Kristine Paulsen Photography – Lifestyle Portraits, Editorial and Wedding Photography in Missoula Montana

Missoula people (and other folks within a reasonable distance of Missoula) – please enter for a chance to win your very own FREE 45-minute photo session with Kristine Paulsen Photography! But wait – there’s more! Along with your photo shoot, you’ll receive a gift certificate valued at $20 for Missoula’s very own, deliciously delectable Big Dipper Ice Cream, just in time for these warm months coming our way.  Total value for this contest: $120!  Your cost? Free!

Why am I doing this?  #1. I love photography.  #2.  I love meeting new people.  #3.  Ice cream rocks my socks off.  #4.  I want to spread the happiness of photography and ice cream!  Hey, why not?

You’re probably wondering how you can enter to win.  All you have to do is comment on this blog post with your favorite of all favorite places in and/or around Missoula to take photos, and then tell me why you love that spot so much.  (Feel free to list more spots if you’d like!)  Do you love Caras Park?  Do you have an absolute favorite spot in Pattee Canyon?  Does the Bitterroot River make you weak in the knees?  Tell me!  And be sure to tell your friends about this contest, too.  There needs to be at least 10 comments on the blog for the contest to take place.

I’ll randomly select a winner who will be notified via e-mail of their fabulous new prizes (free photo shoot and ice cream!).  We’ll set up a time to talk and meet in person to discuss the type of photo session you’d like (yep, folks – this photo session can be an engagement shoot, a senior/graduate session, a “just because” shoot with your best friend or maybe a portrait of your child or even your pet!).  And, we’ll also figure out where we want the photo session to take place.  (Please note: I don’t do traditional in-studio portraiture, but instead focus on on-location, dynamic shoots that make for unique and stunning images.  Take a look at some of my past posts in the blog archives or go to my web site to get a feel for my work.)

When I meet you for your photo session, you’ll receive your gift certificate to Big Dipper, we’ll start shooting and it’ll be a blast!

You’ll receive 5 free images for use on your own blog, Facebook, MySpace, e-mail, what-have-you, and additional (high-resolution) prints can be purchased through me at reasonable prices.  Trust me, these prints will make your jaw drop.  They’re gorgeous!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me – I’m happy to hear from you.

And now, tell your friends, and comment away!  (P.S. Your e-mail address won’t be shared.)  This contest will be active for a week – I’ll notify the happy winner Tuesday, April 6th!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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It’s been absolutely gorgeous in Missoula these past few days, so I took advantage of a quiet and sunny Saturday evening to go for a photo walk with JC downtown. He was very kind and allowed me to make a few portraits of him.  The following images are my favorites.  Oh, and before I forget – I’m super excited for Panika and Austin to get into town for their engagement shoot!  I’m hoping this beautiful weather sticks around.  But even if it doesn’t, we’re going to have a blast – I just know it.  This engagement shoot will also be a *little* bit different from some of my shoots in the past.  Stick around for more info on that.  :)

And now, onto the pics from my Missoula photo walk:

That's a tin "wall" behind him. Pretty dang cool.

"Wholesale Groceries - Del Monte"

Orange Street bridge tunnel.

More Orange Street bridge tunnel.

It reads: "Love IS all you need." (Can you spot the lone person at the end of the tunnel?)

Cheers!

-Kristine

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In my “out and about-ness” the past few days, I’ve made some fun images. I thought I’d share a few of my favorites.

First one: I love walls. Just love ‘em. (See this post about another favorite wall photo – the man and the yellow wall.)  This one’s a great one – it’s got fantastic texture and a wonderful faded feel to it.

The next one: I was doing a location scout and found some wee little buttercups, moss and bark to delight my macro lens.

The last one: I couldn’t resist – Opie had to make another debut.

Cheers,

-Kristine

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I came across a wonderful article by Jenna Walker full of great ideas for brides-to-be to think about in regards to their wedding photography. Thanks to RockyMountainBride.com for giving me the permission to repost their fab article. Read on for their helpful hints:

1. 

   This goes along with item #9 - Embrace the Elements. A huge storm was rolling in for this Cancun wedding - but the couple and wedding party decided not to be skittish about the impending raindrops and we continued taking photos. The result - stunning clouds, beautiful, even light, and movement in the dresses due to the increasing wind. Very, very cool. (Click photo to enlarge.)

