Pardon the silence....

and forgive me for the blog neglect! I have been taking a sabatical from blog updates as I have been super busy and it was one of the things that had to be cut out for the time being. I hope to resume in the New Year and I look forward to sharing with you again all that is going on with Alicia Caine Photography! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thank you for your wonderful support as you visit my blog and share your comments!
Hugs upon you all!
ALICIA

alicia caine * montana's exclusive baby & children photographer

The last time I saw these little peanuts- they were 6 weeks old! They were so itty bitty for their very first session! And now look at how much they have grown!

So serious- but so beautiful! You can see the similarity in their appearance in how they hold their lips! So sweet!

alicia caine *montana's exclusive baby & children photographer

Just a couple sneek peeks from tonight's session! I had a hard time choosing which to show because I had so many stinkin cute shots of this darling little family. I aplogize for composition of all the images with the focus on the right hand side. I didn't even notice that all the images I chose were composed that way until I saw them on the blog together! lol I guess you can see that I have a habit of putting my negative space on one side!

This shot made me swoon- I love it to death! The thing I love about 3 year olds- you can't pose them but the poses they give me are far more darling then anything I try to come up with. Don't her eyes just melt your heart!?
I love black and white- and I adored this shot in black & white. But I had to show this one in color because I love her stunning eyes in this one.


This handsome dude reminds me so much of my oldest son, Jordon. The similarities in personality were uncanny. It then reminded me that I haven't taken pictures of my own kids in a long time--- I better get on that soon!

I just had to show this one for their mom's benefit. It takes me back to a time when my mom took my brother and I to a studio to get pictures of the two of us done. My brother was a stinker the whole time- sticking out his tounge. And I was doing this weird cheezy grin and squinting my eyes. I don't remember if the photographer got a single good shot of the two of us together. And this was back in the day when you didn't get previews of your images until weeks later when they came back on printed proofs. Long story short- the images that my mom got from that session didn't NOT make her swoon- she was annoyed with the two of us. But 20 years down the road- I have to say they are probably some of my absolute favorite images of the two of us together. It captured us and who we were- we weren't perfect kids, we didn't do fake poses and we didn't look like models. But, in real life- it captured the real us....stinker and all.

Mom, you may not appreciate this picture now--- but 20 years down the road, it may be one of your favorites! :)

alicia caine * montana's exclusive baby & children photographer

*sigh* I've been without internet for almost 2 weeks now. It has created emotions that I would compare to what I would experience as "the end of the world" or "near death". For all you internet lovers who have gone without it for more than a few days- you know what I'm talking about!

I snuck out of the house today to get caught up on the ever growing pile of e-mails sitting in my inbox today- yay! Due to Gramma request- I am getting this session from last week posted! (I promise- I'll get all the other sessions posted soon!!!!)

I've decided that working with 2 years old has to be the best cardio program there is. If I could get a steady rate of 2 year old sessions- I'm sure I'd kick this postpartum weight off in no time!! :) So, if you have a 2 year old- send em my way!!! lol

this is my *swoon* shot of the session. Lots and lots of cute ones captured, but there is something about this one that just tugs at my heart! love love love it!

There was something about her darling haircut and dress that I couldn't resist. I love element shots. Not sure if anyone else does- but it's my camera and gosh darn it- I'm going to take a few shots that make me smile! :)

And of course- what's a session without an eyelash shot!?


I wasn't sure how many pictures I got of her actually looking at me and was quite surprised at some of the darling eye contact shots I got- I thought I'd leave them out of the sneekpeek just as a little extra surprise for Miss Payton's family when they got the gallery preview! Love little surprises, don't you!?

alicia caine * montana's exclusive baby & children photographer

Weather issues were one of my biggest battles this week. Fortunatly, last night allowed us to do one of the three sessions that were suppose to be shot this past week. I'm really hoping for better weather next month because I am really not loving this rescheduling thing that I have going on.

yep- I love three year olds! My last session was with a 3yo- and so was this one! They are so much fun because of their ability to talk and engage!


The other thing that is fun with a 3 year old- you just don't know what to expect. They are next to impossible to pose and don't even think about suggesting things for them to do, they have a mind of their own! So I really have to go into the session open minded to work with whatever they give me. And I always love what they do--- it's genuine, it's heartwarming and it's better than any idea that I come up with.

I love love love this shot! Her eyes just suck you in!

