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

I love light. And I love that Joelle and I got to really play around with it during our latest Missoula fashion session. The weather couldn’t have been better – a balmy 87 degrees (in April of all things!), a slight breeze, topped off with a drop-dead-gorgeous sunset. That’s definitely the recipe for a sweet session. And, of course, Joelle was brilliant, too. :)

P.S. If you’ve got a dress you want to rock like Joelle did, let me know! These types of sessions are a blast and a great way to show off that prom dress or wedding dress! And I’m sure Joelle can attest to that, too.

A huge big shout out to the people who helped make this shoot happen:

Hair: by Boom Swagger Salon.

Makeup: by Alchemy Mineral Blends.

Clothing: blue top, white shorts, white bag, gray tree-print dress, black and white top, and jean shorts from One Eleven.

On the docket: portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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I hope you all got a chance to step outside last evening and witness the gigantic moon hanging low over the hilltops and reflecting into the Clark Fork – seriously beautiful. I was hoping to see some northern lights, which didn’t happen, but my…the moon sure was a good substitute. This photo isn’t from last night, but I was reminded that I still had it hanging out, waiting to be shared, and today seemed like a good day for that.

Enjoy! This was taken this past June after George and Emily’s super fun engagement session. This image is way more gigantic than I’d normally post, but I figured the moon kind of merits that treatment.

On the docket: portraits and engagement sessions galore – stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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The other day, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Kim and Randy in Stevensville, Montana, to trek around Randy’s family’s ranch and make some engagement photos of Kim, Randy and their horses, P, Q and Dinero.

We had so much fun despite the deceptively chilly weather (yet no snow!). And I swear, these two are so perfect for one another – they goofed around with each other, showed off some sweet dance moves, made me (and themselves) laugh a lot!, and just plain had a good time.

Not only were they radiant in their photos just on their own, but holy moly – our backdrop for the day wasn’t too shabby either (oh Bitterroot valley, you make me swoon). Thank you SO much, Kim and Randy, for inviting me out to your place to make these images. I seriously cannot WAIT for your wedding – we’re going to have a blast!

On the docket: engagement sessions!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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This is a bit of a departure from what I normally post….not a portrait session (of people anyway), and much too long for a Wordless Wednesday post……but I really want to share these images with you because, quite simply:

Owls Are Cool.

Especially snowy owls. And especially since they’ve been hanging out with us here in Montana.

Snowy owls don’t usually spend all that much time in our area, so it’s pretty rare to see them. They’ll hop on down here every 5 or 6 years or so, and when they do…oh my gosh…go and see them!

Admittedly, I may be slightly biased because I kind of LOVE birds (ok, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY love birds), but these creatures are simply stunning. Their bright white feathers, their sleepy little yawning faces in the light of day, the slow turns of their heads, the way their feathers softly ruffle in the breeze, and their absolutely incredible beauty as they fly.

So, please. Indulge in these photos. And if you get a chance, go scouting for the snowy owls on your own – it’s so worth the time, and they won’t be sticking around Montana a whole lot longer. Also, bring a good pair of binoculars if you go. :)

On the docket: engagement sessions!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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Maddy and Colin are such a delightful couple, and we had a great time making some super fun images during their wintry Missoula engagement session. Maddy is a big time coffee fan, so we stopped off to grab a few cups before embarking on our walkabout around the University of Montana where they both met. Maddy and Colin are so meant for each other – the way they look at one another, the way their eyes sparkle (yep, Colin, your eyes did sparkle!), and most importantly, how they make each other laugh – even when in the midst of a snowball fight.

Thank you so much, you two, for taking time out of your day to have some fun in the snow with me! I had a blast and seriously can’t wait until your wedding – it’s going to be an amazing day!

