Montana Weddings

The rest of the story

2009-06-09T17:20:00.006-06:00

Joe Buissink

Ok, so... I've been brooding over the images I did at Joe Buissink's work shop that I attended last week. Things that Joe taught are starting to impact. You know what I mean? You make a connection with something or someone, and days later it starts the gears turning. So today, I went back to the images that I captured in Kelowna and went digging. The result: a totally different look at what I saw.

As a dear friend of mine in Tibet would always say, "my like!"

First of all, as Joe is saying with his hands... you've got to shoot with your heart! and, look for those special moments between moments.

"there is no such thing as a perfect image, only a perfect moment" oh I like that!

And this is my new friend Jon Lee.

And my dear friend Lauren Brown, making gorgeous images as usual.

hmmm, stealing images on private property. I couldn't resist the temptation. I wonder what the sentence would be for such things in Canada?

And perhaps one of the most insightful and passionate photographers of our time, Joe Buissink.

Photo Guest Book

2009-06-08T16:57:00.004-06:00

June 27 Big Sky wedding

Just finished designing the photo guest book for Barbara and David and it's amazing, I just love it. I was just sitting here looking at it, feeling all warm and fuzzy. Whoa, Larry get a grip, the wedding is still 3 weeks away. Ok, well what can I say... I get wrapped up in my work.

Enjoy the view!

Barbara and David's Guest Book

Photography Workshop

2009-06-03T00:38:00.004-06:00

with Joe Buissink

Wow, what a treat. I just finished spending 3 days in Kelowna, a beautiful city on a lake in British Columbia, Canada. Lauren Brown and I attended a photo workshop with a most amazing photographer, Joe Buissink. I've admired Joe's work for the past couple of years and finally my schedule lined up with a workshop in BC, hosted by Gary Fong and his lovely and gracious wife, Melissa Carl. The workshop was held on the amazing Twin Creeks Ranch owned by Gary and Melissa. We had a class of 13 photographers. Joe is one of the top ten photographers in his field and an inspired speaker and teacher. We spent two full days learning, shooting, talking, networking and meeting new friends.

It was a rewarding experience which will take weeks to fully assimilate. It really stirred new and passionate thoughts in my work. INSPIRING, to say the least. Enjoy a few of the photos from yesterday's shoot.

Here's our group.

Joe, thanks for sharing time with us. Your workshop was everything I thought it would be... and more.

Gary and Melissa, thanks for having us in your home. What a fabulous place!

Barbara and David

2009-05-21T13:07:00.005-06:00

June 27 Big Sky wedding

Hey there. I've got more photos to share. We've been waiting for the nice weather to return and here it is, just in time for Barbera and David's engagement shoot. The folks at the Baxter Hotel were kind enough to let us onto this wedding venue "to be". Thanks to Debra and Shawna. This is a wonderful property with mountain views, a scenic hillside to climb, complete with a winding rushing stream and a great Big blue Sky!

I met Barbara last fall when she was shopping for a photographer for her wedding. There was something about her face that stirred an old remembrance. During the interview, I was trying to answer her questions while going back in my visual memory to see what was so familiar about her face... and then there it was. The face of my grandmother... But for heaven sakes, why??? So I just out with, "are you Cherokee?" I thought for sure she would think that I was crazy and would never hire me for her wedding. Here eyes widened, she looked at me with disbelief and said, "why yes, how did you ever guess?" Well, my Great Grandmother was full blood Cherokee and I could see the similarities. I will never forget her, she was a very spiritual woman and had a huge impact on my younger years. Unfortunately, after three generations of the genetic melting pot, I have little color to show for it.

I am so pleased to be shooting for Barbara "Tigerlily" and David in the end of June.

Enjoy the photos!

I love this image.

By the way, this venue is available now in it's natural state. Next year, I'm told it will be groomed and prepared for summertime weddings. Just drop me a note and I'll get you in touch with the event coordinator.

Montana Weddings - Weekdays

2009-05-12T14:10:00.010-06:00

under this Big blue Sky

Over the past few weeks I've noticed that there are a lot folks that have put off booking services for their Montana Wedding until now. Like most of us planning our summer time travel and events, we have been waiting to see if the economy is going to take a positive turn.

Well, I can't control the economy but I can offer a solution to help make your Montana dream wedding a reality.

