurs, who have their artwork on display in a juried exhibit titled "What I Love About Park County". The exhibit will feature paintings, photographs, stories, poems, drawings, pastel and other multi-media. And yes, even I entered a piece...a photograph titled "Livingston Saturday Night".

.Drop in to see this collaborative effort between the Livingston Center for Art and Culture and the Park County Environmental Council and cast your ballot for best of show. The exhibit runs through November 8th.

Where: Livingston Center for Art and Culture
When: Tonight! Friday, October 24th
Time: From 5 - 8 p.m.

For more information, call 406.220.5222.

****************UPDATE...UPDATE...UPDATE****************

So we dropped by the show at 5 p.m. (a little too on time) so we decided to grab a quick bite for dinner at The Sport...we returned only to discover that Sam & Larissa's pieces were the first two to be sold! Many thanks to Karen Garre of the Garre Gallery for purchasing the twins' artwork. They were absolutely thrilled!

Notice the RED DOT on Larissa's piece titled "Paradise"???

And here's the RED DOT on Sam's pencil drawing titled "The Bear and the Eagle"!!!

Funny thing...we had a check all made out to the Livingston Center for Art and Culture to buy Sam & Larissa pieces for ourselves...but Karen beat us to it!

Holiday Gift Ideas...custom jewelry and gifts!

2008-10-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Not to scare anybody, but I just realized that Christmas is only 8 weeks away!!!!...so even though I'm going to send everyone on my mailing list suggestions for holiday gift ideas including deadlines for ordering, I thought I'd also post ideas here every week or so.

So let's start off with one of my favorites...Planetjill custom jewelry and gifts! With everything from necklaces, bracelets and rings to cufflinks, keychains and baby spoons we can create a uniquely personal gift for everyone in your family including mom, dad and the grandparents!

And wouldn't it be fun to do a Holiday Photo Ornament ($48) every year as the children grow...

For all your little treasures, how about this adorable oval trinket box, a beautiful keepsake for only $58.

Now THIS is on my Christmas Wish List...a beautiful 14K White Gold and Diamond Vintage Oval Photo Charm Necklace...ready for this Santa???...$1,695...OUCH!...but it's sooooo pretty. It's an heirloom. It will be handed down for generations!!! I've been a good girl!??! Really, I have...

These sterling silver photo bracelets are wonderful for moms and grandmothers...the more charms, the merrier! (Price varies depending upon number of charms.)

And wouldn't everyone just love a silver quad photo keychain ($90) in their Christmas stocking?

Visit my web-boutique to see additional selections or visit the studio (or I can meet you in town to show you actual samples).

The deadline for orders of Planetjill custom photo jewelry and gifts is Friday, November 21st.

How sweet it is...

2008-10-20T10:46:00.001-07:00

We just returned from a long weekend trip that proved itself to be a children's paradise...

Let's start with a couple nights at Fairmont Hot Springs... less than a 2 hour drive and oh so far away (or far enough away) from Bozeman and Livingston, school and work, the phone, the mail, the computer... it's heaven on earth for children to swim and splash in a double Olympic-sized pool and slide down a 350 foot waterslide! Doug and I, meanwhile, thoroughly enjoyed soaking in the hot pool when not playing a rousing game of water volleyball with complete strangers or taking underwater photos of the kids and each other.

But you can't soak in the pool forever, so we stopped in Anaconda one morning after breakfast so Sam could try out the Benny Goodman Skate Park and I could visit the Hickory Street Antiques Store. No treasures this time, but the true find was the bounty of information from the store owner who suggested we take the kids for a trip to the candy store...

Now apparently this candy store was worth making quite a little drive for and the Saarel Family of Montana, always being up for a road trip and a little adventure dutifully took it upon ourselves to embark on this journey...

From Anaconda, the Candy Store was best reached via the Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Highway, a 63-mile road that travels through both conifer-clad mountains and sage-covered hills following Flint Creek, passing Georgetown Lake and landing you in Philipsburg. Along the way, we stopped for lunch (as suggested) at the Brown Derby, but it wasn't enough LUNCH to stop Sam & Larissa from eventually filling up at the candy store!

And so we arrived in historic, charming Philipsburg, Montana which began as a booming mining town in the late 1800's. It's downtown, full of beautifully restored buildings from that era, includes the world-famous Sweet Palace. So here I must say...don't even bother asking your children to restrain themselves...just forgedaboutit...and go grab a bag yourself. The price is $7.99/lb, no matter what you pick!

Your children will probably not notice the wide-plank floors, gorgeous pink crystal chandeliers or stunning tin ceiling. Their eyes will fixate on the 870 different kinds of candy from 18 different countries...

For the most part, our Sam & Larissa grabbed their old favorites...Smarties, Taffy and a few giant Lolipops. Next door, at the Sapphire Gallery, I had fun trying on a $40,000 Sapphire ring...but can you garden in it???

It was a wonderful weekend getaway, but as always...so good to be HOME again...we always miss our dogs, our horses & our goats, Zuzu (the cockatiel) and our fish when we are away...we are, after all, just one big happy family...

the real thing...

2008-10-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the kids just won't all look at the camera at the same time. Makes getting that "perfect" family portrait difficult. So you go with the flow and do the best you can and then, in the end, you realize you got the perfect shot after all...

And sometimes as a children's photographer, there are moments, when you have to work past a few tears or decide to include them. Here, I just love how big sister Kylie is trying so hard to console a tearful Kenzie. It's a classic shot and shows real concern and sisterly love...

Still, no matter what the challenges, I always manage to capture some beautiful portraits of the kids...because no matter what their mood, children are always beautiful.

Sweet little Kenzie...

Darling 4 month old Dillon...

...and stunning Kylie...blessed with all those golden curls!

One thing I can always count on when doing a children's or family photo session is that the children will always give me "the real thing" and that it always ends up perfect.

After viewing her online gallery, here's what mom Ashley had to say:

"The pics are amazing! I cannot believe how many turned out considering! You are truly an amazing photographer. Now I just have the hard job of picking which ones.........thank you so much!!!!"

all wrapped up in love...

2008-10-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

I usually post several images from a session, but sometimes, one photo says it all...
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By the looks of it, Kelly, Travis and their new baby, Kaden Lee will forever be wrapped up in love...

Autumn Glory...

2008-10-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

How time flies! I have been photographing the "K" family since 2002...yep...6 years!!! And you can imagine how I've enjoyed seeing their beautiful children, Emma & Grant grow up. Little Emma and my daughter, Larissa, used to go to preschool in Bozeman together!... seems like only yesterday...

So here I offer you the last of this season's autumn color family photo sessions. I know Molly generally prefers sepia-toned images, but these Fall colors are just so spectacular and the family's clothing was so well coordinated, it just made these photos POP!

After all these years, serious Grant smiled...I mean, REALLY smiled!...only to reveal 2 missing front teeth!!

This one's for you, Molly!

After wearing her hair long for years, I complimented Emma on her fresh new short do only to learn that she recently donated over 10 inches of her hair to Locks of Love!

Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the U.S. and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. How incredible that an 8 year old girl would spend years growing her hair long and luxurious only to cut if off and donate it in order to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to a child suffering from hairloss...

If you ask me, Emma has never looked more beautiful.

Thanks Molly & Jon, Emma and Grant for making the trek up to Sky Ranch and for baking and bringing the delicious Special "K" treats! Mmmmmmmm.

Here's the e-mail I just received from Molly:

"Susann...well you've outdone yourself once again. These photos are terrific! You have a way of capturing our essence - Thank you! Thank you!"

High on a Mountain-Top!

