Baby Boudoir

Meet miss Alivia.  Isn't she just a doll?  She stopped by after her mommy's boudoir shoot for a quick impromptu shoot.  I'm calling it a baby boudoir shoot since she was in her diaper, and used some of her mom's props.  She has a very lucky daddy who received not only photographs of his beautiful wife for Valentines day, but also some photos of cutie pie Alivia.

The above photos cracks me up because it resembles a classic pin-up.

I also love the below photo!  Such gorgeous blue eyes just like her mama.

 

Because...It is Valentines day!

So I know that there have not been many new photo posts lately, and I actually have a really great excuse for it.  I have been shooting boudoir sessions for the past month, and I can't really share those sessions for two reasons-most of them are surprises, and boudoir photos are really very private in nature.  I am hoping to talk a few ladies into letting me share a couple of their photos, however it is completely up to them so it just might not happen.  (If you are interested in a boudoir shoot,  I do have some photos I can share with you privately.)  I feel very blessed with how popular the boudoir sessions were this Valentines day.  I shot 7 sessions in the past 3 weeks, and since other than on my blog and facebook I didn't advertise them, I feel incredibly grateful that my beautiful clients referred their beautiful friends to me.  I have wonderful clients, and I feel confident now that the boudoir side of my business will continue to grow because these women will continue to share their experience and their photos with their girlfriends.  A referral is really the best compliment a photographer can get, and I am very thankful for them.  

On another note, I feel a little guilty about my own Valentines day plans this year.  I have been so busy working on accordian albums, and print orders for others, that my poor husband has taken a backseat this year.  To be honest, I don't think he minds me not making today a big deal for once, and we will get to spend some time together tonight.  However, it might just be a homecooked meal, with some cheap champagne and box made brownies.  This doesn't mean I love you any less kb.  There is no where I'd rather be then home after a busy weekend with my sweatheart eating brownies and drinking champagne.  I love you Kevin-today and everyday!  

Here is a little Valentines day card I made to share with you all this year.  Please don't be too critical of the photo.  It was shot using my camera's self timer in our family room in 5 minutes.  

The Best Part of My Day

(Disclaimer...It took me a long time to hit the publish button for this post.  It is a long post, and it is a personal post.  You have been warned. ) 

One of my favorite weekend activities is blog surfing.  Actually it is one of my favorite activities any time, but I try to keep it in check during the week...Some days I jump from photography blog to photography blog.  Sometime I get caught up on celebrity gossip via a blog.  Other days I end up reading about Parisienne adventures and far away lands on blogs.  Sometime I love a good diy blog that makes me feel like I really can be crafty, but today my blog surfing got me completely side tracked, and it has brought me here, to my own blog.  

Last week during a completely different blog reading session I came across a fantastic little idea on Under the Sycamore (Ashley Ann Photography).  She had come up with this cute little mass gift idea for her husband's coworkers (I think).   She had made little notebooks with each month as a different page, and a spot to write the best part of your day down on every date for a year.  I loved this idea, however I had no intention of creating little notebooks to hand out.  Instead, it became a personal project for me.  I decided that at the end of the day, I would start writing down the date and the best part of my day.  Sounds easy doesn't it.  When I got home to Miles City, (I was at my parents house when the idea stuck) I found an unused, notebook in my office that would be my "Best part of my day" journal.

I have always loved the ideas of journaling.  I love writing, and I have always found it therapeutic, but I don't often have the time or energy to sit and journal.  My blog in some ways is my journal, and my hope is that it becomes even more of one in the upcoming year.  But I love the idea of hand writing a journal, and someday having a box of them that my kids or grandkids will come across.  There is something so nostalgic about it, and even though boxes of handwritten journals are going by the wayside as technology takes over, I still think there is something so special about a journal or diary.  

So...this is my small attempt at having a journal that someday I will have to look back on.  The nice thing about a "Best part of my day" journal is there is now whining in it.  It is simple and sleek, and doable.  Another plus, is that at the end of a day, it forces me to sit down and look for the positive in any day.  It makes me not take the little moments for granted.  Because my days are filled with a lot of little moments that I won't naturally remember.  Yes, I will remember the holidays, vacations, and big important moments.  However, I might not remember the monday night spent cuddling on the couch with my husband watching season 6 of the office on dvd.  Those moments are worth remembering too, and do deserve reflection.  Obviously there are some days that I have more to write about than others, but it really does help to not take so much for granted.

