BOZEMAN CHILDREN and SENIOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER, BOZEMAN BABY, CHILD, FAMILY and FAMILY REUNION PHOTOGRAPHY by SUSANN SAAREL » Models

In the beautiful land of life.

Susann — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:25:50 +0000

Lori is the first person I called when I sat alone in the ICU waiting room at Bozeman Deaconess after the trauma unit personnel escorted me away while they attended to my husband Doug that fateful March day. The next thing I knew, she was there. Sitting next to me. Holding my hand. Helping me to breeeeeathe.

Lori first saw my baby & family photographic exhibit four or so years ago at Bozeman Deaconess’s Labor & Delivery Ward which is just a stone’s throw from the ICU of all things. I photographed her family that summer here at Sky Ranch and however it happens that people become friends, we became friends. The following summer I photographed Courtney for her modeling portfolio with a few mother/daughter shots thrown in for good measure. And as the sun set, we (Lori’s family & ours) enjoyed a barbecued dinner thanks to Doug who was prepping & cooking while I was shooting…

Lori was with me on March 3rd, 2011 when I kissed Doug and told him I loved him before they wheeled him in for life-saving surgery. Once, a year or so back, when I was having a bad day she drove from Bozeman to Sky Ranch to deliver a bouquet of roses and ice cream. Lori is a giver. So when her milestone 50th birthday approached on June 1st (Doug & my wedding anniversary date, no less), I wanted to give something back to her that she wanted more than anything else…another family photo shoot.

We all struggle from time to time in our daily existence, but at the end of the day, it boils down to family. Are we together…are we warm, comfy, safe and happy? For a single mom, the task is infinitely harder. I am so proud of Lori, her zest for life, the sacrifices she makes for her children, Cody & Courtney, the selflessness with which she gives to friends. Friends like us. For all she has done for us, this was the least I could do for her, for her family.

We are in a better place now. And together, our families rejoice. In the beautiful land of life!

Beauty on the Railroad

Susann — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:00:04 +0000

Senior Spokesmodel, Sienna Noelle of Belgrade High chose a Country Session at Sky Ranch for her senior portrait location and had hoped to end her session with a few shots at the nearby railroad tracks, but the sun began to set before we could come down from the mountain. So…we recently scheduled a fun railroad mini session. Here’s one of my favorite photos…isn’t her hair to die for?

I have so many other favorites, I decided the best way to share them all would be this cool HD video! Enjoy!

Sienna ~ Senior Spokesmodel Debut Slideshow

Susann — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 02:57:40 +0000

We always love creating DVD slideshows for our Senior Spokesmodels using favorite images from their session. DVD slideshows are a great way to archive all the images from your session! Here is the beautiful Sienna Noelle in her debut slideshow…

Senior Spokesmodels also receive 2 accordion mini-books to show off to friends and one for mom to show off as well in addition to 50 Senior Rep cards to hand out to friends and classmates spreading the word about Susann Saarel Seniors. Anyone referred to us by Sienna who books a senior session receives $100 off their session fee! And in turn, Sienna earns $25 in print credit. It’s a win win for everyone! September is booked, but we still have openings for October! Call us at (406) 222-9453 to schedule your session before the snow flies! We offer you a choice of Country or Urban session, or a combo session! Whatever best suits your individual style and personality!

Introducing Sienna ~ 2012 Senior Spokesmodel!

Susann — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 16:45:09 +0000

I am so pleased to finally introduce Miss Sienna Noelle of Belgrade High, our one and only Senior Spokesmodel for the Class of 2012. With her luxurious auburn hair, scattered freckles and sweet smile, Sienna was a delight to photograph! She absolutely rocked her Country Session! Sienna is a Varsity soccer player and loves to ski and go sledding with friends in the winter. When she wasn’t at soccer camp or working this summer, Sienna spent her time swimming and boating. After she graduates, Sienna plans on attending college where she will major in Engineering and minor in art! Congratulations, Sienna!…Senior Spokesmodel for 2012!

Summer of Love

Susann — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 02:44:38 +0000

How can it be that Tom and Teresa are the parents of teen girls?…they look like teenagers themselves, so very much in love, smooching one another with reckless abandon leaning against the old Dodge. This is the joy of what I do. Meeting people who value their love, their family and want to capture the moment for all times sake in imagery. Teresa’s daughter, Melissa was one of my 2011 Senior Spokesmodels for Susann Saarel Seniors. See Melissa’s blog post here and here and her Senior Spokesmodel video here. Mom, Teresa has been planning the family session for some time, knowing that time is really of the essence now that Melissa has graduated from Baker High and with youngest daughter Ashlee now a freshman at Baker. I so very much appreciate their making the trek to Sky Ranch via an overnight stay in Billings for their “Summer of Love” family photo session!