XOXO

alicia caine * montana's exclusive baby & children photographer

Have you ever had one of those weeks? Not that the week was bad- but more like everything just doesn't seem to be working out according to plan and you just have to let go and go with the flow?

well, I had one of those weeks.

between waiting on the weather to decide if it's fall or summer and then difficulties with camera equipment on top of a few other business things- I just was glad to make it through the week without giving myself too many gray hairs (but I cover them up, so you would never know anyways if I did give myself a bunch! hehe)

This session was on Thursday and we were lucky to get it done as the weather took a turn for the worse this weekend and all the other sessions had to get rescheduled. Only problem we had to battle with was the mosquitoes. (mental note: always carry bug spray to every session)

I know this little punkin's momma has been anxiously awaiting the sneek peeks- I don't think I have ever taken this long getting up the previews on my blog! (I blame it on a corrupt memory card reader and then on Amazon's horrible third party vendor who thinks that you should pay $30 for overnight shipping but get it 5 days later- boooo! )

OMG! I LOVED her little theatrics!

I've decided that my favorite age to photograph is 3 years old :)

A shot in color per momma's request! :) Don't you love her little flower- her extremely talented momma crocheted it for the session!

I know that everyone loves color- but I'm a black and white girl through and through. It's shots like these that make me want to stare at my computer screen for hours on end.
*swoon*
(and yes, I swoon a lot over my own images.....no shame!)

alicia caine * bozeman+montana's exclusive baby & children photographer

I just had to share a few images from a recent photo shoot of YOURS TRULY because they literally make me squeal every time I look at them. I am seriously feeling so narcistic because I just stare at all the images and think "is that really me!?" The amazing Nicole of Green Door Photography in Missoula came to Bozeman a couple weeks ago when I hired her for a family session.

Confession time:

Can you believe it? I have not.one.single picture of my family. Not one. I think the last time we had an actual family picture was when I was pregnant with baby #2....and now that we have 4 kids- it just doesn't feel right to have just this image on display (plus it's only a 5X7- which is NOT a worthy size to hang on a wall). And the fact that it was taken at Sears just goes against all that I believe in when it comes to custom photography. :) hehe

Well, the family session didn't happen due to yucky weather and snooty nosed children- so instead of wasting Nicole's trip down- she spent the time with just me instead!!!! (and now I have a chance to get all my kids haircuts before their pictures which I actually neglected the first time around! lol)

This was so much fun!! I think that every mommy needs fresh pictures of herself. Not that having pictures of our babies on our hips are a bad thing- I actually can't wait to get some fab pictures of me and my babies! I just think that getting to see ourselves this way- it's....I don't know....it's exciting!

When I do family sessions- I like to grab a shot of the moms all by themself because it never fails- I'll see their facebook page and they have an image on it from 1996. Trust me, I know! Or, if we do have pictures- they are usually ones taken by our cell phones at arms length. NOT FLATTERING!

I seriously *full-body* smile when I look at the images that Nicole captured for me. (which will be my NEW web-site, facebook, twitter, etc profile pictures- thank you very much!) I'm really not a serious person- but I love these three images so much because they are calming. Being a mother of 4, it proves that you can have that many kids AND keep your sanity! :)

So, momma's- when was the last time you had a picture of yourself done? Do you think maybe it's time to update your cell phone self portrait??? :)

~xoxo~

alicia caine * bozeman & montana's exclusive baby & children photographer

REMAINING SESSION DATES FOR JULY

only 4 days left!!!

Friday, July 10th

Saturday, July 11th

Friday, July 17th

Saturday, July 18th

To book your session- you can send me an e-mail by visiting my Web-site Contact section or call me at 406-231-0880

And what's a post without a picture!? An outtake that I love! :)

~xoxo~

alicia caine * bozeman's exclusive baby & children photographer

A year ago, I photographed this cutie pie (images HERE- he's the third angel down!) One of my favorite things about being a baby & children photographer is watching them grow....He was barely sitting his first session that he had with me- now he's running around and doing yoga poses! :)

I don't know if you've ever noticed- but I LOVE LOVE LOVE eyelashes and I think that every momma needs a picture of her baby's eyelashes. It's why I hate making kids say "cheese" to the camera- it makes me miss my favorite shots!

timless black and whites *swoon* They never get old!

Don't those eyes just melt your heart??

~XOXO~

alicia caine * bozeman's exclusive baby & children photographer

I have never been tempted so badly to sneak a baby home in my camera bag- and today's little peanut (weighing in under 6lbs) would have fit perfectly in the bag which made it even harder to resist! What made her even more irresistible was the fact that she slept practically the entire time and was content as a clam.

I have always felt that it was unfair that some momma's get to give birth to tiny babies- I get the monster babies which is like giving birth to a 4 month old. Yeah, I admit- I get a little jealous!

*sigh* isn't she beautiful?