2008-10-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

Our first snowfall is always in September up here at Sky Ranch (6,100 ft.), but our first "winter storm" takes place in October and this year was no different. When the warning came, we stocked up on food & firewood, hay for the horses and goats, brought the snowcat up near the house and holed up for 2 days while the storm blew in and raged on.

Today, it just snowed, quietly and beautifully (without wind) so we took the opportunity to plow to the barn to let the goats out for some fresh air. The babies, Igor and Zhivago just wanted to climb the snow berms and play. Shatoosh was stunned. So was I. It looked like February or March, NOT October!!!

Doug did a great job plowing with the snowcat, I shoveled out the snow-packed goat shed while Sam & Larissa invented the new sport of snow-surfing.

Here...a little slideshow of todays events...seeing IS believing...(Yes, living high on a mountain-top is sure beautiful, but also a LOT of work...):::

baby...its cold outside...

2008-10-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...

Holiday Mini Sessions take place from November 3rd - 14th and yes, they're outdoor sessions at Sky Ranch and yes, chances are, it'll be a little cold...November's average temps range from a high of 43 to a low of 23 degrees!!! But the photographs are just beautiful and perfect for your holiday cards and family gifts. See for yourself...

Whether your children are gussied up in their elegant holiday attire or bundled up in their cozy winter gear, your family's holiday portraits will be "the real thing"...photographed in the breathtaking Montana outdoors high on a mountain-top!!!

Impress your friends.

Call 406-222-9453 or email info@susannsaarelphotography.com for details or to book your Holiday Mini Session today.

One last glimpse of the Autumn Fairy...

2008-10-09T19:54:00.001-07:00

As the first major winter storm hits southwest Montana tonight with an expected 10-20 inches over the next 3 days in the mountains (yep, that includes Sky Ranch at 6,100 ft.), I thought I'd share with you one last glimpse of the beautiful Autumn Fairy...

Autumn seems so short in Montana...no sooner does the landscape transform itself into a breathtaking medley of golds, oranges and reds that an early winter snow blankets the ground and forces the leaves from the trees. It makes the elusive autumn fairy all the more special. Her amazing gift, so short-lived.

(Many thanks to my daughter, Larissa, for dancing and smiling despite the wind and temps in the low 50's.) Thankfully, her goosebumps don't show...

We walked to school today!

2008-10-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yeah well... that's saying something when you live 13 miles from school! Sam & Larissa attend Winans School in Livingston and this is the 3rd year we walked to school as part of International Walk to School Day! Well, ok, they make it a little easier on those of us who live rurally...we drove to Albertsons and walked to school from there with a group of children and a few teachers and parents led by the school Principal, Jim Huntziger...

It is invigorating to go on a brisk walk early on a Fall morning and enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage on the trees in town, but what I love most is that Sam & Larissa both still hold my hands as we walk. They love it that I am walking with them. I love it too.

Throughout the state of Montana, a total of 39 schools participated in today's event which promotes walking and biking to school in an effort to enhance the health of children, improve air quality and the environment and to create safer routes for walking and bicycling to school.

If you get a chance next year, take your child's hand and walk to school with him or her. You'll be hooked!

More Family Time!!!

2008-10-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

I have been photographing this beautiful Bozeman family since 2004 and Kay never disappoints with her family arriving at Sky Ranch meticulously dressed, coiffed and ready to go! Kay's husband Keith of KB Building & Supply, Inc. in Bozeman built our vibrant red barn a few years back and he enjoyed sneaking a peek inside while passing the barn during our photo session.

Kay is so lucky to be surrounded by a houseful of handsome men...

Receiving some well-deserved admiration from sons, Jack & Alex...

Aah, and there's nothing like brotherly love...look how it just radiates from these two!

And finally, I just couldn't resist posting a photo of things to come...yes, it's supposed to SNOW this weekend...and doesn't Keith's KB Building & Supply, Inc. barn and loafing shed look just picturesque with a dusting of fall snow? We, our goats and our horses just love 'em.

Thanks Kay & Keith, Jack & Alex for making the trek once again up to Sky Ranch...it was great seeing you!

Family Time!!!

2008-10-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

The summer months are always my busiest for photographing children, families and seniors, but I have to say, this Fall is beginning to rival my Summer! It seems like everyone wants Fall portraits this year and with the leaves already beginning to drop in the valleys, I'm booked solid trying to get everyone in before its over!

As my husband would say...that's a high-class problem. And mind you, I'm not complaining...I'm grateful. Not only do I get to do what I love in the beautiful Montana outdoors, but I get to meet the most wonderful families...with the most delightful children...

It does my heart good to see tight-knit & loving families like this one from Bozeman...

After many conversations with Emily on the phone beginning this Summer, it was great to finally meet the entire family and do our Fall photo session especially after our recent last-minute scheduling snafu when it turned out that all of our 3rd graders had a school Open House scheduled the evening of the photo session!!! What choice did we have??? The photos would have to wait...

The wait was worth it...don't you think, Emily?

Isn't 2-year old Judd just the cutest?? Sitting in our horses salt tire?

I am such a sucker for photos of daddies and their little girls...look how Garrett just LOVES his sweet Kaitlyn...and she is just dreamy-eyed knowing she is in the safest place in the world...in her daddy's arms...

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Exquisite Kaitlyn...

Thanks Garrett and Emily for making the trek up to Sky Ranch for your family portraits!!!

I received this lovely e-mail from Garrett and Emily on 10/7/08:

"Susann...First, we'd like to say WOW! The photos are awesome. (We) still can't believe that of 60 photos taken, almost all are great! I expected there'd be a few to pick from, but we are seriously having a hard time narrowing down the field. You are very talented and I'm really happy that Emily took the initiative to contact you. Thanks again."...Garrett

Red Lodge High School Senior ~ CARLY!!!

2008-10-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am so flattered that I have high school seniors coming to me for their "once-in-a-lifetime" senior portraits from throughout Montana...

Meet Carly, Red Lodge "Redskins" High School Senior ~ Class of 2009!

Isn't she the cutest??? She and her family travelled a couple hours to have me do her senior photos here at Sky Ranch high on a mountain-top in the Bozeman Pass.
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And these were just a few of my favorites!!!...

Lions and Tigers and BEARS!!!...Oh My!!!

2008-10-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Oh, aren't this grizzly mama and her cub just the cutest???

This is the way I'd like to picture them...all sweet and snuggled up. Especially after our neighbor up on the next hill phoned us yesterday to inform us he'd just spotted a grizzly near our teepee...and yes, he was sure it was a GRIZZLY! Now, the teepee is some distance from the house, but still!!!...

Look, over the years we've seen it all up here at Sky Ranch, Montana, from the resident elk herd of 300 to plenty of mule & whitetail deer, moose and coyotes as well as the occasional fox, badger, mountain lion & rattlesnake and more...

And what about the time the twins while on a hike with their nanny on our "Trail of the Fairies" came face to face with a bear who proceeded to stand up on his hind legs to scare THEM off???

And yet, this is why we live here in this beautiful and awesome LAST BEST PLACE they call Montana and we call Sky Ranch. With beauty as never-ending as that which we experience year-round...Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall...there is no doubt why Susann Saarel "Windows of the Heart" Fine Art Portraiture calls the Montana outdoors that surrounds her, the ultimate photographic studio. There is no man-made backdrop that can surpass the true beauty of the Absaroka, Crazy or Bridger Mountains in the background. There is nothing more real than a child running through the green summer grass picking wildflowers along the way or marvelling at the magic of falling snow...

Grizzly Bears and all other wild animals aside...