2012 Senior Spokesmodel Search!

Susann — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:32:25 +0000

Calling all high school juniors in and around Bozeman, Livingston and Billings…our official 2012 Senior Spokesmodel Search has begun! We are seeking outgoing personalities that would like to represent Susann Saarel Seniors portrait photography in their schools. You get a free session, accordion mini books to show off and 411 rep cards to hand out to all your friends! Earn print credits with each referral!

We also feature you on our website, blog and facebook page and your own You Tube video! You’ll be FAMOUS! Check out this video to see our past Spokesmodels…

Click here to learn more and here to apply. Hurry, the deadline is February 28th!

Montana Parent Magazine ~ November Cover Baby

Susann — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:24:05 +0000

All bundled up, cozy and warm, cutie pie Jackson of Bozeman graces the cover of Montana Parent Magazine‘s November issue with panache. And just in time, too. It looks like snow is finally headed this way starting this weekend! I’m also excited to be providing my first cover for the Media Mavens, LLC…the new owners of Montana Parent Magazine and on glossy paper, no less!!!

This issue, the “babies & expectant parents” issue is full of great articles including places to bond with your baby in Bozeman as well as the must-read for parents of school-age children, “Bullying…is it more than Stick and Stones”. Be sure to pick up your free copy at Town & Country and Albertsons in the free publication racks at the store entrances or at your local library, museums, schools, daycare centers, Lone Mountain Gymnastics, the Swim Center, medical and dental offices, coffee shops, retail outlets and many other places visited by families.

my favorite girl in the world

Susann — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 02:28:17 +0000

I have boy/girl twins. How lucky is that? One of each. And every night, since they were babies, I tuck them cozily into bed calling each one my favorite, because *as individuals*, they are…my favorite boy in the world and my favorite girl in the world.

Miss Larissa has been my kindred spirit since the day she came into this world, kicking her way out of the womb (during a C-section emergency birth)..with an “I want to be born…I want to be born NOW!” sort of attitude. A baby with the eyes of an old soul who saw deep into my core. My mini me in so many ways and so much more. She is the mirror into my past and the light into my future. She is for so many reasons, my favorite girl in the whole world…and always will be. And I continue to tell her so every night. Because you can never really tell them enough how much you love them and how much they mean to you…

And despite our crazy short summer that goes by in the blink of an eye, we somehow manage every year, to squeeze in a special summer photo session…just she and I. These images are from Phase 2 of our photo shoot taking place just days before the twins’ departure to California to spend a few weeks with their Oma & Opa on the beaches of Santa Monica. Larissa raided my closet for this one, choosing to wear one of my Monah Li dresses and matching hat. Our session took place near Sky Ranch, in a open field and cattle chute at high noon. I love you, Miss Larissa Sage…you are my favorite girl in the whole world! xoxo…Love, Mom

Montana Parent Magazine ~ Aug/Sept Cover Child

Susann — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:28:26 +0000

Good Heavens…it’s the back to school issue of Montana Parent Magazine!!! Where HAS the summer gone? The twins start back to school in 27 days! At least we’ll have this cover shot to always remember the summer of 2010 by. Here’s my own Miss Larissa running through a sea of sunflowers here at Sky Ranch. Her cute country dress and lace-trimmed polka dot socks are by Matilda Jane.

Be sure to pick up your free copy next time you’re in town or check out the digital version, here. There’s some great info on getting organized for the school year, after-school programs, and much more including my personal favorite…the four fun farms to visit! Sheep, alpacas and goats, oh my!

Kaylan ~ 2011 Senior Spokesmodel

Susann — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:02:28 +0000

I’m excited to introduce beautiful Kaylan, Susann Saarel Seniors Spokesmodel for 2011! We had tons of fun during her recent Urban Session complete with fabulous props including her uncle’s awesome 1960 sparkly blue Chevy Nova!

Kaylan, a senior at Bozeman High School, plans to attend cosmetology school after graduation followed by college and then open her own salon and boutique! What ambition!!! When she’s chillin’, she likes to listen to music, ski in the winter and soak up the sun in the summer. Here are a few of my favorites of Kaylan sporting her sunkissed glow. To see her complete Senior Spokesmodel gallery, visit the website and click on “Spokesmodels”. Enjoy…