cindy cieluch photography . blog

There’s just something about seniors.

Mostly, it’s the interesting and emotional transformation from childhood to adulthood.  It’s also the frenzy of activities.  Homecoming, prom, crosstown games, yearbook, debate, finals, SATs, college applications.  There’s so much to do, but even more to look forward to.

Because of this…seniors have become one of my favorite subjects to photograph.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve met dozens of seniors who’ve each amazed with me with their unique qualities.  I’ve admired the seniors who do not get wrapped up in gossiping, making fun of others and other naughty things.  I look up to seniors who care about their family, their community, their studies, politics, culture, current events, and - most of all - want to make a positive impact.

I bet you know a senior like this.  You know a senior who volunteers during their free time.  You know a senior who plays music at church every Sunday.  You know a senior who has overcome tragedy.  You know a senior who has a physical disability and does not feel comfortable in a traditional studio setting.  You know a senior who deserves a photo session to express themselves, but does not have the financial means to do it.

I want to know who these seniors are because I’m going to give one deserving senior a complimentary custom photography package worth $1,000!  I would love to take more seniors, but I’m booked with sessions until October.  That means I’m booking one more senior session and I can’t imagine a better way to do it!

THE RULES:

* You cannot nominate yourself.

* The nominee must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services.

* The nominee must be graduating in the Class of 2010.

*The nominee must live in the Great Falls-area.

* Email me the details at cindy@cindycieluch.com.  I want to know all about the senior you’re nominating.  I want to know who they are, what they’re experiencing and why they deserve a custom photography experience!  Please try to keep your nomination letter at 2 pages or less.

THE DEADLINE IS MARCH 1.

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED APRIL 1.

Look for these posters around town!  Happy nominating!

When there’s a wind chill of 10 below, the last thing most people want to do is have an outdoor photo session.  But for these two, it was a breeze (and a cold one at that!).  More from this fab (and brave) couple coming soon.  I’m still thawing out… 

Jesse is a rock star.  He rocked the guitars (3 of them to be exact), the snowboard, the skateboard, the yellow shoes, the “gangter-ish” belt buckle, the “serious” look.  This kid has got crazy style AND is a budding photographer/graphic designer.  He’s just too cool for school…..

P.S. This shoot was done in October. 

Jesse is also one of his mom’s biggest supporters.  He got this tattoo of a pink ribbon on his forearm when his mom was fighting breast cancer.  She is a survivor!

Jesse’s grandpa used to drive a school bus, so these shots meant a lot to his family!

And yes, Jesse does smile!  He just didn’t want all of his photos to look too “senior picture-ish.”  We were going for more “ganster-ish.”      OK, he didn’t say that.  I just like saying ganster-ish.

THANK YOU JESSE for rockin’ your shoot!!!

I’m talking politics today.  If you’re an animal lover and want to make a difference, please call the state legislature office ASAP.  The bill is going to the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning.  I’m not trying to tell you what you should believe.  It would just be awesome if you could please take a few minutes and read more about SENATE BILL 221 at this link…..and then voice your opinion by calling 406-444-4800.  It literally took me 5 minutes total!

SENATE BILL 221: A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: “AN ACT INCLUDING COMPANION ANIMAL HOARDING IN THE OFFENSE OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS; PROVIDING THAT A PERSON CONVICTED OF COMPANION ANIMAL HOARDING MAY, IN ADDITION TO PENALTIES, BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO EVALUATION AND TREATMENT WHEN CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE BY THE SENTENCING COURT; AND AMENDING SECTION 45-8-211, MCA.”

Lindsey + Robert came over last night to munch on pizza, drink wine and watch LOST with us (season premiere - BOO YAH!  Sawyer time!).  While watching my man Sawyer dodge fire darts, I realized….wow, I still haven’t posted their State Fair shoot!

By the way, if you’re a huge fan of LOST…you’ll know what I mean when I say my blog is going to be like LOST for awhile.  It’ll be in the present, then the past, then the future, then I’ll go waaaaay back to the past again.

So in LOST fashion, let’s turn the clocks back to August and the Montana State Fair.  By that time, I had already done their engagement session (which you can check out here). But I had always had this urge to shoot an engagement session at the fair and thought of Lindsey + Robert right away.  So I called them up on the very last day of the fair and asked them if they’d be up for another shoot.  In no time flat, they were dressed, waiting at the front gate and giddy like school children in love.  We literally ran around like complete nerds, snapping away without a care in the world.  There was no plan, no shade from the blaring sun, no clothing changes, no posing.  Just pure silliness.

I love these FREAKS!!!  I can’t wait for their wedding in Dallas!

This Texas girl managed to find some longhorn cowboy hats.

Their favorite fair souvenir?  A “HOMIES FOREVER” keychain.  Yo Yo Yo.

I’m starting to develop a thing for prom dresses.  If you’re a senior and you have a big poofy dress, YOU MUST BRING IT TO YOUR PHOTO SESSION!!!!  PLEASE!

Olivia drove all the way from Chester this afternoon for her photo shoot.  We started out in her prom dress and I almost didn’t let her change out of it!  Here’s a look at some of my faves.  Yeah, I know…..they’re all in the dress.  Olivia looked gorgeous in each one of her outfits, but I simply can’t get enough of the polka dots and pink…

Who would’ve ever thought we’d be on a rooftop in January?!?!

I’m lucky to call these fine people my neighbors and friends.

This shoot was one of my 2008 highlights.  It’s the very reason why I do photography.  I love the subjects, the colors, the snuggle factor and….well, there’s just nothing better than people who make you laugh!  Tom - thanks for the photography tip on how to make people smile naturally.  Now, all I have to do is scream at the top of my lungs, “SMILE” and they crack up laughing.  It really does work….BRILLIANT!

As you’ll be able to tell from the vibrant autumn leaves, this shoot was a handful of months ago.  I’m telling you, I’ve got some mad catching up to do on this blog.  It’ll take forever to catch up on all of the shoots from last year I still haven’t posted, so I’ll just randomly post them here and there.

By the way, if you’re ever wondering how to dress for a family session - this fam is the perfect example.  They wore bright colors, patterns, fun shoes and it all went together so nicely.  Most importantly, they were themselves. 

THANK YOU Harant family for such a fun day and for lunch! I’m looking forward to our next session with the furry members of the family.  Tell Luna & Groovy I’m ready for their fashion shoot.

Now that’s what I’m talking about…

Doesn’t it make you want to snuggle?

And their BEEEEEautiful and equally beautiful-on-the-inside daughter, Tanya.

I mean, seriously……she’s just too dang pretty.  She has what I call twinkly eyes.

TOOOOMMM!!!  Always gotta be the center of attention, huh!??!

Gotta finish it off with a good old fashioned group hug!  “SMILE…I SAID SMILE!”

Hello from Bozeman!  Matt and I decided to drive over on Friday to spend my birthday night with some great friends - Kort + Jason.  No huge agenda.  Just chillin, eating lots, drinking wine and enjoying all of this sunshine!  One thing topping our agenda was to meet up with fellow (and AH-MAZING) photogs Larry Stanley and Lauren Brown.  We’ve become terrific friends since they took a photo of me for a Benefis Healthcare ad a few years ago.  I don’t have any fun images to post yet because all of the photos I took down here are on FILM with my new funky Holga camera.  Should be interesting to see how they turn out once I get them back from the lab.  Hopefully, they’re not all black!  We’ll be back in G-town tomorrow afternoon!  Enjoy the rest of your warm weekend!