PROBLEM: As you may know, a lot of venues and photographers have already booked most Saturdays.
SOLUTION: Plan your wedding for a weekday and save money!

I know of two beautiful wedding venues that are making similar offers on weekdays. Namely: Buck's T4 in Big Sky and The Woodlands in Cottonwood Canyon. I'm sure there are more. Don't hesitate to ask them.

I have decided to offer $600 off any of my packages, on any day, other than Saturday. Contact me for pricing and availability.

I still have a very few Saturdays open as well.

Cowgirl Yoga Images on ABC

2009-05-07T15:27:00.007-06:00

Big Sky Yoga, Blue Sky Yoga... it's all the same.

My friend Margaret Burns Vap of Big Sky Yoga Retreats just got a big splash nation wide on ABC along with a few of my photos.

Way to go Margaret, I hope this gets the word out about your fabulous Yoga get-aways here in Montana.

If you'd like to see more of these images follow this link to my People Portfolio.

Mother and Daughter

2009-04-28T17:24:00.007-06:00

on a hillside in Montana

Ok, so I've been working away all day on setting up a new work station for this summer's weddings, and handling files, and starring into this flat screened miracle. Time to play.

I've been thinking about Mother's day coming up and the magic bond between mothers and daughters. I dove back into my shoot with Margaret of Cowgirl Yoga last week and pulled out the gold!

There is nothing more wonderful than a spring day amidst the mountains, and then to add to that, the magic and wonder of this special young lady, Morgane.

So here's my little look into Morgane's world. My humble tribute to all the Mothers and Daughters in this world.

Margaret and David... you should proud.

April snow

2009-04-24T17:06:00.009-06:00

and UPS Luau

Well it's springtime in the Rockies for sure. Woke up to almost a foot of snow in Livingston! Here's Heather's car before we got to work.

Then off to the river for a snowy walk with Yeshe "the fire dog".

Last weekend we decided to take a drive over to attend the University of Puget Sound Luau.

Oh but first... this is my all time favorite billboard that I found in Tacoma.

My daughter Lauren on the porch of her other home.

Lauren with her fine house mates.

Ryne making a horse out of Josh. I think he liked it.

Spring weddings don't pop up on my calender until June, so instead of wedding photos I give you - Luau! at the University of Puget Sound.

The dancing was gorgeous. Nice work Lauren!

Springtime Yoga

2009-04-22T15:11:00.004-06:00

in the Crazy Mountains

Yesterday I picked up stakes and headed for Wilsal with my friend Margaret Burns Vap and her daughter Morgane. Margaret teaches yoga here in Bozeman and has modeled for me for an advertising project last year. This time we were working on an ad for Jade Yoga mats. We had mid 70's temps and glorious sunshine. Janice Cartwright at Montana Horse Sense provided us with one of her beautiful horses Flash and allowed us to roam the hills a bit right at the foot of the Crazy's.

In the end, the sun was so nice that the boots came off and my yoga friend enjoyed the sun completely. Here are a few of the images we made.

Heather and Stephen

2009-04-15T16:26:00.009-06:00

at the Historic Baxter Hotel

Another fun afternoon running around in our fabulous Montana style "spring" weather! Heather and Stephen flew in yesterday from Rochester, MN. Their wedding day is coming up in September and this was our chance to make some fun and romantic engagement photos. Here in Montana I take the weather I get, and run with it. I must admit, when I drove to Bozeman this morning, I had no idea of where we would shoot today.

But.. Ah hah! I remembered that I got a call from Kara, the event manager at the Baxter Hotel. She was inquiring about getting the Hotel listed on my venues page for weddings and receptions. I gave her a call and poof... a cool place to shoot. We shot in the newly renovated Bauchus Pub and the Baxter ballroom.

Enjoy the photos!

Getting married?
Want remarkable images?
Well... what are you waiting for, drop me a note. I still have some openings this summer and I'll go just about anywhere.

Mongolian Lamas visit

2009-04-13T12:38:00.008-06:00

Yellowstone Park

Well this post has nothing to do with weddings. But... I wonder if Buddhist Lamas actually marry people? Hmmmmmm? Maybe I could photograph a wedding in Mongolia.

My friend Claire Sands Baker called and invited me to hang out with a group of fine Lama men and photograph their visit on Saturday. The entourage is here from Mongolia as a cultural exchange and to study various conservation methods. There trip was sponsored by The Tributary Fund, a wonderful group that does great work for our world. Check out their website if you'd like to know more.