She let me try out some new fun fabric backgrounds- aren't they fabulous?! And my signature colors to boot! :)

And here's the big sister! I should have shown this one in color because she has the most amazing blue eyes- but, I have such a love affair with black and whites that I had to show at least one in my favorite form. :)

~xoxo~

alicia caine * bozeman's exclusive baby & children photographer

Today's session was with sweetie pie Lucy! Not only did I get to do her momma's belly pictures, but I also got to photograph her grand entrance into the world. It was an incredible experience that I was thrilled to be a part of!

She had to wait for her fresh baby pictures until I got back from my commercial shoot that I just did in Saint Louis last week- so we unfortunatly missed the last of the umbilical cord still clinging on. But, she is still is super fresh- not yet 2 weeks old! The longest baby I have ever seen- 23.5 inches long! I was certain she was going to be a boy- it's a good thing that I didn't put any money on it.

She's a lucky girl because her momma is also a photographer- so she will be photographed a lot in her life!

~xoxo~

alicia caine *exclusive baby & children photographer

OUT OF TOWN!I'll be out of town from Tuesday through Saturday (June 2-June 6) for a photoshoot.If you contact me- I'm not ignoring you! I'll be sending you some love as soon as I get back!
Have a wonderful week!

alicia caine *exclusive baby & children photographer

Love bright colored clothes for your babies!? Check out these adorable little outfits from Organic Beginings! There outfits are so darn cute- super soft and the colors are oh so yummy! :)

Just one sneek peek of one of the images I am shooting for their web-site!

and how cute is this little man!?

alicia caine *bozeman excluisve baby & children photographer

Thursday night, I had the pleasure of this mother & daughter session with the founder of SwapMamas--- CHECK IT OUT!

it was an evening of perfection- perfect weather, perfect light, perfect captures *sigh*

(well, except for the mosquitos-lol)

have I ever mentioned that I am obsessed with eyelashes???

*swoon*

Don't they look like they should belong in a magazine???

Thank you for a wonderful evening, Darcy- it was such a pleasure getting to spend it with you both!

XXOO

alicia caine *bozeman's exclusive baby & children photographer

I was recently asked in a interview for the Bozeman Chronicle why I chose to photograph only babies and children......was it because I didn't know how to do pet portraits? Didn't get hired for weddings? Was afraid of Seniors? lol


No, that's not it at all.
The reason?

Working with babies is my passion- it is where my heart is. I'm an exclusive baby & children photographer because I only have the time to do what I love- it's the truth. I could shoot weddings if I really wanted to- but I only have one life to live, so I fill it with the things that I love....childhood photography being one of those things.


Being a mother to 4 (yes, 4! Ages 7, 5, 2.85, &1), I discovered my heart for childhood photography capturing my own children. Trying to capture the magic of each unique child....not just seeing them as a series of poses on backdrops which are fine for recording what they looked like---- but going beyond and capturing the soul of the child. Stopping time to focus on the eyes lashes, the freckles, and the cowlicks.


I'm not here to knock at studio photography- heck, I have a studio myself and photograph newborns there. But, in complete honesty- though the images are just as precious.....the magic is found outdoors. Put a child outside of 4 walls where they can breath and relax!

Today I received probably one of the greatest compliments a photographer could ever receive by the mother of my last session

"Alicia, I have my own theory or interpretation about why your photos are so captivating, so heart stopping, so magical. I'll see if I can explain it (I'm such a lay person when it comes to photography)... You're not just behind the lens creatively capturing the real world, pulling it inward to the camera. It's more like the beauty of your photos flows from you outward through the lens infusing everything from the blades of grass, to the shade of sunlight, to my daughter, Macy, with your artistic, charismatic energy. How you do it will always be your signature, your mystery. Why you do it is a joy to behold. ~Bridget"

And *this* is why I do what I do. It's not just for my pleasure- but how I am able to share something that delights my heart and be able to share it with you and bring you joy.

I truly am blessed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who have allowed me to share a piece of my heart with you.

What's a post with a picture? My Allie! Her birthday was this month and she started walking. It brings me joy and sadness at the same time to see her grow up.

Nothing extradionary- just grabbed a few shots of her while she was playing outside today.....but they make my heart smile.....

alicia caine photography* bozeman's baby & children photographer

Remember this cutie???

Yep, this is my Cover Child Winner for 2009!

Friday evening I had so much fun getting to play around with her. The thing I love the most about my cover child sessions.....other than working with some of my favorite kiddos again....is that I get to play. It's my chance to get to stretch my creativity wings and just enjoy the process and see where the session takes us, with no real agenda in mind. I think I should do ALL my sessions that way because....*swoon*.....with results like these, how can I resist NOT playing around more often!?