   Get ready in the right place. You spend tons of time deciding where you’ll have the ceremony and reception – but don’t stop there. When deciding where you’ll get ready, seek out a room with character and light. Avoid poorly lit rooms like the bridal waiting area in church basements when possible. Natural light and beautiful, clean, classic rooms can drastically change the look of those priceless images. Big windows, cool decor, rustic ambiance and lots of light will beat any run of the mill dark hotel room – and your photos will show it. Don’t underestimate the power of these getting ready photos and the part they play in the story of your day.

2. Hire a makeup artist. A talented makeup artist will definitely help you glow naturally in your photos. A great makeup artist will enhance your natural look and add the finishing touch to your look. A must in our book!
3. Show your style. Spice up your look with accessories. Funky hair pieces, bright shoes, custom-sewed ties, bold socks, his and hers sunglasses. Maybe it’s matching converses for the groomsmen or vintage jewelry for your bridesmaids. These little details really pop!
4. Get creative with fun props. Think about incorporating props that reflect your lifestyle and wedding vision – ideas such as a bicycle, a canoe, sun parasols for your bridesmaids…the sky is the limit. And the experience of those props will be something you will remember for years to come.
5. Ceremony lighting. For that classic outdoor mountain ceremony, be sure to consider where the light will be during your ceremony in relation to each of you and your guests. Avoid archways that cast uneven light on your faces or shadows on the groom but not the bride for instance. It is best for the bride and groom to be either fully lit with sun on their faces or with the sun directly behind them.
6. Grand exits. You’re married! Why not add some color and make it as grand as it should be? Bubbles, rice, bright flowers, tin cans and a vintage getaway car. You are your best movie – plan for a grand exit and then enjoy it!
7. Photos of the newlyweds. Aim for the “sweet light” at sunset. In the early planning stages be sure to check out when the sun will be setting on your wedding day. Ideally you will want your ceremony to start 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset so that your group shots and photos as newlyweds take place during that final hour before sunset. This is when the light is softest and most beautiful. If you are seeing each other before the ceremony, think about planning your ceremony to take place during sunset. Or request with your photographer that you’d like to take some photos as the sun sets.
8. Reception Lighting. This is one of the most important details your photographer will notice on the day of the wedding – more than the linens or the chairs or other reception details. Reception lighting can make or break the mood of your photos. Incorporate paper lanterns, twinkle lights, or up-lighting where possible. Any light source beyond the norm will add to the ambiance and will be carried through in the photos.
9. Embrace the elements. It may snow or rain on your wedding day. Don’t sweat it! Come prepared for anything – make sure to have enough matching umbrellas for your wedding party. Your photographer can shoot in the rain or in the snow – some of the best photos happen in these unexpected elements. Know that it is worth it to make the trip outside.
10. Relax, have fun, be you. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your photographer. Run, frolic, dance. Pretend no one is watching and know that those laughs will carry a beautiful energy into your photos. Allow your wedding party and guests to have fun with the group shots and enjoy your day!

These are all wonderful suggestions that I as a photographer wholeheartedly agree with. I hope this helps in your planning process!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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I don’t have a dog of my own right now (sigh), but my parents have a dog that I grew up with, Opie. They were out here visiting and, as is required when there is a cute dog around, he got his own little mutt mugs.

We’re still not entirely sure what Opie is since he was a pound dog rescue pooch (shepherd??? something else??  something else?) – but that doesn’t matter – he’s got the sweetest disposition. He “oinks” when he’s excited, he sings when he knows it’s dinner time, and he hops up and down on his front paws when he realizes he’s about to go for a walk. Oh, and he smiles, too.

I just love dogs!  (To see some more pics of cute dogs, check out the multimedia piece I did for Go Fetch of Missoula. I think it’s kinda fun. You’ll need your sound on.)

And now to share some photos of the Opie I love – enjoy!

I love the hair on his chinny chin chin!

And his pretty, soulful eyes.

Aww, he's just a cutie, don't you think?

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My folks stopped by to visit me in Missoula, and of course I had to make some portraits during our outings. The clouds were especially cool on one of our walks (looming rain), so I took advantage of their beautiful color and texture and had my mom pose for me. Fun times!

And, for good measure, I’m throwing in a shot of a bluebird I photographed, too. Such pretty little things.

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How do you like that for alliteration?  Anyway, I just wanted to post a few of my favorite pictures from my portrait session on St. Patrick’s Day with Valerie. She wanted some professional portraits made for use on a website and also potentially for book jackets, etc., and I was happy to drive on over to her beautiful house and make some images for her.  Valerie was so fun to work with – I hope to be photographing for her again soon!