Here are some fun and intriguing photos from our day in Yellowstone National Park.

Listening to a presentation by a Park Biologist which was translated for them, although all of the Lamas had fairly good English. Certainly better than my Mongolian!

I think the Magpie and the Lama were having words... or thoughts!

These guys always had their cameras going. I felt right at home with them.

A joyous trot to the river in the snowy Lamar Valley.

Ancient tradition, ancient Buffalo, modern man!

Any resemblance? I love their robes.

I was honored to meet these gentle men.

Sharing images.

Contemplative walk abroad.

Alisia and Patrick

2009-04-02T18:08:00.004-06:00

at The Ellen Theatre

Ok, so I climbed out of bed this morning and said to myself, "Larry, you're going to do something completely different today!" I had an engagement session lined up for 2 pm with a couple that was coming over from Missoula. I put my hands on each side of head and pressed really hard. Then, out popped this idea of shooting in the historic Ellen Theatre. So, I got on the phone and called. The sweet box office lady called me back and, we were in! The rest I left up to see what presented itself. More jabber at the end. Enjoy this delightful couple and their moments together on stage.

Alisia and Patrick, I thoroughly enjoyed today. Hope you love the photos. It was a very rewarding day for me, thanks for driving over. See you soon, Larry

My friends,

2009-04-02T16:58:00.006-06:00

and the funny things we do!

Well, if you're a photo blog browser like myself, you've probably already seen the images on the blogs of Lauren Brown and Morgan Roof. We all got together on Monday for a photographer's coffee clutch at Melanie Nashan's place with other fine photographers from the area to talk shop. Very nice... thanks Mel!

So, my hand is now forced to show some of my images of these beautiful and talented women. My job was easy. They were the ones that had the hard job of photographing me. We'll see how that worked out!

Yeah, I know it looks like a Nikon ad! ha ha

Today I shot with Alisia and Patrick at the Ellen theatre for their engagement photos. Wow... what fun. That will be coming up next.

Springtime in the Rockies

2009-03-29T22:00:00.005-06:00

Paradise Valley with Jess and John Paul

Another great afternoon shooting in my favorite place in the whole wide world... the Paradise Valley just south of Livingston, Montana. Oh God I love this place. You never know what the heck the weather will do and today it did just about everything.

But that didn't stop Jessica and John Paul from making the most of their "Spring" visit to Montana. They flew in from Delaware on Friday to put together the final details of their July wedding in Red Lodge and we got together to make some fun photos for their engagement. As Montana springtime weather would have it, we had snow, and blow, and sun, and sleet and... well it's springtime in the Rockies!

I've got a dozen more amazing photos to share but it's late and tomorrow's Monday. Here's a sneak peak. I'll post more tomorrow.

skate'n East River Road.

make'n out in a phone booth (retro!)

on the banks of the Yellowstone in blizzard.

Jess and John Paul... you two rock. Thanks for stick'n with the plan and having fun with me today. I loved it. Hope you warmed up quickly. Safe travels, see you again soon.

UPDATE!
Ok, so here's the rest of the story. We started in the warmth of Chadz Coffee Shop in Livingston, then some brisk sunny moments down to valley.

Then we played around in Pine Creek before we got into the weather.

We took a mountain road up to a turn-out so we could be amongst the amazing peaks of Paradise Valley. John Paul played mountain lama.

Then, back in Livingston...the blizzard struck!

Engagement session

2009-03-28T16:25:00.007-06:00

at the foot of the Bridgers

Ok, so today, did I have some fun!!! Amber and David came by with their new little puppy Trixy and we jumped in their pickup and headed for the hills to make some fun photos for their engagement. Love is an amazing thing... and these two are connected at the hip.

Smoke Jumper with a pre-med education (+) a 3rd grade school teacher with Bachelor(ette) of Fine Arts and a ballarina! = LOVE. Whoa. What a cool couple. I had the most fun shooting today.

And many thanks to Chum and Sally Howe of the Springhill Pavilion, one of the finest historic wedding venues in the region and a really fantastic spread of land right at the foot of the Bridger Mountians.

Here's the works, get ready to smile.

Trixy pretty much stole the show and I loved it! Everytime I'd lay down to get a low angle she was all over me, loads of puppy kisses.

