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

Spring is one of my absolute favorite times of the year (although I admit I think I say that about every season). There’s something just so exhilarating about watching new leaves form, seeing colors pop, enjoying softly falling rain and the intoxicating scents that emerge from the earth and fragrant flowers. I love it all.

The past couple months have been exceptionally busy for me, moreso than usual, mainly because I moved into a new house (my first time as a homeowner – so exciting!), I’ve been finishing up my semester teaching as an adjunct professor at the School of Journalism at the University of Montana, and somewhere in between I’m trying to get work done, unpack boxes, and set up house. So it’s been flying by.

Which is why when I took my camera out this morning to wander my backyard and photograph my flowers and such, I remembered just how nice it was to take a moment and breathe. Simply breathe. And be happy. And enjoy that intoxicating lilac scent that I now get to have in my very own backyard.

Simple pleasures, but wonderful ones.

So take a moment, open your eyes to the good things around you, and steal a great big breath and think about what makes you smile. Happy spring, everybody!

On the docket: weddings are coming soon!!!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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Braylon and I had a great time roaming around downtown Missoula the other day for his Class of 2013 senior pictures with sunglasses, earphones and longboard in tow. Braylon is a big fan of folfing and tries to go as often as he can, he loves pretty much any kind of music, and he hopes to pursue a pharmacy tech degree.

Braylon, keep up your cheery attitude, and I can assure you that you’ll go far! Thanks again for a great shoot – you were so much fun to work with! And congrats again on graduation! :)

On the docket: portraits, weddings and video! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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Hi all! Keep your eyes open for the newest set of Recessionista ads featuring local Black Coffee Roasting Co. businessmen who are proud to shop at the Missoula YWCA‘s Secret Seconds thrift stores and show off their Recessionist-o chic side! We had a great time shooting these images, and I had so much fun designing the ads – thanks again for helping such a worthy cause.

And YOU can help too – pop on in to a store, get yourself some new-to-you duds, and do the YWCA a favor, too! All sales at YWCA Secret Seconds help women and children in crisis, including the YWCA’s domestic violence shelter.

On the docket: portraits and weddings – stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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I joined Claire and her yoga instructor, Amanda, the other day for a fun photo session featuring some of the poses Claire has been practicing – and wow! I’m impressed. These ladies brought out the beauty and serenity that is yoga, and I had such a lovely time documenting their dedication and love for this art.

Thank you again, ladies, for inviting me to photograph something that is so special to you both. Let’s do it again soon. And next time I’m wearing yoga pants, too. :)

On the docket: more portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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It was a bit of a dreary, overcast day when Brin, Amelia and Leah all met up with me for their model shoot. But we definitely made the most of it (they rocked their shoots!) and the sun even peeked out once or twice for us, too.

Thank you again, ladies, for doing such a great job on a chilly day in such a short period of time – you all just worked that camera! :)

On the docket: portraits and more portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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I am a self-professed color, texture and light addict. So when I got to really emphasize these three favorite things in my photos with Healy, Holly and Carson, I was pretty darn stoked. Yellow, BAM! Purple red and black, BAM! Groovy corrugated metal, BAM BAM! Pretty light, OH MY! Suffice it to say that I was one happy photographer. Not to mention that all three of them were so much fun to work with – what a great day! Thanks H, H and C – way to work it for the camera! ;)

On the docket: senior portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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Maddy and Carson and I got together the other day (along with some other models who will be featured soon) to take advantage of the spring-like weather and have fun shooting. And have fun we did! SUCH a blast! These are just a sampling of images from Maddy’s and Carson’s various shoots that day – Maddy’s off to Italy soon! Bon voyage, Maddy, and thanks again for rocking your images. :) Carson, you totally killed it, too. Such intensity in these images – I love it.

On the docket: portraits! Stay tuned! And if you like what you see here, don’t forget to subscribe to updates from my blog and share my Facebook page. Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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It was a lovely December day to meet up with Jessica for her model session – and the sun even peeked out for us, too! We had a great time making these images, and even though it was sometimes difficult for Jessica to keep her eyes open in such bright sunlight, she was beyond fantastic. And it was so worth it – I mean – seriously. Look at her eyes in the light…they’re incredible!

Thanks again, Jessica, for doing such a fabulous job on your shoot! What a wonderful time! :) And first, a little “promo” video of sorts for her – let’s just say we had a lot of fun on this shoot. :)

On the docket: portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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Winter in Glacier is….simply breathtakingly, jaw-droppingly, make-you-weak-in-the-knees GORGEOUS. Beth and Andy’s Christmas-time wedding day in West Glacier at the Belton Chalet was no exception. From the fresh snowfall that morning to the rustic charm of the chalet, to the mountains enveloped in fog…..their day. was. INCREDIBLE. In every way.

We all had such a blast visiting Lake McDonald, and even though it was pretty dang chilly, that didn’t hinder Beth and Andy and their wedding party from being troopers and making some really fun photos. Beth’s reaction to the scenery at the lake when we initially arrived was pretty priceless – I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a bride so excited to do her photos! Love it! :)

We all returned to the warmth of the chalet, and soon Beth was walking down the aisle on her father’s arm. The fire crackled as friends and family smiled listening to Beth and Andy vow their love to one another. Everyone gave their blessings to the couple and the ceremony was closed with Beth and Andy and their guests all singing along to Be Thou My Vision, played by an instrumental trio made up of Beth’s friends.

As the snow fell outside guests mingled, laughed and snacked on hors d’oeuvres before sitting down to dinner, and later everyone sipped on champagne (kiddos had fun with their cider), and enjoyed a rousing game of pub trivia with the questions being written with Beth and Andy’s backgrounds in mind.

Beth and Andy – where do I begin? It is a complete understatement to say just how beautiful and touching your wedding was, and how honored I am to have documented it for you. Thank you so much for inviting me into such a special day in you and your family’s lives – here’s to many more adventures in Glacier for you both!

Vendors:
Venue: The Belton Chalet, West Glacier, Montana
Hair and Makeup Artist: Mirabelle Salon, Kalispell, Montana
Wedding Dress: Beautiful Weddings, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Pastor Reiner

On the docket: engagement sessions and portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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What is it about winter that is just so darn romantic? The magic of the falling snow? The soft needles on the trees? The urge to want to cuddle with the one you love after spending a glorious day outside in the cold? I’m not sure, but there’s just something about winter that’s truly special.

And Brianne and Colin certainly epitomized that in their engagement session! We had SO much fun on their New Years Day shoot, despite the rather chilly temperatures and the challenges of walking through snow in slippery-soled shoes. I swear, we were laughing the entire time and my face hurt after our session because I had been smiling so much. That’s always a great problem to have. :)

Brianne and Colin, thank you so much for such a fun session – I can’t wait to photograph your wedding! We’re going to have such a great time, and just think – it’ll be warmer then! :)

On the docket: portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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