Marli and Me

Marli and I had a lot of fun today.  She is the daughter of a really good friend of mine and she was my first real snow shoot.  It was about 10 degrees with a slight windchill and she rocked it.  I can't say enough how much I love what I do.  Every time I get behind the camera I am reminded of what a cool life I have and how special and unique everyone is in this world.  I hope everyone had a great holiday season!

Moth + Muse

I have been insanely busy these days and trying to keep up with this new adventure.  This month I have been busy with weddings, fashion shoots, and publishing a book.  I couldn't ask for better problems than being busy with what I love.  I'm also planning on a move so I'm getting this business into gear before I take off to Austin, Texas in September where I hope to explore the world of photography a little more and perfect my craft.

Two weeks ago I was given the opportunity to shoot for Moth + Muse, a jewelry line here in Missoula.  I've always alway always wanted to shoot a girl in a bathtub so my dream came true on this little fashion shoot.  This is one of my favorite photographs I've produced and just one of my favorite shoots in general.  I got to work with some incredibly talented, strong, and beautiful women.

It's time for a blog...

I'd like to make this a space to upload my most recent work so everyone can have a better idea of what I'm doing on a day to day basis.  I'm a freelance photographer located in Missoula, Montana.  I shoot weddings, portraits, street photography, and really anything I deem worthy of a picture which seems like just about anything these days.  I'm currently working on publishing a book called "Missoula Rabble".  This is a collection of photographs from a series of portraits and stories of random strangers on the streets of Missoula.  It is due to be released September 5.  You can see my project on my website or on facebook.

Here is a sample of one of my rabble:

Minnie is a survivor. We talked for a while this morning on a bench downtown. She willingly opened up to me about a difficult experience in her life. Minnie is a survivor of rape. "I've been pounded to the ground thinking I wasn't capable or I wasn't competent or I was not intelligent enough," Minnie said. "I've been there. Losing everything, left and right. And it hurts to the marrow." I asked Minnie how she overcame this experience. "You never do," she said. "What's done is done. I was raised through Native American ceremonies and without prayer I've got nothing but a prayer. I've come to be who I am and I am a strong woman."

I'm looking forward to a more interactive relationship with my work and the community.  For any information on my rates or questions about my projects please feel free to contact me at ashley.rhian.mckee@gmail.com or on my website.