My $1 notebook from Michaels.  Perfectly simple

Ok...so I didn't know if I was going to share my latest little idea about being grateful until...today.  This brings me back to the beginning of this post, the part about me blog surfing.  I was checking the savvy photographer blog as I do regularly and it lead me to be in the moment photo blog.  It is not unusual for me to start at one blog and end up on another blog as blogs so often have "link love."  I highly recommend that everyone takes some time to read this blog.  (not just photographers)  Valerie Koop and her family's story is a heartbreaking one.  I have never met the Koop family, never even heard of them until this morning, and there I was sharing in their heartbreak.  Valerie is losing her husband to cancer.  They have been married 16 years, they have two young children, and he is only 38.  My heart aches for this family.  They have been told to go home to their children and enjoy their remaining time together.  After reading some of the comments, I know there are a lot of people out there that don't know this family praying for them.  So I join them in praying.  I think one of the most beautiful things we as people are capable of is compassion.  It is impossible to imagine the pain this family is enduring, and as a newly married woman who someday wants very badly to be a mother,  it is heart wrenching to know that these two children are losing their father, and Valerie is losing the love of her life.  So at my desk  I sat with tears running down my cheeks feeling completely devastated for this family.  I could go on and on about this family, but I encourage you to take the time to read their story.  Enjoy the photos Valerie shares of her beautiful kids, of her husband, and their life.  Their fight, their love for each other, for their children, and to their family and friends, and the way they continue their day to day life is inspirational.  It is blogs like hers that keep me wanting to share more of myself.  She is incredibly courageous to share her story.  

After spending some time on Valerie's blog.  I decided to share my "best part of my day" journal plan.  It is important to be as grateful as possible.  It is important to cherish the small moments.  Someday, you will want those moments back.  It is important to live in the now, and to not take your loved ones for granted.  It is easy to get bombarded by to do lists, laundry, and chores.  However,  I can guarantee I will never write "finishing the laundry" down as the best part of my day.  So I will put that stuff off for now.  Penny deserves a walk,  (I love walks with Penny) and my husband will be home from working in North Dakota soon, and we deserve to enjoy some time together. 

This photo was snapped about an hour ago...Penny is curled up on my boots by our glass door.  She regularly lays here, and it looks as though she is just waiting for spring.

Because...He is brand new. {Bozeman, MT Newborn Photographer}

How can something so tiny manage to just completely captivate you?  I could have stayed and photographed little Tevin all day long.  He is such a doll and at only 13 days old, he already has such a cute little personality.  Well cute and funny, he gave both mom and dad a lovely little shower while he was out of his diaper.   

You may recognize Tevin's parents.  I have shot their engagement photos, wedding, Tana's baby belly, and now their first born.  It is such an honor for me that they have allowed me to photograph so many special moments for them.  Over the past couple of years they have not only become some of my favorites clients, they have also become friends.  

Now back to Tevin, isn't he handsome?  The first thing I noticed about him was how perfect his skin is.  Usually babies at 13 days old have a little baby acne.  Tevin however had none.  Tevin also decided he wanted to be awake for most of the shoot, which is also a little unusual.  Most babies are content to sleep the whole time, not this little guy.  He definitely has a mind of his own.

I love the above and below photos.  So precious. 

 I love new daddies with their new babies...It always melts my heart.

Congrats Tana and Jaime on your beautiful baby!  He is perfect, and you two are going to be the best parents.  He is such a lucky little fella.

Busy with Boudoir

There are going to be some LUCKY guys out there this Valentines Day!  Below is a photo from a recent boudoir shoot of a cupcake we incorporated into the shoot.  I have really fallen in love with boudoir over the past couple of weeks and I am so excited for my shoots this week and next week!  