Some sweet moments.

Then the coats came off and the romping began.

In the end we all had wet butts and big smiles and I think Trixy was ready for a puppy nap on the way home.

Hey Amber and David, it was a real pleasure to spend some time with you today. Thanks for coming all the way over to Bozeman for the shoot. See you again soon!

Birthday Party

2009-03-24T12:57:00.009-06:00

for The Flower Bomb

Why is Lauren Brown the Flower Bomb. Well the answer is that when it comes to photographing flowers... she is the BOMB. Hence the nickname "Flower Bomb". If you haven't seen her floral detail images from weddings, you should. Try her BLOG on starters. She just put a new album slideshow up that you'll love.

Ok, sooo with that introduction, yesterday was Lauren's birthday and we threw her a little party. Here are some fun photos of the partying along with a cute little card that I made for her.

Thanks to everyone that came over and joined in the fun.

It's all about photoshop!

Henry and Jackie came with their Mom and had a great time. They fit right in because at Peach Street Studios, we're all just big kids. This Henry and Lauren.

And this is Jackie and Jennie Lynn.

My dog Yeshe eyeing the beer.

Elsa and Chuck of the Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon.

Molly Freeze who doesn't really live up to her last name... to the contrary.

Royce Gersuch, aka: Royce "the Rolls" of film. Royce made promo videos for both Lauren and I.

Lovely Angela and Lauren.

The kids danced up a storm.

Yarrow and the guys from ChiselIndustries.com screened an underground video about Lauren that will never be released!

Her reaction!

Looking for seamstress

2009-03-23T12:25:00.002-06:00

in Bozeman

I've got just about every other resource for weddings... but a seamtress. So, if you're out there, please contact me. I'd love to put you on my Montana Wedding Resource page.

Spring has sprung!!!

Latest Montana adventure

2009-03-19T11:12:00.007-06:00

Benefis Hospital

Well, as you know life is not all about sunny bluebird days with ribbons and bouquets. There is the substance of life and love in every place and every experience. And I think it's important to share the fact that I shoot all sorts of interesting projects. I always have fun working with great folks and discovering all facets of life.

In my last life (in LA) I shot advertising for about 10 years. It seems to keep coming back around. This time I ventured off to Great Falls for a week and shot for the Benefis Hospital. They're in the process of completing a brand new wing of their hospital.

I nabbed my fab business partner and friend, Lauren Brown to assist me for a week. And here are a few snaps.
Enjoy.

The high tech and up to date Operating Room. whoa!

This is one of the fine ladies that I work with. She does allllll the foot work for days of shooting, and coordinates our time with the Doc's schedule... a job that I don't envy. Great work Vicki!

Lauren standing in.

Doctors Brown and Stanley

Shooting with no hands.

and the result.

Here are some grabs from an Ad shoot we did with a fine guy up in Conrad that had his back fixed. Now he's out in the field again, keeping the American black gold going into the reserve.

The cute and funny Tianna came along on Friday to help me in the oil fields. Thanks T!

Oh and last but not least Lauren and I took a picture of ourselves in front of El Comedor. Great food and.... the largest selection of Tequila in the state. 50 different brands!!! That's why Lauren is smiling and I'm looking quizzically into the lens of my own camera. ha ha ha

A close look at my albums

2009-03-18T11:54:00.004-06:00

by Leather Craftsmen

I like to talk about my work in terms of "Remarkable Images and Books". The reason I put "books" in this descriptive phrase is that my work is all about story telling. What better way to tell a photo story than in a gorgeously bound book.

About 3 years ago, Gary Fong encouraged me to include an album in every package that I offer. I said... well OK, so who's got the best books? After a lot of shopping around, I landed on the folks from Leather Craftsmen. I wish I could just hand you one. You would know by the feel of it just how amazing they are. But, in lieu of that, here are some pictures of just a few samples that I have here in the studio.

They offer a wide selection of fine leathers as well as other materials with the option of inset photos and custom imprinting, even branding!

I like the square format that gives you a wide panaramic view 10 inches tall and 20 inches wide. So fabulous for the big Montana scenery. The photographic prints are lightly textured and laquered for life long protection.

Here's a simple black leather with and inset photo on the front. Very sweet!

Fonts! Yeah, they have plenty. Personalize your book with custom stamping, monograms, symbols... whatever.