If you are looking for pregnancy, baby, children's, family & high school senior and couples portraits that truly reflect Montana and all that she is and all that you are, then please do call on me, Susann Saarel "Windows of the Heart" Fine Art Portraiture...

~ PHOTOGRAPHING OUTDOORS IN ALL SEASONS ~

Have dog, will travel...

2008-10-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know for sure but I have a feeling Zoe gets to go everywhere her "mama" Maureen goes. Maureen and her husband, John, drove all the way from Butte to have me photograph their adorable 3-year old son, Ryan and do their family portraits which of course, included their first "child", dog Zoe.
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No doubt about it, Ryan is as cute as can be, but then again, so is Zoe...

Zoe was a real scene-stealer, but nothing could take away from how much these parents love their little boy. Indeed, it is a special joy and blessing to become a parent a little later in life...Maureen and John truly treasure Ryan and being a family and it shows!

Thanks Maureen and John for making the trek from Butte all the way up to Sky Ranch! It was a real pleasure meeting you!

October is Pumpkin-Picking Time!!!

2008-09-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

October is one of our favorite months in the year...it begins with our family's annual tradition of a visit to Rocky Creek Farm in Bozeman to pick pumpkins.

Upon arrival, we climb into the tractor-pulled haywagon for a scenic ride through the farm to the pumpkin patch. Our twins and all the other children run wild with excitement searching for the biggest pumpkin they can find. We've been going to the farm since the twins were a year old and the neat thing is that Farmer Pete Fay and his regular staff remember us year after year and truly enjoy watching our kids and all the other children grow up.

After picking out our pumpkins, we also pick up a few gourds, a bale of straw and some dried corn stalks to decorate our front porch with. It's beautiful and welcoming. We also take a few gallons of fresh apple cider home with us.

The visit to Rocky Creek Farm is also the perfect opportunity to take beautiful photographs of your children. The kids are busy and happy running around, playing in the hay maze or swinging on the tree swing...add the vibrant fall colors and golden light...and well, you can see why I take my camera every year to photograph the annual event.

The farm is now open for pumpkin-picking Tuesday - Friday from 1 - 5 p.m. and on weekends. Call (406) 585-0225 for directions and information. Make sure to tell Pete that child photographer Susann Saarel sent you!

And finally...who needs scarecrows when you have twins that look like this?:::

Four Generations

2008-09-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have photographed 4 generations at family reunions plenty of times, but it is a special honor each and every time I am asked to document a family's history in this way. Barbara's 90 year old mother, Mary, lives with her and her husband, Lee in Gardiner. Barbara and Lee's daughter, Jessica and her children, Gabriel and Bethany live close-by in Livingston.

We brought out an antique settee for Mary to sit on during our "generations" session...

Bethany (above) is truly a classic beauty...and aren't she and her brother, Gabriel, just so much fun and full of life?

I love this photo of Mary with her great-grandchildren (above) as well as this one of Mary with her granddaughter, Jessica and daughter, Barbara (below).

Thank you Lee and Barbara for purchasing your family and children's photo session with Susann Saarel "Windows of the Heart" Fine Art Portraiture at the St. Mary's BASH fundraiser this past May and for making the trek with Mary from Gardiner all the way up to Sky Ranch!

It was an honor and a pleasure...

Laundry Day...

2008-09-26T09:20:00.001-07:00

If you've forgotten just how fun laundry day can be, allow 2 year old Kenzie and her 3 year old sister, Kylie, to remind you...

"Ky-leeeeee, the laundry has soaked and is ready to wash!"

After the soaking, washing, drying and ironing, it was time to take the baby dolls out for a walk and a little fresh air... As my mother (and everyone else's mother) always said..."A woman's work is never done."...how true it is! And what a perfect day for a stroll...

Until Kylie and Kenzie each had their own ideas on which direction to take...

Remember to capture the little moments...the imagination and innocence of your children at play...or to call on children's photographer, Susann Saarel and Windows of the Heart Fine Art Portraiture to capture the moments for you...

Childhood is so fleeting...but the memories can last forever...

On Top of the World between 2 TOP Towns!

2008-09-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Bozeman, Montana (Pop. 38,000) was just selected as one of The West's Top 10 Dream Towns by Sunset Magazine and that Livingston, Montana (Pop. 7,000) was selected as one of The Coolest Small Towns in America by Budget Travel Magazine??

How lucky we are to live at Sky Ranch, high on a mountain-top only 20 minutes from BOTH Bozeman and Livingston! We have the best of both worlds!!

Here is the view toward Livingston from our patio...this photo (above) was taken by Thomas Lee for an article in the Bozeman Chronicle's HOME Magazine in which Sky Ranch graced the July 2004 cover!
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And how charming is the historic town of Livingston??? According to Budget Travel Mag, the numerous art galleries, boutiques and restaurants not to mention plenty of bars, writers and actors added to the "cool factor"...

Add hiking, horse-backriding, fly-fishing and skiing at nearby Bridger Bowl and well, you can see for yourself why these towns were voted BEST and COOLEST!!

Autumn Baby

2008-09-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

Well,...it's not quite Autumn and Kaden Lee was actually born 5 weeks early on August 19th, but he was SUPPOSED to be an autumn baby...

Here are his official one-month old portraits!! What I love most besides the rich fall light is how Kelly and Travis are totally in love with their baby. They can't take their eyes off him...

See you next week, Kelly & Travis for the rest of the session!

In the Land of Enchantment...

2008-09-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, on an 80 degree day in September, I photographed two beautiful princesses on the private grounds near their towering castle...

The demure Princess Ava, as sweet as her cotton candy colored dress, mesmerized me with her peaceful beauty and ability to talk to the birds...

Her sister, the bold and brave Princess Claire, as vivacious as her purple-accented fuschia gown, dazzled me with her eloquent dance and natural way with horses...

Every princess dreams of finding her Prince Charming...

Yes, once upon a time, there were two princesses, who kissed two frogs that turned into princes..and they rode off on two horses to the Land of Enchantment where they lived happily ever after...

Love them freckles...

2008-09-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Cameron and Jaide are the cutest freckle-faced brother and sister team ever and they were so incredibly cooperative during our session...I was really impressed! Kudos to mom & dad!!

Jaide reminds me of the Breck Girl...does anyone remember her with the long blonde hair and freckles?? The all-American girl next door??

Brave Cameron knocked out a tooth and split his lip open in July in a nasty scooter fall. But he's good as new and all smiles now...

Thanks, Michelle and Tom...we finally did it!!!

another beautiful senior...Carly!

2008-09-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

Class of 2009, Bozeman High School senior, Carly, went looking in the phone book for her senior portrait photographer. She knew she wanted something different. Checking out my website, she was convinced she'd found it. I'm so glad, because she was a ton of fun to photograph and we had the most amazing light during the entire session! Plus, she's absolutely gorgeous...

After shooting here at Sky Ranch, we decided to hit some nearby railroad tracks (above) for more of that "something different" she was looking for. Well, Carly??? What do you think?

Carly's response: "Thank you so much!! The pictures are absolutely amazing and exactly what I was looking for! I can't wait to show my mom and get my orders in. Thank you again!!!"

Praying for Peace

2008-09-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

On this, the 7th anniversary of 9/11, the nation pauses to remember the horrible tragedy, holding ceremonies and moments of silence to commemorate the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000. As the war on terrorism and conflicts in over 30 countries continue, William E. Gladstone's words come to mind...

"We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace."
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Introducing...

peace angel

We shall find peace. We shall hear angels. We shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds...

(And if you're wondering why our "peace angel" is using a bow and arrow...yes, I know, its a conflicting message...but it was the only way to get my 8 year old "ALL BOY" boy, to put on angel wings.)

