Missoula Wedding Photographer Jacilyn M

And the Vegas Photoshoot Winners are…..

Jacilyn M — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:55:28 +0000

Seriously I could have saved so much time by just putting the names into a randomizer and having that choose but it’s so much more fun to write them all out, cut them, fold them and DRAW! With a little help from Cattie we drew 2 winners!

But, first! Thank you to all of you for entering! I am so humbled by all of you, and appreciate you SO much! I was seriously amazed how many of you were interested. I wish I had time to do a shoot for all 28 of you!!!! But if you see me say hi!!! I love hugs and instagram photos together So now…. for the winners!

I’m so excited to spend some time with these two! Crazily (<- that is a word, ok) they both live right outside my favorite city! The two winners are……….

Melisa Draper

&

Meg Courtney

Yay!!! I am so so so excited to spend some time with each of you!! I’ll be emailing you both shortly! Everyone go check out their amazing work and like their fanpages!!! Melisa Draper Photography & Meg Courtney Photography

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who entered! Can’t wait to see you all in Vegas!

Vegas Photog Shoot… GIVEAWAY!

Jacilyn M — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:04:52 +0000

This time last year Joe and I headed off to Las Vegas for WPPI. I was SO excited to go…. and SO nervous about meeting other photogs and the events to happen. Either that went out the window when I met Zach & Jody while checking in…. or I was more excited than nervous

A few weeks before heading down there another photographer posted in a Facebook group that she wanted to do a mini type session with other photogs to get to know them. I JUMPED at the opportunity since I needed some photos of me for my site. This shoot started at 8am…. 8 is SO early in Vegas. Don’t know if you know that. So early (and I’m not a morning person to begin with) that I almost cancelled that morning. SO glad I didn’t!! Not only do I love the images (have them on my site, FB, even my family has them on their refrigerators) but Karen has become such a good friend! And her husband too, so glad he is coming to Vegas this year! The 20 minute session together just was not enough. I wanted to get to know her better. Thankfully social networking, a trip to Cali and singing made up songs to each other over Heytell have allowed me to get to know her, and call her a dear friend.

All of that started from her reaching out (I know she was nervous about it) and offering her time to other photographers. And now… I feel like it’s my turn to pay it forward. If all of that could happen from 20 minutes together…. what could happen if I offered 90 minutes with 2 photographers? I’m not sure, but I’m will to try and see what will happen!

I have Monday (the 20th) morning and Wednesday (the 22nd) morning available and I want to spend some time with other photogs. Hanging out, getting to know you, talking shop, talking life, AND giving you a photoshoot. So if you are wanting to get together, or are in need of new photos for your site, blog, biz cards, whatever then lets get together!!!! It’s giveaway time!

So here’s the deal! 2, count ‘em TWO winners will get 90 minutes to hang out, chat, become friends and have a photoshoot for YOU!! Aw ya! Now there are 4 ways to enter the giveaway and you if you enter more than one way you get more than one entry! So do them all for a better chance of winning! Here are the 4 ways!

1. Leave a comment on this blog post! Tell me what excites you about this!

2. ’Like’ the Facebook Fanpage and leave a comment that you are stopping by for the giveaway! If you already like it and make another entry I will give you the extra entry for liking the Page!

3. Post the following on FB ” I want to win a photoshoot giveaway with @Jacilyn M Photography [that should link to my page if you liked it] in Las Vegas! ” Make sure to retype the @Jacilyn M Photography so that my page is linked and I can track it!

4. Or you can tweet out the following! ” I want to win a photoshoot giveaway with @jacilynm in Las Vegas! ”

My Vegas schedule filled up so fast I was afraid there wouldn’t be time for this and I’m SO excited to find some time to squeeze it in and get to know you!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!

The winners will be announced first thing on Monday morning! So get those entries in and share with a friend! And we all know blog posts are much better with a photo sooooo here is one of my faves of Joe and I from Karen last year!

Laura – Hamilton MT Trash the Dress | Portraits

Jacilyn M — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:07:21 +0000

AH! This session was so so so good for me. I’ve recently felt like I was in this rut. Photography became solely work, going through the motions. Started to feel like I was doing the same things over and over and I had lost this creative touch. I’d pick up my camera for a session and then set it down not to be picked up until another session. I stopped shooting for ME. And us creative folk we need an outlet! So late fall I knew it was time to start working on personal projects, not just sessions for clients. One of the things I really wanted was a girl in wedding dress who would tromp around and let it get dirty. So I posted it up on FB and Laura JUMPED on the opportunity. I was STOKED. A gorgeous girl, a fellow photog, a new friend, could this get any better? Then she said she had horses.