And when you get inside, that's where the "Remarkable Images" are... those are personal to you. The sky's the limit.

Talented Montana wedding photographer

2009-03-14T15:58:00.008-06:00

Lauren Brown

I just got home from a shoot in Great Falls. Lauren Brown and I shot for the Benefis Hospital all week long and it was very productive. I'll share some images in the near future. Advertising work is tedious at times and requires a lot of focus. I was lucky to have my business partner and good friend Lauren with me. Lauren is such a vivid young talent in our region. If you haven't seen her work... you should!

LaurenBrownPhoto.com

By the way, Great Falls is a gas... but oh was it cold during the first of the week. Highs of -9. ouch! The Sip and Dip is a must experience bar and The Breaks is a fabulous place for a fine dinner.

But all that aside, after many days with long hours of ad work, I stuck my camera in my tired assistant's face for some very low key, low light portraits of my friend. I think these are among some of my favorite photos that I've made lately.

Montana Winter Wedding

2009-03-02T17:59:00.009-07:00

Chico in February

Who would have expected such a brilliant day in the first week of February. DeeDee and Scott have become good friends of mine over the months since we met, and I just had a feeling that the day would be amazing. And it was!

Here's the first of the many album designs of 2009. Enjoy.

DeeDee and Scott

Glacier National Park

2009-02-23T16:42:00.004-07:00

at the Belton Chalet

Oh My God what a beautiful day in West Glacier. Blue sky, crisp fresh mountain air, absolutely beautiful couple and me... well I was cruisin in the second camera seat while my daughter did the work. I could not have had a better weekend diversion from my norm. God, I love this area of our Montana home!!!

Check out these photos!

I love photos of sisters!

The fabulously renovated piece of history... The Belton, in all of it's simple elegance. I get to shoot there again in July. Yo, I like that.

A prayerful moment in the loving company of family and friends.

And oh yeah, the nieces and nephews... lots of them!

Jennie Lynn making her magic which she'll unveil soon.

And some special moments I grabbed.

The Star!

Driver and assistant, your's truly.

And in the end I played with the little snow people of the great white north!

Museum of the Rockies

2009-02-19T17:25:00.006-07:00

Fresh Designs produces Fire and Ice

Last Saturday I visited the Museum of the Rockies to catch a few images of the fine work of Angela and Tiffany of Fresh Design events and floral.

It was a star studded event. Most notably, Jeni Flemming performed with a really big band. The event was gorgeous and the flowers... were ART! I'm looking forward to working some weddings with these talented ladies.

Enjoy the color rush!

I'm off to West Glacier tomorrow to shoot second camera with my daughter Jennie Lynn. I can't wait to see what sort of cool images I can find!!!! She's carrying the load on this one, and I get to play. Look for the photos next week.

Valentine's Day Engagement shoot.

2009-02-17T17:28:00.004-07:00

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Well it was minutes before the Winter Ball at the Museum of the Rockies entitled "Fire and Ice". Sarah and Sam had just flown in from Tennessee for the weekend to visit family and handle arrangements for their July 2nd wedding. This couple just finished active duty in Iraq and it was clear that they were thrilled to be home! Ok, so I'm a crazy romantic type and I have to tell you these are two are smitten. I loved shooting with them... albeit short. I can't wait to have a little more time with them on their wedding day.

We ran around quickly on a local golf course while the Whitetail deer held their position on the winter grasses. We used up the last little bit of light we had. It might have been 15 minutes total.

Hat's off to Sarah and Sam, for serving our country.

Montana Winter Wedding

2009-02-09T16:47:00.009-07:00

February 7th was sunny and beautiful!

I have looked forward with anticipation to DeeDee and Scott's outdoor wedding, wondering just what kind of temps and weather would be in store for this wonderful couple. It was my first wedding for 2009. Off we go into another year of beautiful wedding days! And what a way to start. Well, it was 45 degrees and absolutely remarkable. I couldn't wait to share a few of these with you. After the ceremony in the Field of Dreams at Chico Hot Spring Resort we hiked up into the hills a bit.... WOW what a perfect day.

DeeDee and Scott, I so totally enjoyed myself at your wedding. Thank you very much for having us at your wedding. Happy Fiji days!

Oh yeah... at Chico they have this cool Caboose that DeeDee used for her preparations. Way cool space.