In Sympathy...

2008-09-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

My heart goes out to the family of Edna Kastelitz, 90, of Livingston who passed away early Friday, August 29, 2008 at Livingston Memorial Hospital. I met Edna in 2001 when I sought out an "older woman" to photograph for my upcoming one-woman show at The Frame Garden titled "Neighbors and Friends, The Face of Livingston". Our neighbor, an artist, told me about Edna, a student in her painting class...

I met Edna at her Livingston home. She was beautiful and spirited. She spoke of her husband, Ed, who had passed away a few years earlier. And she had gorgeous lilac bushes in her backyard of which she was very proud...

The photo (below) is the one I decided to exhibit in the show which opened in July 2001. I just loved her joy and the way she was looking up toward the sky, toward heaven... Something (or someone) up there made her smile.

Somehow it seems appropriate that the Kastelitz family selected this image for exhibit during her memorial service at St. Mary's Catholic Church this past Friday.

Kevin, thank you for contacting me. I hope your family enjoys the framed photo for years to come...(and thanks so much to all of you for the gift certificate to Boodles!)

Woofstock...pets, love and happiness

2008-09-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Woofstock, benefitting the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter in Bozeman is coming a week from today on Saturday, the 13th! There will be lots of fun for the whole family from 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. including children's activities, pet festivities, an all-day adopt-a-thon, live music and food!...and it's all FREE!

Our family is a huge believer in animal adoption and with 4 dogs in the house already (2 of which were adopted from the Heart of the Valley), it's unlikely we'll adopt another, but you NEVER know!...still, we hope to see you there!

For more information, visit www.heartofthevalleyshelter.org.

The early bird catches the worm...

2008-09-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

...and saves 20% on their holiday cards until September 17!!,,,

OFFER EXTENDED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH!!!

An incredible deal on tiny*prints classic holiday photo cards with text completely customizable by you and featuring your baby's, children's or family's photo by Susann Saarel! There are over 250 cards to choose from!!! Look how lovely these cards are...

Now these are last years designs, but WHO CARES??? They're beautiful! But for those of you who want the latest, this years newly designed holiday photo cards will be unveiled October 1st. Stay tuned...

Parasol Girl

2008-09-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

Inspiration is where you find it. One look at this beautiful painting titled "Parasol Girl" by Esther Anna Hunt (1875-1951) and I knew I had to dig out my grandmother's parasol. Hunt is well-known for her children's portraits with a heavy influence on Oriental themes.

Laying on my desk for weeks, the vintage parasol finally had her opportunity when my daughter, Larissa, was all dolled-up for a to-do this past weekend. Luckily we had time for a mini-session before heading out...

The parasol was a gift to my Oma Martha from her husband, Karl, during the 1920's. My dad remembers that she treasured it.

Oma Martha died years ago. The last time my dad and I saw her was when we travelled to Hamburg, Germany to surprise her on her 88th birthday.

It is a beautiful thing to see Larissa bring her great-grandmother's parasol to life again...

Can't wait to be born...

2008-08-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well, today I called to reconfirm a pregnancy portrait session that was to take place tomorrow only to learn that Baby "K" is already here!!! Yep, 5 weeks early!!! Apparently, he just couldn't wait and came into the world on August 19th! At over 5 lbs. and 18 inches tall, he was a mighty preemie! Even so, he had to spend a few days in the NICU in Billings.

Congratulations to new parents, Kelly & Travis. Can't wait to photograph your precious newborn!!!

WHERE did you get your bag???

2008-08-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

That's the question everyone's been asking me whenever I hit town with one of my Gina Alexander photo handbags! I ordered 4 samples and they're awesome!!! The women of Bozeman and Livingston, especially the new moms, are marvelling at the exceptional quality and just what absolute fun they are! The bags are a perfect way to showcase your adorable baby or children. Even the new puppy!

My sample bags feature our own set of boy/girl twins...as babies on up to the age of 6...

That's the elegant Candy Bag in the middle with Larissa's baby face on the front. Sam's baby photo is on the back...

Here's Sam on the back of the Classic Bag with Bamboo Handles option. Larissa is on the front of the bag...

This is the lovely Audrey Bag...

And finally, my favorite, the Classic Tote Bag with 2 different images on each side, fuschia leather, candy-stripe lining and underglass options. Yep, I went all out!

These beautiful leather handbags make fabulous gifts for yourself and others!

And as if you needed another reason to order one, Gina Alexander also donates a portion of every handbag sold to the charity Hope for Children, committed to assisting families interested in adoption without the financial means to accomplish it.

Tucker & Pearl

2008-08-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend and fellow high-altitude gardener, Nicole, has been wanting me to photograph her "baby" Tucker all summer long. Tucker is cute as can be and oh, that tongue! When elusive Pearl came out of hiding, I quickly snapped a few of her as well...

I mostly do pet portraits as part of a family photo session so it was great fun to just do "the dog". And the last time I did a cat portrait was a few years back when I flew to San Francisco to photograph a pair of cats! Meow!

Gorgeous Mikal ~ Class of 2009!

2008-08-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I snapped a few portraits of Mikal and her family at a beautiful wedding I was photographing at the Elkhorn Lodge in Helena. Now Mikal is a senior at Capital High School! She and her mom drove all the way from Helena to have me do her senior portraits at Sky Ranch!

She is an avid golfer and an aspiring model. Have a look...

Have a great senior year, Mikal! And thanks to you and Terry for making the trek up to Sky Ranch!

Raves from Hamburg, Germany...

2008-08-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

It is a small world indeed. I recently received a beautiful e-mail from Hamburg, Germany...my father's hometown. "Omi" Dagmar was here in Bozeman, Montana visiting her newest grandchild and came along for the newborn photo session I did last month of baby Cooper and his big brother, Jonas.

My husband entertained her while the session was taking place, so she only first saw the images online once she was back home in Germany.

Here's what she had to say:

"Ich habe mir gerade die Fotos angesehen und bin total begeistert. Sie haben eine super tolle Arbeit gemacht. Ihnen und Ihrem Mann noch einmal vielen Dank fuer den netten Empfang. Sie wohnen ja wie im Paradies - vor allem fuer jemanden wie mich, die aus der Gross-stadt Hamburg kommt. Die Landschaft ist wunderschoen und mitten drin Ihr wunderschoenes Haus. Ich habe den Aufenthalt sehr genossen..."

What does that mean? She is totally thrilled with the photos and she thoroughly enjoyed her visit to the paradise called Sky Ranch.

Oh, and the above photo is of the Rathaus in Hamburg (one of my favorite buildings) with the Alster in the foreground.

Celebrating 7 years at LillyLu!!!

2008-08-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

How time flies! This month marks the 7th year I have exhibited my Fine Art Portraiture at LillyLu, the beautiful children's boutique in downtown Bozeman.

With exhibits of 20 new hand-printed pieces each season and artist receptions during Bozeman Art Walk for many years, my business grew and my work continued to evolve coming full circle with the "Windows of my Heart" series in 2005 from which my business now takes its name.

The years have been good to me.

Thanks to Sheryl and all the ladies of LillyLu for their support since 2001!

Its been a privilege and I've enjoyed every moment.

Pop Art Canvas Prints

2008-08-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Not only am I doing Fine Art Canvas Prints, but for those of you looking for something really unique, check out this Pop Art Canvas Print I recently had done. It is a vintage hand-tint and turned out beautifully.

If you want to have a closer look at it, it's on exhibit at LillyLu Children's Boutique in downtown Bozeman.

And believe it or not, the pop art canvas print was created from an original sepia image!