Yesterday was a crazy day and truely, it wasn’t going well. The morning was all over the place, I kind of wasn’t in the mood, I definitely wasn’t feeling it. I hated it. And it lingered the whole drive, this isn’t how I wanted to start this session. This was supposed to be fun, adventurous, and an opportunity to step out of my rut. Hey, guess what?! YOU CHOOSE HOW YOU REACT TO OR IN A SITUATION! Ya I know, no brainer. But sometimes I need to pep talk myself, and by sometimes I mean VERY often A quick reminder that how this time went was something I would determine. You wanna know how to start a shoot of right? HUGS! Hugs make everything better. And from there we were off.

I’m so jacked about how these images turned out. We were freezing but in my opinion, it was worth it. So check them out! Then you should head over to Laura’s Facebook Page and leave her some love. Cause, that’s what awesome people do

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New Beginnings

Jacilyn M — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:58:03 +0000

Wow the last time I blogged was November, what?! That’s crazy. I had seriously thought I blogged last month but I guess not!

December was crazy. I took on a new project and opened up shop with a dear friend to start a new inspiration magazine for photographers. Smidgen Magazine is still in the works and nearly completion of the first issue. I’m so excited, and so VERY nervous, lol.

Then I just took time off for the holidays. I used to be horrible about working all day and all night. As the holidays approached I knew this was something I no longered wanted to do. And I’m pleased to say I don’t! YAY! It’s so hard when you work from home. Some nights when I sit down to watch some reality tv I try to talk myself into working rather than just sitting around. BUT we all need relax time in our lives. I need to learn to step away and enjoy life in other ways. And truely I’ve been much happier since.

The new year came and what I wanted to do with the blog hung in the air. Did I even want to keep blogging. Did I want to put the work into it. I couldn’t say no. But then it was how much to blog, how many days, how much to share, how much to not share. And mostly who even is my blog audience anymore? Who am I writing to? Who SHOULD I write to? After lots of consideration with the blog I have finally decided that I WANT to continue blogging. I WANT to continue sharing. And, I’m GOING to do it more often. So here’s to one of my many new adventures!

It wasn’t long ago that I was a new photographer myself. I had a couple friends around the country that would answer questions for me occasionally but often felt all on my own. I’ve been so excited to help out other photographers lately. It kind of felt like out of no where people wanted my advice or opinion. At first this threw me off guard a little, what did I know? What I do or don’t do may or may not be the “right” way, but it’s right for me and I was happy to share it with those that asked. Conversation after conversation I realized there were things that I ended up talking more and more about, and the other photographers wanted to know more and more about. From that The Breakout Experience was born.

The Breakout Experience covers selling YOU, recognizing who YOUR client IS and what client you WANT, how to ACCESS them, provide them with a TOP-OF-THE-LINE EXPERIENCE and RELATIONSHIP, push BEYOND your fears, and think of the FUTURE of the industry and sell it!

I’ve been to a few workshops and the downside to them was always the class size. 20-30 people. Some people took over the whole class leaving others hidden and to shy to ask a question, or answer one. I would become great friends with just a handful of people (or less) and because of the size there would start to be distinct groups. I hated this feeling. And to this day I still kinda relate the word workshop to that feeling of division within a group striving for the same goal. I didnt want this to happen with The Breakout Experience. So instead The Experiences are limited to a max of just 8 people. Making us a smaller group, where some aren’t shadowed. But I also have high hopes that by making it a smaller group these 8 or less people build connections, and friendships. That the experience leaves with them and carries on. That this group will love each other, care for each other and help each other to succeed from here on out.

I’m jacked! The Breakout Experience launches in Las Vegas over WPPI. There are 2 separate ones happening there, one for the wedding photographer about couples, and the other for those trying to break into the Senior scene and succeed. I can’t believe it, I only launched the website a few weeks ago and there is just 1 seat left in the Couple Experience and only a few left in the Senior Experience. I’d love to meet you and have you join in on such a great time in Las Vegas.

