I constantly ask myself this question when shooting food photography: “How on earth can food be so darn gorgeous?” Here’s how — so much of it has to do with the chef behind it, and Tara of Dandelion Catering is an absolute magician when it comes to her food’s beauty and taste. Both are divine! We had such a great time during Dandelion Catering’s spring food photography in Missoula Montana, and we even got to create some business branding imagery, too.

Dandelion Catering’s space is cozy, light, and bright, and immediately inviting. And for good reason — you will 100% want to hang out a while and let the delicious aromas waft over you as you grab some of Tara’s seriously incredible soups (I’ve tasted them…they are so, SO good), or treat yourself to a grazing box (hello YUM!). (Speaking of grazing boxes, you can check out more of that imagery and Tara’s catering spread, from our shoot this past summer.)

As we were making these springtime images, it was so fun to laugh over the little “soup party” we were creating. The blessing (and curse) of being a food photographer is that it all smells so mouth-wateringly good, it can be difficult to resist sneaking a spoonful. (Tara was wonderfully kind and sent me home with delicious samples — thank you!) I love how she served her soups in mugs, which she told me was inspired by her grandma. (Soup in a mug, yes please!) Another standout detail about Dandelion Catering is that Tara works with locally sourced ingredients, and they’re healthy and flavorful.

But. Here I am, chatting away, when really we should let Dandelion Catering’s creations speak for themselves. Onwards to the photos! Thank you again, Tara, for a fantastic session! It’s always a pleasure getting to work with you. :)

On the docket:

Portraits, editorial work, and weddings! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It’s no secret that I absolutely love food photography, and getting to document beautiful baked goods for a Whitefish Montana food photography branding shoot was every bit as delightful as I expected it would be.

The sweet treats I photographed were “bite-sized sweets to celebrate with,” and feature lavish, spirit-infused sweets. In fact, the cupcakes are inspired by cocktails! (And I can attest to the fact that they are absolutely delicious!)

The goal was to convey more of a moody, intimate look in the images we created for the brand. Lots of greens and jewel tones emphasized the standout quality of the baked goods created for the shoot, and highlighted the richness of the colors in the confections.

We had such a great time during our shoot, and I had a blast styling the food with all the amazing props and servingware that were on hand!

I also photographed the shop’s presence at The Market Beautiful in Whitefish. It was a hot, hot day, but thankfully we found a spot of shade, and the huckleberry macarons were the perfect remedy for the heat! The cake cups (a reversed cupcake!) were also super popular during the day’s events.

On the docket:

More branding sessions, portraits, and elopements! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Here’s a little tidbit about me you may not know…I love food. Like lo-o-OOOVE it. I love making it. I love devouring it. I love sharing it with others. (In fact, I have my own food blog, albeit a sorely neglected one because I seriously need something like 89 hours in the day to do everything I’d like to do.) BUT. Something I may love just as much as all these things put together and maybe even MORE (did I just admit to that?!), is photographing it. Food is pretty, folks. Hella pretty. So when Paul, the manager at The Tupelo Grille called me up to talk to me about doing some restaurant food photography in Whitefish Montana for their brand new website, you can bet I was super stoked.

I zipped on up there on an early morning at the end of March and we (and all the great folks at Tupelo) immediately got cracking. I began photographing the space (which is cozy and full of interesting, fun art, by the way), and soon cocktails were being mixed and getting all spiffed up for their starring moment in front of the camera. We had such a great time making these images – excitement was in the air as beautiful drink upon beautiful drink came out from the bar. (Speaking of the bar/lounge, holy moly is that little nook a work of art – you’ve got to check this place out if you haven’t!)

Appetizers were next, and in between shots of each, Paul and I would sneak a few bites here and there. Those bites were amazing. And I don’t just say that lightly. There is serious talent and flavor at The Tupelo Grille. (The cocktails are incredible, too, and have won awards.)

After the cocktails had enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame, entrees began to fly our way and Paul and I had a great time styling the food for the shots, high-fiving and getting even more giddy about which images might be the main show-stopper on their new website. Not long after, desserts began to head our direction and I had a great time composing the images to showcase the artful plating of each.

I hung out for a bit to go through images, and was treated to a delicious cocktail, tasty appetizers and bread (so goooood!), and one truly flavorful meal (their signature shrimp dish is beyond divine). Paul and I began to pick our selects from the day (getting even more amped in the process), and soon diners filled up the place, local talent crooned into all reaches of the lounge, and things buzzed as the evening’s meal service got under way.

I finished my meal (so full, so good!) and stuck around to capture the energy and ambiance of the restaurant and lounge, and even got to poke around the back to watch the chefs at work, making each dish perfection.