If you are interested in a boudoir shoot, please contact me immediately.  Valentine's day is right around the corner ;)   

Because....she said yes! {Miles City, MT Wedding Photographer}

I instantly felt as though I had known Layne and Erin for years.  They are such a warm and friendly couple, and although it was snowy and freezing outside, they remained easy going and cheerful the whole shoot.  The were seriously good sports about the weather.  

We started with a few shots in my family room, (soon to be home studio) and then braved the chilly Miles City weather.  By the time we called it quits, all three of us were covered in snow and vowing to shoot more photos in the spring when the weather warms up.  However, the snow really made the photos have a very romantic feel.  I love all the kissing ones.  (big surprise there)  There is just something about kissing in a blizzard that reminds me of old black and white movies.  However it is usually rain in the old movies, but we do live in Montana after all so the snow fits.

Congrats you two, and I can't wait for the Spring shoot, and your wedding!  Warm July sunshine sounds pretty good about now.

Above and below are my faves!

Valentines Boudoir Special!

Well ladies it is time to start thinking about Valentines Day.  This year, do something different.  Get your man something he will seriously love and something that will make you feel HOT. HOT. HOT!  I am talking about a Boudoir Session with Whitney Lin Photography.  I know it is a little intimidating, but I promise you will have a blast, and your honey will really appreciate this gift.  I am offering four great packages this year that will surely fit any budget.  Each session will last approximately an hour.   I highly recommend the Fabulous Party Package.  Not only will this provide you with the perfect Valentines day gift, you will also have a full afternoon of fun with your girls.  Champagne will absolutely be provided for the Party Package.  

Please feel free to talk to me about location needs as I have a couple of options.  Usually any bedroom can be transformed into a perfect boudoir set.  I will happily bring my new backdrop to set up alongside your bed which will block out anything in your room that you want hidden.  

You may book a date in the Bozeman area between January 22-29.  Miles City dates can be scheduled around that week.

This is also a great idea for 2011 brides.  Take care of that groom gift ahead of time.  Can you imagine the look on his face when he opens up sexy photos of his wife to be minutes before the wedding? 

Below are the package details.  Please contact me at 406-223-8667 or whitneylinphotography@yahoo.com to book your session.   Click on the ad to enlarge. 

  Please note that images will be tasteful.  Nothing will be shared on my blog or website without your permission.

Live. Love. Create. Inspire.

Just a heads up....this post ended up a little long.  Read at your own risk of boredom and information over share :)

Although I have made and halfway kept resolutions in past, I have never actually sat down, thought about it, and then put them in writing.  I actually think by putting them here, on my blog, that I will be much more successful in keeping them.  One of my biggest fears as a photographer is disappointing my clients.  So maybe if I share my goals with you, I will be much more motivated to succeed at them.  

You may have noticed my title, and this is a phrase I keep jotting down in notebooks, on marketing material, and on design work.  I actually think it pretty much sums up my resolutions this year.

Live.

Seems pretty straightforward and it is.  However, I also would like to add that I really want to learn to be better at managing my time.  I spend a lot of time reading blogs, checking facebook, and aimlessly wandering the internet for all things photography.  Although I do feel like there is a time for it, it really needs to stop sucking up my mornings.  I really do my best editing in the morning and then again in the late afternoon.  So I am going to try to structure my day around this.  I am still going to allow myself some free web time-but it needs to be around midday when I need a visual boost or after 5 pm.  That being said, I really want to walk away from my computers by 7 pm-including my ipad which I am completely addicted to.  This might not happen during wedding season, but it is something I need to be mindful of.  I don't want my computer to take time away from husband, friends, and family.  This will in turn give me more time to live-see I made it work.

Love.

I really want to take time EVERY day to be a better wife, daughter, sister, friend, and dog owner.  These relationships take work, and it has become even more important to me this year as I am now living further away from so many people I love.  Also, as a new wife, I feel like I am constantly learning what being married is all about.  I am learning that the support we get from each other is the most important kind.  I am learning that doing something for your husband's happiness also makes you happy.  For example, I have been trying to master some Mexican meals for Kev because it is our favorite.  I have never really been into cooking before, but creating dishes for my husband that I know no one else has made him (outside of a restaurant) , and watching him devour them is a serious happiness booster.  It has made me love cooking.  Making Kevin's happiness a priority will only have a positive effect on my own.  I think this is true with my other relationships as well.  If I go out of my way to do something nice for a friend or family member, I will feel the love as well and my relationships will improve.