More fabulous samples from my boutique offerings coming soon!

Dignity and Respect for ALL...

2008-08-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail notice today from a friend and client that is important to share. The film "Tropic Thunder" has opened in movie theatres across the U.S. It contains offensive material that demeans people with intellectual disabilities,

and it freely uses the r-word.

Words matter.

Please choose another movie.

To learn more about how you can be a fan of dignity and respect, visit http://www.r-word.org/.

babe in the woods

2008-08-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

It's great when a vision becomes reality. All summer long, I have wanted to do a "Babes in the Woods" newborn session and along came baby Cooper, less than 10 days old.

Isn't he just beautiful bathed in golden light and surrounded by wildflowers?

Don't ya just want to pick this basket up and carry him home???

"Honey, you'll never believe it!!...Look what I found in the woods!!"

Thank you Stacey and Karsten for your enthusiasm and willingness in having Cooper be my first official babe in the woods!

Jeans and a Plain White T

2008-08-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

It's a clean, classic look that never goes out of style... It worked for James Dean and it works for Kyle,

College Park High, Pleasant Hill, California, Class of 2009...

Talk about COOL!

These sepia images look like they're right out of the 1950's...

and is there anything "cooler" than this beautiful old vintage Dodge??

When we found this neat old broken tree is the woods we discovered we were on the wrong side of the barbed wire fence. Easy for me to crawl through it even with the camera, but poor Kyle...he's probably about 6'5" tall! Maybe taller!

It was worth braving the barbs though...

Thanks, Kyle for allowing me to shoot your senior portraits! You were a great sport!

PROUD MAMA

2008-08-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

I'm one proud Mama!...The morning after the twins returned from SoCal, they ran in the Sweet Pea Children's Run. I videotaped the whole thing...and I knew my girl could run, but even I was surprised when I saw this little shrimp that looked like my daughter finish right up there with the big girls. IT WAS HER!!! Out of 1,200 children!!!

Larissa, in the 7-8 age category finished 5th behind 4 girls in the 11-12 age category with a time of 6:08...only 26 seconds behind the first place finisher. WOW! She placed 17th overall. Sam finished in the top 25 for the boys and 43rd overall.

Here's the piece the Livingston Enterprise published:

Then to top it all off, our family placed in the Park County Fair this past week. Sam placed 1st in both his press art work titled "The Indian" and in his acrylic painting titled "The Green Glow", both done this summer at Artsplot in Bozeman. He placed 2nd for his pencil drawing titled "The Fire Dragon". Here's "The Indian"...

Larissa placed 1st in Floriculture for "Best Child's Bouquet". Isn't it beautiful?

Larissa and I got up before 6 a.m. on entry day to cut our flowers fresh from the garden and make our arrangements. I entered my bouquet in the "Montana" division which required the use of wildflowers. Using a silver champagne cooler to display them in was just the ticket...I placed 1st and even won the Reserve Grand Champion for Floriculture!!!

Oh, and I can't forget to mention that Doug got a real kick out of learning that his parsley placed 1st! It's been a great week for the Saarel's!!!

They're BAAACK!!!

2008-08-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

Our twins, that is...well they've been back for almost a week now, but it's been crazy since they came home...you know how it is...

At 8 years of age, this is the 2nd time they've flown to LAX to spend time with my parents, otherwise known as Oma & Opa in beautiful Santa Monica, California. The hitch?...I signed them up for swimming lessons while they were there. Sam & Larissa were gone for 13 days, and successfully passed the Minnow B class. Their swimming has improved tremendously!!! Next year, they'll be FISH! My mom happily took them to their daily lessons followed by trips to the beach to collect sandcrabs and boogie-board followed by romps in the pool at "home", where they splashed around until after dark...

My mom & dad, God Bless 'em, even took them to Knott's Berry Farm one day and to top it all off, their cousins from Phoenix even came to visit. Here are a few photos my dad, the "original" photographer, shared with me of the twins' time in California...

Picking tomatoes in Oma's garden...

With cousins, Rio, Wesley and York at the beach (not shown is cousin Daniel Nolan)...

Seeing my daughter having a good hearty laugh with my mom is a real heartwarmer...
and are you getting dizzy yet???...here they are at Knott's on the Mexican Sombreros followed by Sam on Big Foot Rapids...

Sheesh...it's pitch dark, and the kids are still at it...doing CANNON BALLS in the pool...and I'm sure that neighbors, Marie and Marge were totally amused...

Here are 2 proud "Minnow B" graduates...Sam even DOVE (in almost perfect form) off the 3-meter high dive, while Larissa bravely closed her eyes and jumped!

Thank you Oma & Opa for showing Sam & Larissa a really great time.

THEY'LL BE BACK!!!

sweet sweet baby...

2008-08-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Cooper was born July 16 at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. His parents, Staci & Karsten loved the work I have on exhibit there in the Labor & Delivery Ward and e-mailed me the day after Cooper's birth to set up a newborn/family session to also include big brother, Jonas.

How precious is this with Cooper holding his mama's face?

And is there anything more beautiful than a mother in love with her baby?

This is such a beautiful and powerful image, you could stare at it forever... I'm definately going to have to put some of these up at the hospital...

We did a number of family shots that were "perfect", but this one has got to be my favorite...at this point, 2-year old Jonas was not going to sit still anymore and wanted to play...

Adorable Jonas loves his new brother AND the yellow Tonka truck in my kids' playground!

Congratulations, Staci, Karsten & Jonas! You are a beautiful & gentle family. Es freute mich sehr Euch kennenzulernen sowie die Oma's und Tante. Wir senden Euch alle liebe Gruesse von Sky Ranch!

There's nothing sweeter...

2008-08-03T08:05:00.001-07:00

There's nothing sweeter than knowing my clients are happy, really happy. It's why I do what I do! I just received an e-mail from Josh whose family I photographed a week or so ago (see previous post...angel {babies} boy) and this is what he had to say...

"Words can never ever, ever express my gratitude for taking the most amazing pictures of my family. They were even more beautiful than my wildest dreams could have imagined. I don't think my house is big enough to put up all these pictures. (smiley face) Thank you Susann! You are an amazing, beautiful spirit!"

Sheesh, made me want to cry! Thank you, Josh. And for that, allow me to share a few more images...there's also nothing sweeter than kisses for momma...

angel {babies} boy

2008-08-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing beautiful Calen and his family as part of my angel babies program. Seven-year old Calen is a special needs child and cognitively delayed. According to his mother, Robyn, he is a "mystery man"... having never been specifically diagnosed after visits to many different doctors and hospitals since infancy.

Calen suffers from frequent ear infections and fevers. He was recently diagnosed with an immune deficiency disorder. His illnesses come on suddenly and hard. In fact, late in the evening following our photo session, Calen's family rushed him to the hospital emergency room where it was discovered he had pneumonia and would have to spend the night. Just like that!

What struck me most about Calen and his family were the deep love they share and the never-ending smiles! They consider themselves blessed.

.I learned today that Calen speaks only a few words such as "bubbles" and "hi". The beauty of these family photographs is that no words need be said.

The images below say it all...

Thank you Robyn, Josh, Jostin (who opened and closed gates and held my camera while I drove) and Calen for a beautiful experience.

Double the fun...

2008-07-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Remember the Montana Parent Magazine cover for May 2008? The newborn twins?

Well, get a load of them now...

Lauren and Ryan are the most beautiful babies...and as any mother of twins knows...having twins is Double the Fun!!!

Miss Lauren is a living doll! Get a load of these lashes...
And those LIPS...

And is Ryan Mr. Personality or what???

