Fall Family Session ~ Boise Lifestyle Photographer

This beautiful mama was the winner of a "Your Story" portrait session from my 2011 Mother's Day Giveaway. I was so excited to photograph her family because 1) they had never had professional portraits taken and 2) Little Ryker is just the cutest little guy. Little ones are my favorite. Happy, silly, shy or outgoing--I just love capturing who they are!

It was a slightly overcast morning, but the fall colors were still beautiful in Kathryn Albertsons Park. I had never photographed there, even though it's a rather popular place. My eyes were jumping every which way seeing all the amazing natural backdrops. But, more importantly, I wanted to capture the love between these two and their little guy. You could tell they are very much in love with each other, and their little boy. It was a pleasure hanging out with them for a morning. I had so many favorites from this session, it was hard not to want to blog them all.

Which one is your favorite? If this post receives 20 or more comments, this family will receive a complimentary 5X7 image from their session. Happy Monday everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, and every day, I am thankful for many things--my faith, family, friends, work, food, shelter... The list really can go on and on. I feel very blessed. I'm also very thankful to wake up each day and see these beautiful smiling faces, as well as tell stories with words and my camera every day. Take time to give those you love a hug or if you're far from home, at least a phone call. Happy Thanksgiving! God bless!

An Idaho Cowboy ~ Idaho Senior Photographer

I had such a great time during this senior session this summer. Drew has a quiet, gentle spirit. He was completely relaxed and in his element, so it was easy to capture his true essence. And because my lifestyle sessions are not simply about what my subjects look like, but rather their personalities and relationships, it's important for me to capture images that speak to real life. From his beautiful sorrel gelding he broke himself, to his custom-made chaps with his family's brand and his initials in the tooling, these details add to his story. Drew comes from a multi-generational ranching family. Many weekends, he can be helping his grandparents or his Dad with their cattle, taking on a lot of responsibility for a young man.

Here are just a few images, but you can see his complete story on my website, www.maggiemalsonphotography.com. Click on the Your Story link under Galleries. If this post receives 20 or more comments, Drew will receive a complimentary 5X7 Gift print from his Your Story lifestyle session. Best of luck as you continue your schooling, Drew!

Stories ~ Idaho Lifestyle photographer

I just wanted to get a quick post up because I am out of town right now. The past two and half days I was at an amazing workshop with the Professional Photographers of Idaho. I have so many great things to say about it!! But, now I am at the Idaho Cattle Association Annual Convention and Trade Show.

May seem like those don't go together, but they do. I have always loved the creative arts, whether it was photography, painting, drawing or writing. (I even consider baking and cooking a way of expressing my artistic side, but I'll save more of that for another day.)

I'm fortunate to not only get to write with words, but also to work with ranchers mainly in Idaho, but in the past across the country. I help tell their story and get their message out about the safe, wholesome, nutritious, high quality beef they raise for our world.

In addition, my photography allows me to tell stories of my subjects with images instead of words. I feel very blessed to be able to capture people with words and story-telling portraits.

Here is just a quick peek at a senior. I loved capturing the story of him with his dogs, his horse and his cattle. More of this will come soon!

Beautiful Woman ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

I'm so excited to blog these images! I had so much fun during this "Beautiful Woman" session a couple months ago. This gorgeous wife and mommy came to me wanting some images as a surprise gift for her husband. Not only is she a beauty on the outside, but she has a beautiful heart. She's a supportive friend and sister. I'm very blessed to have her in my life!

A "Beautiful Woman" session is about you getting in front of the camera instead of behind it. It's about celebrating you as a woman, whatever stage of life you are in. These sessions can be fun, flirty, romantic, serene and relaxing. No matter the mood or style they take on, they are completely tailored to making YOU feel special. And who doesn't love getting a little dressed up and letting their inner model come out?! 

This was such a fun day of being girly with a special woman in my life. Thanks S! 

If this posts receives 20 or more comments, you'll receive a complimentary 5X7 from your 

"Beautiful Woman" session!

Fall Family Freebie ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

It's blustery outside today, but a warm mug of Green Chai tea is keeping me toasty inside my office! I was being a little creative the other day and made this Family Wordle. The file is my gift to you and available to download. Or you can make your own at www.wordle.net.

Click Family Word Print and you'll be directed to the original file. Right click on it, download, save it to your computer, print it out and frame. You can send it to a photography lab to create greeting cards or other prints. I recommend Mpix for those wanting a quality print lab. I thought it might be fun to create a canvas gallery wrap with it to hang on my wall. I'll let you know how I use it in my home, and if you use it, then please send a photo and share your ideas. Have a great Thursday!

Urban Family Session ~ Nampa Lifestyle Photographer

I just love repeat clients! It's so great to photograph them throughout the year or at least once a year. And, I've been getting to photograph this little munchkin since she was in mommy's tummy! We had a lot of fun walking around downtown, capturing some sweet moments and all of their fun personalities.

I've had a hard time picking a favorite from this session. Which one do you like best? If this post receives 20 or more comments, this fun family will receive a complimentary 5X7 image from their "Your Story" session!