Cheers, everybody! Have a fantastic weekend,

-Kristine

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I was feeling a wee bit peckish tonight and was really craving something chocolate-y…kinda longing for cupcakes, but I didn’t have any and didn’t feel like making them all…so – next best thing?  Five minute chocolate cake in a mug. It’s not *exactly* like cake, but it’ll do in a pinch.

And now, here’s the recipe (and photos) so you, too, can satiate that chocolate fix in the late evening hours.

Five Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

4 Tbsp. flour
4 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. cocoa
1 egg
3 Tbsp. milk
3 Tbsp. oil
3 Tbsp. chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (microwave safe!)

Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips (if using them) and vanilla extract and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug (see photo below), but don’t be alarmed! This is normal!

Allow to cool a little (it’s VERY hot), and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT!  (This can serve two if you’d like to feel slightly more virtuous.)

Enjoy!  Don’t forget to check out the photos below to get an idea of what it looks like.  Yes, it’s not the prettiest thing in the world, but hey…don’t judge a book by its cover, right?

Cheers,

-Kristine

Mix those dry ingredients together very well!

Mmmmmm, milk.

Mix it, mix it, mix it! Very important!

Don't forget to add those little chocolate chips.

Watch it grow in the microwave!

It looks very strange indeed.

Ignore the fact that it looks so bizarre, serve it up, and eat!

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I wanted to share some photos of an album sample I just received yesterday.  It is gorgeous.  Sophisticated.  Simple.  Dare I say, sexy.

Well, take a look for yourself!

P.S. In case you’re curious, I design the albums myself, they come in linen or leather covers with a variety of colors to choose from for both cover options. The one pictured here is 10 x 10 and 80 pages.

Cheers,

-Kristine

It comes in a beautiful cloth cover.

The pages are wonderfully thick.

The image runs right across the fold of the book without being lost in the crease because there is no crease!

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I love baking.  Love, love, love it!  And yesterday I was talked into making some yummy lemon bars.  (Twist my arm, right?)  I have a tendency to bake when the light is exquisite in my kitchen (it’s just so much more fun to bake in great light…plus, it makes dancing around and singing that much more enjoyable, too) and figured….well hey…this is entirely way too beautiful not to make a few images.  So, tah dah!  Photos of the lemon-bar making process PLUS the delish recipe.  (Courtesy of my friend John G. – he wrote it out and gave it to me when I lived in St. Paul, MN.  Thanks, John – they’re fab, and my dinner guests thought so, too!  In fact, I’d swear they’re almost magical, since they seem to have the ability to disappear….hmmm.. :) )

I highly encourage you to make this recipe yourself – it’s easy, quick and oh so tasty!  Plus, you get to look at the pretty lemons, smell the pretty lemons, and eat the pretty lemons in their new bar form.  Mmmmm.  Enjoy!

Luscious Lemon Bars

Crust:
1 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups flour

Cream butter, powdered sugar and vanilla. Add 2 cups flour.  {I did this with my food processor – awesome!}  Pat in bottom of 9 x 13 cake pan.  Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until slightly brown.  Immediately add filling to hot crust.

Filling:
4 eggs
2 tsp. grated lemon rind
2 cups sugar
3 Tbsp. flour
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 to 4 lemons-worth)  {I only had to use 2 for my recipe}
1 cup coconut {I eliminated the coconut since I’m not really much of a fan…I know, I know….}
1 tsp. baking powder

Beat eggs slightly. {Again, I just plopped all this in my food processor again.} Add 2 cups sugar, lemon juice and rind, 3 Tbsp. flour, and baking powder with coconut. Pour over baked crust (remember – you’re adding this filling to the hot crust, so be sure it’s ready by the time you take the crust out of the oven!), and bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes until filling is set.  Cool.  Sift additional powdered sugar on top.  Cut into bars.

Devour.  Yum!

Ok, now for the photos!

Four little lemons, all in a row - I only used two of them.

Half a cup of powdered sugar for the crust - or if you're like me, a "heaping" half cup...

Pat the crust into a sun-drenched cake pan.

Add the four eggs to your filling mixture. Marvel at how cool eggs are.

Grate the lemon rind for the filling and savor the citrus smells...mmm...

Cut your grated lemon in half and squeeze the heck out of it.

Be on your best behavior and wait patiently for your lemon bars to cool before adding powdered sugar topping.

Turn on some tunes and shake it while you sift on the powdered sugar.

Cut up those little bars, admire how beautiful they are and gobble one up. Or savor it. Whatever floats your boat. :)

The end!

-Kristine

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