It was a long 15-hour day, but what a fun, fun shoot! Everyone I met was so great to work with and it’s abundantly clear the folks at The Tupelo Grille really put their all into what they do and deeply care about their restaurant. But more importantly, they care about the people with whom they get to share their talents. Next time you’re in Whitefish, snag a table or a bar stool and treat yourself! You’ll certainly be glad you did!

And now…prepare to get hungry…enjoy!

On the docket:

Portraits, elopements and weddings! Don’t miss out!

Cheers,

-Kristine

From the moment Lynn contacted me about making images for her new Missoula business, “On the Summit,” I knew we’d have a great time. She wanted natural images that speak to who she is and her love of the outdoors, and I think we captured that pretty darn well during her On the Summit Personal Branding Session in Missoula….and we had a heckuva lot of fun doing it!

From giggling downtown whilst drinking coffee, to traipsing through wildflower fields, to splashing cool creek water, we had such a pleasant time capturing Lynn in some of her happiest places. Her husband, Juan, tagged along too, and could seriously have a side job as photo-assistant-extraordinaire. :)

I’m always so excited to see fellow Missoulians strike out in the entrepreneurial spirit (since I’ve been there and AM there!), and I’m really looking forward to seeing Lynn’s vision blossom and her business grow. If you’d like to learn more about Lynn and her business, On the Summit, you can read more at her website, which you can find here: http://onthesummit.com/

Lynn! And Juan! Thank you again for such a fabulous, fun session! It’s an understatement to say just how much a pleasure it was to make these images for you! Here’s to a great start to your new pathway in life!

On the docket: portraits and weddings – stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I always love photographing YWCA Recessionistas (and Recessionisto’s – gotta give a shout out to the guys, too!) to help promote their Secret Seconds stores in Missoula for a few different reasons:

1. Our shoots are always a blast!
2. These volunteer models have mega awesome fashion sense (from clothes they find at the stores – that’s important to know!).
3.  Most importantly, it’s for a great cause!

 
The lovely folks from NCBI Missoula certainly lived up to these three things and, despite it being a bit windy (with the slight danger of going all Mary Poppins on the shoot with our rainbow umbrella), we all had a great time making images for a good cause. And, I’ve got to say, I think I now want everyone I photograph to wear a bright red union suit. (I kid, I kid – but how incredible is THAT find, right?!)

Last but not least, don’t forget why the YWCA is so important to our community – all sales at the Missoula YWCA‘s Secret Seconds thrift stores help women and children in crisis, including the YWCA’s domestic violence shelter. Talk about a great bargain – getting some new-to-you duds AND helping out a great cause. Thrift away my friends!

On the docket – portraits and the first wedding of the year!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It’s always so nice to be able to do something with my photography that really helps give back to the community and makes a difference – especially when it’s as fun as these two shoots were.

I had the pleasure of meeting up with three fabulous ladies from the Zootown Arts Community Center (ZACC) for their Recessionista shoot for the YWCA Secret Seconds Stores, and these ladies seriously rocked their images – and their clothes! I mean, look at them! They are some stylin’ women! I can’t wait to reveal more ads from their shoot as well. :)

I also got to meet up with some folks from Adventure Cycling and have fun getting some action images with them, all the while looking quite stylish too. Don’t you want to BE them a little bit? I know I was experiencing both bike and outfit envy. :)

And, I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you all of why the YWCA is so important to our community – remember that all sales at the Missoula YWCA‘s Secret Seconds thrift stores help women and children in crisis, including the YWCA’s domestic violence shelter. Talk about a great bargain – getting some new-to-you duds AND helping out a great cause. Thrift away my friends!

On the docket: portraits and weddings! Don’t miss out!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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

Hi all! Keep your eyes open for the newest set of Recessionista ads featuring local businesswomen who are proud to shop at the Missoula YWCA‘s Secret Seconds thrift stores! We all had a blast shooting these images, and I had so much fun designing the ads – thanks to all you lovely ladies from Betty’s Divine, MamaLode and Dig This Chick 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 soon more weddings!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Maddy and I did a little shoot for her portfolio with RMEA before she’s about to launch off and start working with Ford models. And may I say – Maddy just rocked it! And the wind, even though it was at times a bit blustery, was definitely on our side for these photos. What a gorgeous girl and so much fun to photograph! Way to be, Maddy! And good luck with Ford! :)

On the docket: portraits and weddings! And if you’re a senior and haven’t booked your session, now’s the time to do it before your yearbook deadline!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I had the pleasure of meeting up with RMEA’s Alicia Kay and Heide a while back to make some shots for their respective portfolios. The shoot was quick, but these ladies totally rocked it! And even took a dip in the water all in the name of fashion. :) Thanks, ladies, for doing such a fantastic job!

On the docket: weddings, portraits and more portraits! Stay tuned! And if you’re a senior, don’t forget to book your sessions now since yearbook deadlines are getting closer and spots are filling up! :)

Cheers,

-Kristine