They grow up soooo fast...

Thanks, Maurissa and Phil...I had so much fun photographing your munchkins again and I enjoyed hearing your repertoire!!!

Chocolate Moose

2008-07-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Moose??...Yes, if you haven't heard, it's the fabulous annual fundraiser held each November benefitting Great Beginnings Montessori School in Bozeman. I am always excited to meet the folks who are the winning bidders of the Child & Family Photo Session Live Auction item I donate.

Azure & Jim have the most gorgeous kids and it was fun to do some black & whites for a change...

A few of my favorites...

California Girls

2008-07-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

Oh, I love these ladies...they are just so much fun to photograph...

This is the second time that they have come all the way from Martinez, California to have senior portraits done...first it was Emily...now, Erin. I just love this one of Erin in the sunflowers...

Awww, and how sweet is this sisters shot?

Always gotta get one of mom and her beautiful girls...I just can't get over all these sunflowers!!!

And finally, there's that California Girl hair...long and beautiful!!!

Sherry, Emily & Erin...it was great seeing you all again! And thanks for making yet another trek to Sky Ranch...

Children's Fantasy Sessions!

2008-07-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, my daughter and I were shopping at LillyLu, the children's boutique in downtown Bozeman and much to my surprise, Larissa fell in love with a pink pettiskirt. Around here at the ranch, she is always running around in her twin brother's boy shorts and t-shirts, so the pettiskirt was something entirely new and exciting...we bought it.

Having this foreign object in our house inspired me to dig through the twin's dress-up chest for "props" to go with the pettiskirt. There were lady-bug wings, masks, capes, and fairy wands of all kinds. Visions of fairies dancing through the forest entered my mind and there was no turning back.

So last Saturday, just before the twins boarded a flight to L.A. to visit their Oma and Opa at Santa Monica Beach for a few weeks, I did a photo session of Larissa.

Just her...she was so excited.

Here are some of my favorites...we call this series The Pettiskirt Cowgirl...

And here's Larissa as The Woodland Fairy...

Then Sam decided to get in on the act as The Prince of the Forest...

The kids had a great time and so did I! I LOVE the bright colors. And the expressions on the kids faces...priceless. They really loved acting out their roles!

Before they left, Larissa asked me if I would make a slideshow, like on my website, of the photos. And, Children's Fantasy Sessions were born!

Children's Fantasy Sessions allow your child to become whatever they've dreamed of being in their everyday life and Susann Saarel Fine Art Portraiture will immortalize their fantasy in a photo session just for them. The resulting images, beautiful keepsakes, are a special way to make your child's dream come true.

To see more images, view the brief slideshow at the top right of this blog or check out the Children's Fantasy Session gallery on my website under "portraits".

Larissa and Sam, this one's for you! I love & miss you! Mom

Buss Family Reunion in Gardiner, Montana

2008-07-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

It is always special when family comes together from far and wide and to be asked to document the occasion is really an honor. It's part of why I love photographing family reunions. There is so much love and history to capture in such a short amount of time, but it happens...LOVE remembers...

Here, 20 people came together from as far as Washington State, Colorado and South Dakota. They met at a beautiful log cabin in Gardiner, Montana, along the Yellowstone River where I photographed them on July 8th...

Here (below) is Meg, the matriarch of the Buss family surrounded by her 10 grandchildren...what a legacy!

And here are Meg and her 4 children, Marshall, Dawn, Darren and Jon...the start of it all...

There are always the requisite shots that need to be taken on such occasions, but there is also always a splash of the unexpected or a time to be creative...

Like when I am trying to take a nice portrait and Darren is goofing off in the background with his slingshot...(yes, a grown man...)...which means, come to Montana where you can be a kid all over again...

Here, Donna had an idea of her being courted by her husband, Darren from the other side of the fence. Happily, I got them to kiss and got this great shot...how romantic is that after 3 kids???

Many thanks to Staci (and her family, pictured below) with whom I've been in contact for over a year regarding this special reunion...

It was a real pleasure meeting you all...Meg, Marshall, Staci, Alanah & JB; Jon, Kim, Amelia & Melissa; Darren, Donna, Lauren, Kyle and Kelsie; Sean, Dawn, John (& Emily), Amanda and Kayla...

You were awesome...THANK YOU!!!

Congratulations to Genevieve & Norm on their Wedding!

2008-07-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful summer day on Friday, July 11th at Springhill Pavilion when our good friends, Genevieve & Norm pledged their love to one another forevermore...

Time flies so quickly...it seems like only yesterday, I took their engagement portraits up here at Sky Ranch...

...and now, they are man & wife! Congratulations!!!

Special on Birth Announcements, Cards and Invitations by Tiny Prints

2008-07-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

Tiny Prints offers cards for every occasion including birth announcements for twins and multiples, pregnancy announcements, baptism and christening invitations, even new home announcement cards!

Their cards are just gorgeous and they will pre-ship envelopes so you can address them BEFORE the baby is born!

Order before September 30th and save 5%.
Just type in Code: AFL2 at check out.
Click on the link at right to order.

~ Livingston Roundup Parade and Rodeo ~

2008-07-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

It's been non-stop fun and action this week starting with the Livingston Roundup Parade on July 2nd which is the official kick-off to the 3-day Livingston Roundup Rodeo.

Bring on the bagpipes, bring on the clowns...

The Livingston Roundup, known as "Montana's Best Rodeo since 1923" opened with an exciting performance by the Bozeman Saddle-ites.

It is always a thrill to sit in the front row to capture rodeo action and expressions like this...

My Livingston Roundup Rodeo images have been on exhibit at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and were also the subject of a one-woman show I did in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2003.

To see more of my western landscapes, The Melin Family Ranch Branding and the Untamed Spirits series of rodeo images, click here.

~ Babes in the Woods ~

2008-07-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

I am a sucker for vintage collectibles, so when I spied this baby scale at an Anaconda antiques shop, I just had to snap it up.

Placed on a stump in the forest with wildflowers in the background,

it makes a perfect setting for your newborn's "babes in the woods" portrait session.

And wouldn't you know, as I was in the woods doing this "prop shoot" I actually stumpled upon

a beautiful newborn fawn...

Actual images of "babes in the woods" newborn portrait sessions, coming soon...

~ Texas Cuties ~

2008-06-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

Mekaela and her little brother, Aidan, sure are Texas cuties...

Here are a few snaps we shot in the playground at Sky Ranch after the shoot...

Just a little something to hold you over, Jennifer & Tom, until you return home...

Enjoy your week in Big Sky!

Family Circle & Wilhemina Model Mother-Daughter Search 2008

2008-06-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

When I shot Courtney's modeling portfolio this past week (see previous blog entry), I took the opportunity to snap some mother-daughter photos as well. Courtney's mom, Lori is just beautiful...just get a load of those amazing freckles!

I suggested they enter the
Family Circle-Wilhemina Model Mother-Daughter Search 2008.
They had to send in a brief write-up (150 words or less) describing their relationship to each other (something about sharing Caesar salad, sushi and licorice??) and could only submit ONE photo.

What a dilemma...which to choose?

The entries will be judged on appearance (34%), photogenic quality (33%) and vitality (33%) as depicted in the photo submitted.

They decided upon this one:

The fabulous Grand Prize package includes a five-year modeling contract each with Wilhemina Models ($15,000 value), an appearance in a Family Circle magazine fashion feature and on Better.tv, an all-expense paid trip to NYC, jewelry, cosmetics and more!

Good Luck, Lori and Courtney! We're all rooting for you.

~ Meet America's Next Top Model ~ from Bozeman, Montana...

