determination | Montana fitness photographer

Recently I had the privilege of hanging out with, and photographing two amazing women.  They have changed their bodies through hard work and perseverance, and they are truly inspiring..  I showed them their images in the camera as we did the shoot to make sure I was capturing them in the way they were hoping I would.  They kept saying that they couldn’t believe that the person they were looking at in the camera was actually them.  Sometimes we need to look at ourselves through someone else’s eyes to see how beautiful we really are.

a very mini session | Billings, Montana children’s photographer

I have been getting really excited about taking pictures of kids as the weather warms up.  I will be traveling to Colorado in June, to Powell and Cody in July and squeezing in as many sessions as I can in Billings while I am in town.  The field behind our house looked so pretty in the glowing light this evening and Ryland I just decided to run out for a quick little shoot.  She grabbed the chicken and a book and I grabbed a chair and my camera.  Off we went to snap a few shots.

Email me if you want to have a session with me this summer synda@syndarorexphotography.com

my Billings :: Karen | Montana photographer of fun people

This is Karen’s Billings.  If you are curious about how “my Billings” was started you can read about it here.

When I was offered a job that required moving out of Alaska, our home for over 20 years, I was expected to live on the west coast.  Since my husband, Paul and I are not city or beach people I negotiated something a bit more like the home of our hearts.  Mountains, snow and open spaces.  I researched every city you can imagine and was thrilled that Billings, a town I had visited as a young bride, came to the surface for many reasons.  320 days of sunshine annually, a small business friendly climate, low crime rates, the cost of utilities etc. and most importantly, a great airport.

I spent almost 2 years in Billings, pretty much by myself as Paul closed his construction company in Alaska and worked as a fly fishing guide.  I flew weekly and felt a bit lost.   How do you make friends when you are half a couple, you are never home and everyone seems to have a clique?  Well, on a late night flight I met my Zimmerman trail angel.  He was flying in from Florida just to hike in Billings.  I had no idea about the trail but set out early the next morning, scared to hike by myself and yet exhilarated at the possibilities.  I fell head over heels in love with Billings that day.  I can hike until I feel lost…and there is the city, right below me, like a beacon of friendship.

My daughter and her husband moved here to start In Good Glazes, our home became a gathering place and I have since left my corporate job to grow a new endeavor.   My Billings is my home now.  I am proud of it, thankful for it and am glad I get to share a few of my favorite spaces with you.

ONE:  In Good Glazes- and not because I am a partial owner.  Because it is a happy place for so many people.  My daughter, Liz, has done an amazing job turning what could have been a hobby business into a real success.

TWO:  Montana Avenue- from the train cars at the Depot to Art Walks and breakfast at Log Cabin Bakery this street has my heart.  When we located Canvas Creek at the Depot I was thrilled beyond compare, it was like finally and completely coming home.

THREE:  Pioneer Park- specifically the trees lining Parkhill.  Seeing them in sunshine, rain or snow always fills my heart with the joy of nature.

FOUR:  Harper and Madison- when it’s time for coffee, it’s time for this amazing space!  I am so glad it is within walking distance and I often make it a goal to introduce one new person per day to this gem!

FIVE:  YVW magazine- while not a place, this magazine has helped me to know the best of Billings and is my favorite piece of Billings to take to friends in other cities.

SIX:  Fancy Sushi- this is our lunch, dinner, and just because space.  The staff knows my favorite drink (green rice tea on ice) and they have it ready as soon as I walk in the door.

SEVEN:  The Presbyterian church labyrinth – We suffered a tragic family loss lately and spending time in this space is very healing for all of us.

EIGHT:  Billings Chamber of Commerce – they have given me business strength, friendships and great exposure.   I am endlessly impressed with the staff here.

NINE:  Prairie Winds Café in Molt – I know, it’s not Billings, but live music at breakfast can’t be beat.

TEN:  Airport- it’s why I came here and while I seldom fly now, a trip to the airport almost always means the joy of arriving loved ones or great adventure.

If you would like to be featured on “my Billings”  let me know at synda@syndarorexphotography.com

Happy Easter | Montana photographer for fun people

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter!  If you are in Billings on Saturday come to the Billings Depot for their Eggstravaganza from 10am to 4pm.  ”My Billings” will return next week, I will be avoiding the computer while I spend time with family this weekend.  Have a good one!!!

refab friday with a chicken | Billings, MT photographer

It has been a while since I have re-fabbed a piece of furniture.  I have some lockers I have been cleaning up and getting ready to paint, but in the meantime a friend asked me to paint this for him.  I have moved it inside the house and I think it looks pretty good in my breakfast nook.  Who knows, I might just end up keeping it.

Yes, that is a chicken hanging out, a real chicken.  We are babysitting “Lady” because she was getting picked on in her chicken coop.  We are having fun with her and helping her heal.  I never thought I would get so attached to a chicken.  I wish they didn’t poop all over the place or I would let her live in the house.  She is super friendly because Ryland has been handling her ever since she was a chick.  She comes over and sits by me when I go outside  and she has given us a couple of eggs.  We might have to keep her too.

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