If you’re not going to Las Vegas there are currently a few other Experiences starting up for other cities, like Vancouver, BC; Chicago, IL; Columbus, OH; and Richmond, VA. If you aren’t near any of those areas but need this to come to you, let’s talk!! I’d love to work something out to make it happen.

I couldn’t feel more blessed for such an amazing opportunity to help others succeed in their dreams! Check out the Website for more info!!!

Edge of the World Winter Outerwear | Missoula MT Fashion Photography

Jacilyn M — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:44:05 +0000

Yesterday was an early morning Not real early but definitely early for the weekend. And the night before a big fun shoot I have a hard time going to sleep. I’m just too excited! Joe came with me yesterday and we headed up to Marshall Mountain to meet up with some of the folks from Edge of the World downtown and photograph some of the rad outerwear they have in the store. Honestly I had so much fun and I’m so excited about the results. I’ve just started exploring a more fashion photography and I LOVE it!! So check out the gear they have. Joe even made a list of some of the guys items he wanted while we were up there haha.

Go check out EOW on Facebook! They post up the new stuff they get in and seriously the have some of the best stuff EVER!

So this hat-thing has been sitting down in the store for a while on a styrofoam head. No one really knew what to think of it. Saturday we were pulling gear for the shoot and thought we should photograph it so people know what it actually looks like on. After photographing it…. I’m strongly considering walking down there and purchasing it for myself RIGHT now

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2011 Thirst Relief Mentor Auction! Let’s save some lives!

Jacilyn M — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:40:37 +0000

Last year Joe and I took our first trip ever to WPPI. We signed up for some meet ups with photographers, a couple shoots, etc. As soon as I found out about the Thirst Relief Mentor Auction I started reading on every photographer listed, watching the auction, and bidding. I bid on alot of auctions, I think Joe was VERY nervous for a while there, haha! I set a budget for myself and in the last seconds lost out on an auction I wanted badly. It didn’t matter, I believed in Thirst Relief. I believed in the work they were doing and I wanted to help. Even though I didn’t win I still donated that money to Thirst Relief. A couple days later the mentor I had been bidding on found out I had been bidding on him and asked if I was willing to give a little more to Thirst Relief he would give me a mentor session. I said HECK YES!

This mentor session forever changed me, forever changed my business. I’m forever grateful. And this year, it’s my turn to give back! YUP!

So first if you don’t know what Thirst Relief is GO CHECK IT OUT!!! Jim Davis-Hicks and his wife are great people who have started an amazing organization that saves lives! Or here, let me help you

Thirst Relief Short from Anton Lorimer on Vimeo.

I am so excited to be a part of the mentor auction this year with MANY other AMAZING photographers! I have always had the desire to give back and help out other photographers and I can’t wait to find out who I get to spend time with!! Each mentor is offering a 90 minute session along with anything else they’d like to give. I’ll be offering 1 year of free Showit, PASS software, 1 year subscription to the upcoming photography and design magazine Smidgen, and a photo session with me! YAY!!!
Go check out the auction!

What are you thankful for?

Jacilyn M — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:34:50 +0000

I love Halloween only because it’s fun for my daughter, haha. I’m not big on Halloween and never have been. I get so excited for it to be over so the real holidays can begin! And now the countdown to Christmas decor is on! This time of the year is my ultimate favorite. Family gatherings. Counting my blessings. Leggings and slippers. Snow. Which means family trips to the mountain to ski and snowboard. Large sweaters. Baking. Shopping. Giving. Egg nog. Crafts. Fall & winter scents. Lots of hockey. This list can go on and on.

Right now we have some family in town. Last week all of my husbands siblings were in town. I have been in this family for almost 4.5 years and this was the first time ever that all of his siblings were in one place. So we had an early, early Thanksgiving. We also had to do some family photos. It was so nice to actually pick up my camera and take some more fam photos again. I spend so much time photographing others that I don’t stop for a minute and photograph my own family. I capture moments for others to cherish but fail to capture my own moments to cherish. My daughter Cattie and her cousin are the same age and have always grown up together. It was so nice to photograph them being them. Photos we can share decades from now. I know I’m slightly biased…. but really, they are the cutest kids on the planet.