2008-06-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

With her all-American, girl-next-door good looks, gorgeous 13 year-old Courtney is clearly on her way in the highly competitive world of fashion modeling.

Don't you just see her as the next Noxema Girl?....

or, the next Breck Girl...

Perhaps even, the new Ralph Lauren Girl...

The possibilities are endless...
Keep your eye on this one...she is going to GO places...especially with THESE legs...

Check out my newest portrait gallery titled "modeling portfolio" on my website under "portraits" to see more of Courtney...

Montana Childbirth Collective

2008-06-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Montana Childbirth Collective (MCC) is holding their second annual birth art exhibit, "Celebrating Birth," this Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bozeman Public Library large meeting room.

Sasha Lindberg, of Bellabirthing Doula & Birth Education, invited me to participate this year after discovering my new website and seeing my pregnancy, newborn and baby portraits. Naturally, I said YES and will have three pieces on exhibit. I am also donating a $100 print credit toward the event's numerous prize drawings! Last year, pieces as diverse as placenta prints, bronze belly casts and a Crow cradleboard were on display. The show should be just fascinating...

As a group of doulas and childbirth educators, MCC members share the common goal of empowering women and their partners in seeking fulfilling childbirth experiences. The MCC birth art exhibit has become an expression of this respect for the birth process, mothers, babies, and families. This year the event will also feature two showings of the critically acclaimed film, "The Business of Being Born" produced by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein.

The exhibit is free and open to the public, and is a family and breastfeeding-friendly event.

Beautiful Family ~ Beautiful New Home!

2008-06-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Sherri, Sam and Sammy on their beautiful new home! They haven't even been there a week and are still unpacking boxes, but they had me come out yesterday to do some family portraits at this special time!

Little Sammy is already loving riding the lawn mower with dad and playing football in their large backyard with breathtaking views of the Bridgers!

Susann Saarel Fine Art Portraiture wishes you all much joy, love, laughter and amazing memories in your new home!

There are alot more images to come, Sherri...just wanted to post a few, including this "classic" on the front porch, to tide you over...

~ Summer Beauty ~

2008-06-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

Summer photo season at Sky Ranch has officially begun!

A most delightful Miss Alyvia walked fields of wildflowers today in her golden sandals, smiling and laughing every step of the way.

She sure is a summer beauty if I ever saw one.

Parents, Mandie & Rex, whose engagement portraits I photographed over 6 years ago, were beaming with pride over their gorgeous little girl.

What a perfect session to start off the warm, long days of summer!

It was great seeing you again, Mandie & Rex!

After 6 years, with the exception of the creation of this beautiful little munchkin, you really haven't changed a bit!

Happy Father's Day, Papa!

2008-06-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

When I posted a month ago at Mother's Day in honor of my mom, I recounted several stories she has told throughout the years with all her flourish and passion. Captivating her audience has always been effortless.

My father, too is a storyteller, but one without words. Just because he is a quiet man does not mean he has nothing to say... Instead of words, he uses the camera.

Growing up, I think my father almost always had a camera in front of his face. He has told the story of our family through tons of photos that will be handed down for generations. What a gift!

From what the pictures tell me, my father began documenting our family life beginning with my arriving on the scene in 1960 followed by our camping trip across Canada back in 1961 on our way to California, where we were headed to live the American Dream.

When I see this photo (that my mom obviously took), I have to stop wondering why it is that the best vacation on earth to me would be to rent a camper and travel the USA with my family for an entire summer or more...see all the major sights...Mt. Rushmore, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon for starters...eat at diners, bathe in rivers and just enjoy the moment. Each and every one.

Like just lying in the grass and eating an ice-cream like I am here with my dad looking on. We are all so busy these days taking pictures of "events" and important moments that we are forgetting the REAL moments like just hanging out with dad...

Thank goodness my dad had the foresight to document those "everyday" moments...for the images he took mean the world to me as does he.

The images of our family doing ordinary things speaks volumes as to our life and love as a family.

My father has given me so many gifts in life including that of photography. For all the love, lessons and life experiences he has given me, I am grateful.

I love you, Papa!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Susann

Praying for Sunshine!

2008-06-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

Children and parents throughout Montana are praying for sunshine after weeks of rain, rain, and more rain! School's out and the kids want to run and play, collect grasshoppers and butterflies, skateboard, ride bikes and dirtboards, horseback-ride and go fishing and swimming. But this is Montana and it snowed again yesterday...at least at Sky Ranch, it did.

The good news is there is a light at the end of the tunnel...looks like Friday the 13th is going to be a lucky day after all!....The sun will begin shining again on that day and the outdoor photo shoots amidst a profusion of wildflowers and velvety green grass will begin...just in time too!...

Susann Saarel Fine Art Portraiture has pregnancy and newborn, child and family, family reunion photography sessions in addition to some fun senior, pet portrait and even, by request, a few modeling portfolio sessions booked throughout the summer and well into Fall!

If you haven't booked your Summer or Fall session yet, there is still time, contact Susann Saarel for your "Windows of the Heart" photography session today...

Children and baby goats!...There's nothing cuter...

2008-06-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

Susann Saarel Fine Art Portraiture is pleased to introduce, Igor and Zhivago, our beautiful baby goats...the perfect accessory for a darling child portrait or at the very least, a fun experience for the kids AFTER the photo session at Sky Ranch...

Our two newest "kids" were rescued by a friend, Joe of Paradise Valley. A misled rancher took on 30 baby goats, some as young as 2 days old, with the impression that they could fend for themselves and that they would need nothing more than a piece of plywood for a shelter. Nineteen baby goats died.

Joe collected the remaining 11 goats and needing a companion for our La Mancha doe, Shatoosh, we decided to help Joe out and adopt 2 of his "rescues". Naturally, our twins picked out the 2 smallest and cutest goats, which also happened to be the sickest.

A trip to the vet revealed the babies were only 10 lbs. each...you could feel the skin & bones. They each received 2 giant shots of antiobiotic and were sent home with us on a wing and a prayer...

We put them up in their own stall in the barn as we were told to keep them separate from Shatoosh. Wouldn't you know...a May Montana snowstorm would arrive and when our twins discovered that Igor and Zhivago were shivering in the barn, we immediately set up an NICU in the laundry room! Yep, we had goats in the house for a week!!! (If you would ever have asked me when I was living in California if I would spend my mornings mopping up goat poop in the laundry room, I'd have called you crazy...).

The snow let up...I mean, HELLO!!!!...it's June already...and we were finally able to take the goats down to the barn and to their proper home. There was a day or so of touch and go, but they pulled through, little buggers...

They are cute as can be and LOVE attention...After all, they've been missing it since the day they were snatched away from their mama at only 48 hours of age!

We love them and we know you will too! Come see the goats!

Something REALLY Special for Dad this Father's Day...

2008-05-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Looks like summer is finally here in Montana and that means that Father's Day is just around the corner...time to fire up the barbie!

How about a few suggestions for some really beautiful and meaningful Father's Day gifts (and don't forget about Granddad...he's going to love these too!)...

A framed photo from our last session...if you order by June 2nd, I can still produce an 8x10 or 11x14 enlargement framed in "the classic", gift-wrapped and ready for you to present to dad or granddad on Father's Day!

Believe it or not, the Planetjill Photo Jewelry line offers great gifts for dad! Won't he love a paperweight of the kids for his office or how about a pair of sterling silver cufflinks with a photo of the new baby? There is also a variety of keychains to choose from in addition to a beautiful photo money clip.