Bright and Fun ~ "Your Story" Family Session ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photograher

I had such a great time photographing this family at their home. I was so glad when they called to book their session, as these kids are just darling and full of spunk! I told Mom to just tell the kids we were having a playdate, and that's exactly what we did! We ran around the yard, played with bubbles, visited their calves in the pasture, played in the dirt, went on the swingset, and captured some wonderful family memories. I feel this session was another great example of a "Your Story" lifestyle session with me.

During our pre-session consultant, we talked about how photographing them at their home would let them all be more comfortable, and we would also be able to capture beautiful memories of everyday activities they do as a family. We also talked about clothing options-how they could find coordinating options for each member, but that they didn't have to be all matching. I love the bright, fun colors they chose!

 

Thank you "F" family for inviting me into your home and letting me capture these memories for you! It was a lot of fun! 

If this blog post receives 20 or more comments, this family will receive a complimentary 5X7 Gift print. Feel free to share!

Four on Friday ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

Just some random thoughts on my mind today. Hope you have a great Friday everyone!

Did you know they make Pumpkin Spice marshmallows? Yuuuummy! I also saw chocolate, chocolate mint, caramel and vanilla swirl and strawberry flavored ones on the shelf at the store the other day. I was a little tempted to purchase them all. I'm not a huge marshmallow fan, but I think it would be fun to try them. I decided that might be a little excessive so I refrained, but maybe if I just buy one bag at a time it won't be so crazy. Maybe?! The chocolate mint ones would be fun for hot cocoa! Anyone try these flavors yet?

Speaking of pumpkin...that's what is melting in my Scentsy warmer--well not a real pumpkin, but rather Pumpkin Roll. It definitely reminds me of fall. I also have Dear Mr. Watson in our main bathroom-reminds me of my hubby's aftershave, Silhouette in our bedroom-kind of a musky, sexy scent and Lucky in Love in the girls' bathroom-light and girly smelling. What about you all? Do you have a favorite scent, candle or air freshener you use?

Yesterday I mentioned using my crockpot lately. I prepared one of my favorite recipes. In fact, my mom still makes it for me whenever we go home for a visit. It's called Creamy Crockpot-I know not super original of a name, but trust me it's delicious! My mom clipped the recipe out of the High Plains Journal when I was a kid. (As an aside-this was one of my favorite ag magazines my dad subscribed to when I was growing up. In addition to great news and features stories, and editorial columns, it also has a page of recipes and one with house plans. I still have a file of house plans for the home we may--or may not--ever build.) Anyway, onto the recipe:


Creamy Crockpot
1-2 lbs of top or bottom round steak-This is a more economical cut of beef and lends itself well to crockpot cooking, as you want to cook it low and slow. You can cube the meat or cut it in larger pieces.
2 cans cream soup (I use cream of mushroom or cream of celery, whatever I have on hand.)
1 cup each of green pepper and onion cut into chunks
Dashes of Worchestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
Just mix up the soup and spices, pour over meat in crockpot. I usually add the peppers and onions about halfway through cooking. Cook 6-8 hours on low heat. The longer it cooks the more tender the meat becomes. The soup makes this incredibly tasty gravy. I serve it over rice.


I would have taken a photo, but it isn't the prettiest dish. However, it tastes wonderful, is comforting and reminds me of home. :0) Do you have any favorite crockpot recipes?


And because a post without a photo on a photography blog doesn't make a lot of sense, here is a sneak peek to the family session that will be blogged on Monday! I had so much fun hanging out with them this summer! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Smiling in the Rain ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

The rain we're having is a nice break from the summer heat, but after three days, I'm ready for a little sunshine. Although if I get a little discouraged about the weather, I just think about this smiling face and how she loves to be outside no matter what it's like. It also helps to have a yummy meal in the crockpot and a cup of hot tea on this cold, wet day.

And, if I do have to go out in the rain, you bet I'm going to wear some fun rainboots! :0)

Portrait Products ~ Idaho Infant Photographer

I was so excited when one of my clients contacted me about having this beautiful Grandmother's necklace made with an image from her grandson's Essence session. A local artist, Charlotte Dube', created this keepsake for the very proud grandma. More of Charlotte's work can be viewed at The House that Art Built in Ontario, Ore.

Here is a sample of a collection of 8X10 gallery mounts hanging in a client's home. The image is flush with the edge and ready to hang. 

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My Cowboy ~ Two-year-old ~ Idaho Children Photographer

Little J's usual attire ALWAYS includes his boots. In fact, since he got them, he wears them with EVERYTHING. Literally, everything. His shorts, his jeans, his pajamas, even just a pull-up. When I ask what shoes he wants to wear, he says his boots. He'll even walk around the house calling out to them as if they will answer back so he knows where they are. He's two, and I'm not going to fuss over his clothing choices. He can put them on himself, sometimes backwards, but he gets them on. And he's just pretty stinking adorable. He won't always wear them with everything, and I want to remember this about his toddler years. 

But today, he picked a couple other accessories to wear with his boots--his sister's cowboy hat, which by the looks of it, fits him perfectly, so I think it's his now--and his chaps. The chaps great grandpa Bob made for Josh when he was a little boy. They fit him perfectly now too. Man, I really, really love my little cowboy!

Birthday Balloons ~ 8-year-old ~ Parma Children Photographer

Our Mackenzie turned 8 this month. We sent her flowers at school and her aunt/uncle/cousin surprised her with balloons and candy. It made her day!