Create.

So this is obvious in the sense that I will continue to create through photography.  But, I would also like to spend more time working on design.  It is something I am passionate about but don't have any real training in, so I am going to continue to self teach.  I fell in love with designing my wedding invitations, and save the dates, and sometime would love to do this for someone else.  It also comes in hand for marketing material as well.  

On top of designing, I also want to continue to make this blog grow.  I feel like 2010 was the year in which I started consistently blogging, and I want to keep that up.  I want it to not only be a place for my photography, but for my own life as well.  I really want future clients to be able to get to know me through my blog before I they ever meet me.

Inspire.

I really hope that in some way or another I inspire others.  Seriously, starting my own business and putting myself out there is hard.  There are nights when I can't sleep because I am terrified of failing.  I have been in love with photography for as long as I can remember and therefor it is not something I am prepared to fail at.  That thought is crippling.  I will continue learning, and working until I have gotten to the point where I can call Whitney Lin Photography a successful business.  Then I will continue to work and learn because photography is an always changing industry.  It is my dream, and I hope that I can possibly inspire others to follow their dreams, whether they are photographers or not.  

Okay...that got waayyy lengthy and although it wasn't my intent- I am leaving it for the simple purpose that there will be days in the upcoming year when I need to go back and re-read this.  There will be times, that I am stressed, and uninspired, and I am hoping that my own words can get me through it.  So on that note-Happy New Year!  I hope 2011 is a year of growth, prosperity, and inspiration. 

Isn't Penny the CUTEST puppy in the world?  I was dying to try out my new drop it modern backdrop so Penny was bribed with bacon to be my model.  Isn't that backdrop lovely?  I am in the process of turning our family room into an indoor, natural light studio.  Since it is just Kev and I we don't really need a family room yet...so I have talked him into letting me put it to use.  The space is big enough for babies, boudoir, seniors, and probably groups smaller than five.   I can't wait to get it all put together. 

One other small goal of mine is to receive more feedback in the form of comments on my blog.  Don't be shy-let me hear from you!

Winter Wonderland {Three Forks, MT Photographer}

This shoot took place on Christmas Eve, and wasn't it a beautiful day?  Beautiful yes, but it was also very very cold.  I have known the Strohecker family since I was just a wee one!  I spent a lot of my childhood summers on the lake with Carrie playing hide and seek until it was too dark to safely play anymore.  Anyways, Greg and Laurie are engaged and had both their families around for the holidays.  Carrie called me on December 22nd to see if I was going to be in Three Forks for the holidays, and luckily I was and felt honored to be a part of their Christmas Eve.  

So on short notice and in the Montana cold we made it happen.  The kids didn't last long which was totally understandable, but we were able to get some great group shots (the main point of the shoot) as well as some cute couple shots!

Such a beautiful couple and so very in love.  Laurie is stunning!

Thanks for having me out the ranch and for being such troopers in the cold!  I hope you all have a wonderful 2011!

Holiday Family Cheer {Three Forks, MT Photographer}

So this will be my LAST post of 2010!  I can not tell you how excited I am for the new year.  2011 weddings are being booked, sessions are being scheduled, and seniors are starting to think about their graduation announcements.  I for one have already begun the countdown to Spring.  (I know- I know...we have a lot of winter to go)  

Speaking of winter, check out this beautiful family that I shot last week in my home town of Three Forks.  It was only about 25 degrees outside which is actually quite warm compared to today's sub zero temperature.  The original plan was for me to take some family photos of the Malmquists.  Well once the other families in this family heard the plan, they wanted in on the action as well!  We basically fit four family sessions into one and it actually went incredibly smoothly.  Plus the frost and the snow mixed with Jim and Diane's beautiful landscaping made for a perfect setting.  

Thanks for letting me be part of your holiday fun!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a very happy new year!