If it's time for updated family photos, a Susann Saarel, Windows of the Heart, Fine Art Portraiture Gift Certificate is a perfect AND practical gift idea. Each gift certificate is beautifully presented in a pochette folder and secured with a Windows of the Heart embellishment.

Father's Day is an important family celebration. I would be honored to help you make this Father's Day something REALLY special...

It's raining cats & dogs!!!

2008-05-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

OK, so it's been raining cats and dogs for days (not to mention snowing up here at the ranch...yes, this is May in Montana!) so when the twins tell me that the new baby goats we adopted a few days ago are shivering in the barn, what do we do???...We bring them into the house, of course! Igor and Zhivago, only 10 lbs. each have been cozily put up in our laundry room for the past few days. Our 4 dogs, Kiko, Cowboy, Allie & Marbles are wondering what on earth the neat new smell is and what all the baaing is all about.

So why should I be surprised when we decide to stay in out of the rain today and my daughter, Larissa spends time redecorating her dollhouse and creates this masterpiece??...with a total of 29 in our immediate family including mom & dad, a set of 8 year old twins, 4 dogs, 4 horses, 3 goats, a cockatiel and 13 fish...this is our life on the ranch...

High School Seniors Rock!!!

2008-05-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

I may be getting old, but it seems that today's High School Seniors are a lot more grown up, confident and self-assured than I was in my day at Samohi (Santa Monica High School) in 1978! But then again, I was a late bloomer...

The graduating girls AND guys from throughout Montana that I have photographed this past year are just gorgeous, each in his or her own very special way. The talents and dreams of these young adults just boggle my mind...there are musicians & actresses, scientists & political activists, dirt bike riders and horsewomen among you, not to mention, doctors, explorers and adventurers. In fact, I think all 17 and 18 year olds are explorers and adventurers!...as they should be...

It has been my privilege to meet and photograph countless amazing young adults as they embark upon the world and make their mark. So congratulations from Susann Saarel Fine Art Portraiture to the Class of 2008 from Bozeman High School, Livingston's Park High and beyond...

With my ad (above) appearing in the Bozeman High School's Hawk Talk this month and bookings already scheduled for seniors from as far away as California, I am looking forward to meeting and shooting the Class of 2009! You are young, beautiful and talented...YOU ROCK!!!

To all mothers and grandmothers, especially my own...Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-10T11:11:00.001-07:00

My mother is one of the world's best storytellers. Whether she tells it or writes it, the words have such passion and flourish, you can see the images in your mind, just as though you were right there yourself...in the story. She has often been told she should write a book and maybe someday she will tell the story of her remarkable life and the hardships endured...growing up in Germany during the war, losing her mother to tuberculosis when she was a young girl, being sent away to work as a cook in a big fancy hotel in Hamburg when she was only 16 and all the stories inbetween...like the time she was punished for stealing apples when she was hungry and the time she nearly drowned swimming alone in the Aller River...

This is the only photo we have of my mother's mother, Herta, with my mom, Marion when she was only 2. It was taken in 1941. Herta sure looks fancy with her fox stole, a piece that remarkably endured the years and now hangs in my closet. Look how proudly she is showing off her daughter...and her hands, how much they resemble my mother's...It just goes to show how important photographs are...how cherished this ONE image is...

When my mother and father married in Toronto, she wore a black dress simply because it was the best dress she had. She worked for a family that had 8 children, cooking cleaning and taking care of the kids...until I came along in 1960...

Eventually we made our way to California, arriving in this "old jalopy" as my dad calls it with only $80 to our name. All I remember is that we stayed with a family who had a daughter named Cookie...I just loved that name!...until my dad got settled in a job and we took an apartment in Santa Monica. My sister, Janet was born in 1963 and my mom kept pretty busy sewing matching outfits for us, darning our socks, fixing our hair into such tight buns we had instant face lifts, cooking, cleaning and baking. There were a few stints inbetween as a waitress at Ray's coffee shop where she splashed a glass of water in a rude customer's face and at the German Delicatessen where she worked for Gerda, a woman with boobs bigger than Dolly's...

My mother has always been there for me when I needed her most...throughout my childhood of course, but when our own twins were born, she was with us for 2 months (leaving my father to fend for himself), cooking dinners, cleaning and oh yeah...helping out with the babies. She even took a night shift every night feeding the babies, so Doug and I could get a few hours of sleep. In 2006, my mother was here within 12 hours after learning that I had just received 60 stitches and staples after splitting my forehead open in a horrible car accident. She helped me wash and comb my hair without pulling any staples out and went with me to doctors appointments.

My mother is good at many things, but especially at being a grandmother or Oma, as her 6 grandchildren call her. All the grandkids (my sister's 4 boys, Wesley, York, Rio and Daniel) and our own two, Sam and Larissa just LOVE going to Oma's Beach or Oma's Country as my twins call it. Oma lets them play on the beach all day. She buys them Hot Dogs on a Stick and lemonade. She lets them swim in the pool and play in the jacuzzi until dark. She cooks them noodles and makes delicious salmon sandwiches. For once, she leaves the house a mess and doesn't make the bed, because spending time with the grandchildren is what's most important.

Mammi...I know you don't want or need anything and so I didn't buy anything, but I made something for you... You will find it on my website under "portraits"..."at Oma's beach" is just for you!

Thank you for everything. I love you! We all do! Happy Mother's Day!

Love, Susann

Family & Pet Portrait Session nets $950 at Livingston's Fur Ball!

2008-05-09T23:16:00.001-07:00

Congratulations and thanks to Mike Art of Chico Hot Springs who purchased my donation of a family & pet portrait session to include an online gallery and an 8x10 framed portrait for $950 at last night's Fur Ball benefitting the Stafford Animal Shelter of Livingston.

Thanks to Mike's generous bidding, I will soon have the pleasure of photographing his daughter Jackie, her fiance, Ron and their 4 black labradors...

Thank goodness, our family has 4 dogs of our own, so I am used to alot of licks and love and whatever it is that only a pack of dogs can deliver...

Looking forward to our shoot, Jackie & Ron...and thanks again to the entire Art Family...not only have they been just wonderful to us since the day we arrived in Montana, but they are continual supporters of numerous organizations in both Livingston & Bozeman...and in person...always warm, gracious and true of heart...

Thanks also for the good works of the Stafford Animal Shelter of Livingston. We praise the work that you do and we are continually grateful for Kiko and our beloved departed Marbles, both of which we adopted from your shelter.

Words alone cannot explain how our dog family enriches our lives...for each and every day, we are grateful for the love that we share with our animal companions...

Another Cover for Montana Parent Magazine!

2008-05-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Phil and Maurissa were thrilled to learn last month that one of the images I shot of them and their newborn twins, Ryan and Lauren last November was selected by Montana Parent Magazine for the cover of the May 2008 issue...and just in time for Mother's Day!...What better photo than a mother holding not one, but TWO bundles of joy!

Of course, being a twin mother myself, I LOVE LOVE LOVED doing this shoot which took me eight years back down memory lane. It was amazing and heartwarming to see how Ryan and Lauren were happiest during the shoot when they were all crunched up together...just like when they were in the womb...

Phil and Maurissa still have to get used to seeing themselves on the cover whenever they go to the supermarket and all the various locations where Montana Parent is distributed including the Bozeman Public Library, The Children's Museum of Bozeman, at Lone Mountain Gymnastics, The Bozeman Swim Center and various medical and dental offices, coffee shops and retail outlets.

Don't forget to pick up your free copy of Montana Parent Magazine known as a "trusted parenting resource promoting happy, healthy families since 2002" and CONGRATULATIONS to Phil and Maurissa on their beautiful family and on being this month's cover shot! Happy Mother's Day, Maurissa!