On the docket: more engagement sessions!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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Ali K. made her annual trek to Montana with her family to meet up with friends and hang out in the wonder that is Montana summer – and she got together with me for her annual “just because” portrait session, which is always such a blast! This year, we went for two distinct styles: sexy librarian, and rocker chic. Ali totally embodied both these looks and I can’t even begin to describe to you just how much laughter was involved. Suffice it to say, our cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

Also, on a more technical nerdy photographer note, I experimented with a slightly different processing style on these pics to really emulate the look of film. (Remember film? Those lovely long strips, developed and printed by hand in a dark room? *wistful sigh*) And we had a little fun painting with light towards the end of our shoot. So, with no further ado, I hope you enjoy these images as much as we had fun making them. :) And here’s to dreams of warm Montana summers….

Cheers!

-Kristine

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It’s an understatement to say 2011 has been an absolutely wonderful year for weddings in so many ways. I don’t have words to express how thankful I am to have met so many amazing people, and to have shared such beautiful, touching moments with you all. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!

And now, here’s a little video to showcase the very best of 2011 – your smiling faces, the love in your hearts, and moments that have changed your lives. Thank you for inviting me to document this for you. It’s truly been an honor.

On the docket – portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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It was a bit of a rainy, overcast day for Katherine and Mike’s Missoula “rock the dress” session, but that didn’t dampen anybody’s spirits, least of all their dog, Buck, who was happy to jump into the river, and come bounding towards Katherine and Mike for wet “hello’s!”

Katherine very much rocked her dress – we had a wonderful time strolling through the tall grasses, drinking in the beauty that is autumn in Missoula, and making some fun images in the rain.

We were joking that Katherine and Mike have hit almost all of the seasons during their photography with me – winter/spring for their engagement session, summer for their gorgeous ranch wedding west of Missoula, and now autumn for their rock the dress session.

As always, you two, what a wonderful time! Thank you so much for joining me on a damp day – it really paid off ! :) On to the photos!

On the docket: more portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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I met up with Kathy a bit ago to photograph her doing something she absolutely loves – yoga. She was excited to have me document the poses she’s been working on, and also to document her joy in practicing yoga.

I was so inspired watching her as she practiced in the sunny oasis of her back yard. Her joy and peace are both very present and so beautiful. Kathy teaches yoga, so if you’re interested, you should definitely take one of her classes. I’m hoping I can get myself signed up for one soon!

Kathy, thanks again for inviting me to photograph you doing what you love! What an enjoyable morning!

On the docket: weddings and portraits!

Cheers, and Namaste,

-Kristine

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Leanna and Skyler couldn’t have prescribed a more perfect day for their beautiful Bozeman, Montana wedding at Le Petit Chateau (Leanna is a pharmacist). The sun was shining, it was very warm autumn day (slightly different from their snowy engagement session!), and everyone was all smiles and full of adoration for the two as they vowed to love one another for the rest of their lives.

As an alternative to a guest book, Leanna and Skyler had guests write fun messages on white boards and then have their photo taken with their message – super cute! Everyone enjoyed mingling outside in the dappled sunlight while sipping on wines and beers, and then dined on a tasty dinner inside. Sweet toasts were made, the cake was cut amidst many a smile and lots of giggles, and the dancing got underway, fast and furious! (Leanna, that is some epic swing style you’ve got!)

Leanna and Skyler – you two are so great. What a wonderful day to start off what is most certainly going to be a beautiful marriage. Thank you so much for inviting me to document your wedding – I absolutely loved it! :) Congrats again to you both!

Vendor Information:
Venue: Le Petit Chateau, Bozeman, MT
Wedding Coordinator: Genevieve Burmeister, Bozeman, MT
Florist: Stems Floral, Bozeman, MT
Cake: Anticipated Creations Cakes, Bozeman, MT
Catering: ?
DJ: Joe’s Mobile DJ Service, Bozeman, MT
(Leanna, if I left anyone out will you let me know so I can give them their well-deserved credit? Thanks!)

On the docket: portraits and weddings!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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