And each year we do a quick photo of my my brother and sister in law and their son for their Christmas card. In past years it’s been everything we can do to get Kaden to look AT the camera, AND make sure mom and dad looked too! This year was hilarious. Instead, this year, Kaden put on a show while mom and dad just tried to smile. I love him dearly. I think they have quite the selection to choose from this year rather than maybe 1 in the past haha.

As November starts I encourage all of you to share each day what you are thankful for Today I am thankful for family. They are more than I could have ever asked for Love them all dearly.

Happy Wednesday!

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Hyde Family | Missoula MT Family Portrait Photography

Jacilyn M — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:28:24 +0000

A year and a half ago this family’s name was known in probably every home in our city. Their names and their story quickly spread across the country and the world. Kalli and Mike are some of the best parents I have ever had the pleasure meeting. Their oldest son, Colten, is a gem and I’m certain he is the best big brother any little boy could ask for. Their youngest son, Cashy, is 3 years old and is battling cancer.

When Cashy was just 20 months old they found a Stage 4 brain tumor and he was life flighted to Salt Lake for surgery. Unfortunately the tumor had grown around his optic nerve so they were unable to remove it entirely. He was diagnosed with a PNET brain tumor which is a very aggressive type of cancer with a very high fatality rate. They started him on chemo. Because of the pressure the tumor was putting on the optic nerve he lost eyesight for a while. He is truly a miracle child. He regained vision and survived through seizures, blood infections, septic shock, 4 code blues, a stroke, pulmonary hemorrhaging, 45 days on life support in a sedated coma, and beat cancer. At the age of 2 folks.

Over the last few months I have had the pleasure of watching Cashy be a normal cancer free child. I have watched him grow this beautiful little friendship with my nephew. I have seen one of the strongest families show me how to love my family more. How to be thankful for simple things in life. How to cherish friends and family. And what the power of prayer really can do.

A few weeks ago they went in for a check up and the tumor has reoccurred. Chemo is not an option this time around. They came home for a few days and I had the opportunity to photograph them quickly before they left town again to prep for radiation. Cashy really wasn’t feeling the camera on Saturday, and that’s ok! We worked what he gave us and I am SO blessed! Thank you Mike & Kalli for giving me the time to spend with you even if it wasn’t long. You are AMAZING!

Before I share a few images please take the time to show them some love and hit up the Cash Hyde Foundation facepage. They have built a great foundation to help families battling pediatric cancer. With the trials in their own lives they still find the time and have the desire to help others. Simply amazing.

If you would like to help out the Hyde family here are few ways you can do so!

There are a group of ladies selling scentsy and giving 100% of the profit to the Hyde family. Click here if you’d like to learn more about that. They are also selling scentsy bears that can be donated to children battling pediactric cancer!

I have 3 sessions available for December 3rd mini-sessions. If interested let me know, $40 from each of those sessions is being donated to the Cash Hyde Foundation.

Or you can make a donation or purchase bracelets through the Cash Hyde Foundations site

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Grensten Family | Missoula MT Family Portrait Photography

Jacilyn M — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:57:19 +0000

Saturday I did a few family mini-sessions and honestly they were way more fun than I was even hoping. I credit it to starting with such an amazing and fun family! We met at this fun little place near downtown. And we were so lucky! It was supposed to rain but it didn’t and at times we were even blessed with a little sunlight. Bobi & Jason have 3 of the cutest kids EVER! And they were SO much fun. I could photograph them all day! It’s amazing how many photos we can take in 30 minutes with 3 children wandering through this little nature park. I’m so excited to share these. I just love them so much!

I mean SERIOUSLY!!!! Look at these cute little faces!

Kids and fallen Fall leaves go together like peanut butter and jelly.

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Family Photos – Before & After

Jacilyn M — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:54:15 +0000

Since family photo mini-sessions are happening this weekend and in December I thought it might be fun to show a family before and after. This is one of my favorites from last year. Just a classic, cute, simple family photo When I looked up the stats for this photo I was shaking my head at my stats, haha. We had just been inside so that is probably why my ISO is so high. No need for it outside and with a shutter speed that high. But I had only been in business for just over 3 months and although I would do it a little bit different now, it turned out fine and I still love it!

There are still some openings for family sessions this Saturday and on December 3rd. Contact me if you are interested. $40 from your session will go to the Cash Hyde Foundation!

Happy Wednesday!

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