Want to see more images from this session- check out the web-site to see her images as the featured session!

portrait vs. purse

I think it's safe to say that the majority of my clients own at least one, or more, designer handbag. During a low economic time- what would you choose? Portraits or purse? Here's a delightful little video to help you decide (created by my girlfriend Kristen)

Portrait v. purse from Kristen Kalp on Vimeo.

Gotta love the nod to PC/MAC commercials! :)

alicia caine photography- bozeman's newborn photographer

***just a sneek peek for momma from today's session***

the first thing that popped into my head was the song "things that make you go Hhmm..." the look on his face, the way he is holding his hand....you know that this little guy is going to be a deep thinker.

yes, I truly believe that newborns smile and dare anyone to challenge it!!!!!

is it just me, or does anyone else want to chew on his toes!?

alicia caine photography- exclusive baby & children photography

I am here to make the official announcement that spring has FINALLY arrived in Montana!

Have you wondered where I have been? I'm sorry, dear blog readers, that I have been neglecting you the last few days...(*ahem*- weeks). I have been working on rebranding and updating everything Alicia Caine Photography-related and the lack of blog content will all be worth it when I release my new web-site/logo/blog redesign!!! I promise- you'll love it!

While you wait- here's a peek at a session I shot yesterday- my first outdoor session for the year....and what a beautiful thing it was. I forgot how much I enjoyed shooting outdoors! I had the pleasure of getting to photograph a dear friend, and fellow photographer, Sara Janssen and her little family- so much fun!

they don't know the gender of the baby yet.....my guess: BOY! I'll keep ya'll posted when I do the newborn pictures....which hopefully won't be too far off! :)

Bozeman Baby Modeling Opportunity

**update: thank you to all who have contacted me! I've got all the models lined up and ready to go!**

check out the web-site by clicking the above image!

How would you like to see your baby star on a fabulous organic clothing company's web-site!? Here's their chance to sparkle!

I am in need of babies (preferably ones that are sitting!) that are wearing clothing size 3/6 mo., 6-12mo. and 18 mo. for a photo shoot May 6th- 8th and possibly the following week if I can't get all the images done that I am needing!

If you are interested- please contact me ASAP!

info@alicaicainephotography

or 406-231-0880

All models will receive a special goody from the shoot as a thank you gift!

{alicia caine} gallatin county photographer

On Vacation!

Bags are packed and we are heading out the door as my family and I are taking a little vacation before the busy season hits full force!

I will be out of office from Wednesday, April 22 through Sunday, April 27th.

{alicia caine} gallatin county photographer

travel sessions now available

last summer I was unable to travel for sessions as I had a newborn and had to stay close to home. This summer, I am opening my calender up for out of town and out of state sessions.

Outside of Gallatin county, summer home, family vacation, or just not in my area--- no longer a problem! I bring my camera to you!

please inquire for more details at info@aliciacainephotography.com

Session Dates now available for:

Billings, Montana- Friday, June 5th & Saturday, June 6th

Helena, Montana- Friday, June 26th & Saturday, June 27th

Great Falls, Montana Thursday, July 23rd & Friday, July 24th

and what's a post without a picture??? My girl reading her favorite book!

{alicia caine} gallatin county photographer

oh.happy.joy!

behold- the new gift print!

and what is the difference, you ask?

well, my dearies...the new gift prints are now coming to you double matted and frame ready!

*shown above 8X12 and 5X7. additional gift print sizes available*

I am constantly revising my business to meet the requests and needs of my clients and one of the most requested item was matting for the prints!

You asked, I listened, the matting has arrived for your pleasure! And the best part--- the mats come complimentary, no extra charge.

I wish I would have thought of this sooner. :)

becuase Kodak told us an 8X10 is an enlargment....

....we think that if an 8X10 is an enlargment than anything bigger must be ginormous, right???

There is this fear that comes with buying large sizes of our children for our walls. We hear numbers like 16X24 and think...wow, that has to be huge and you stick with the size you are familiar & comfortable with - the 5X7 or 8X10. But then you see a 16X24 in person....and it's not as big as you thought it would be, especially when you see it in scale to your walls.
One of the most common comment that I get from my clients is "I wish I would have gone bigger". Times like these, I wish I would have at least suggested larger.

I don't make a very good salesman- it's just not in my nature to be pushy when it comes to sales. If someone has the heart set on an 8X10- I'm not going to convince them to purchase anything larger. But the most common comment that I *don't* get from clients who do buy large is "I wish I wouldn't have bought it so big".

5X7's & 8X10's are meant to be replaced. You buy a frame and swap out the prints on a regular basis....and then in a box they go. The money spent isn't a total waste- you still have them for memory sake. But you are spending money that is going to wind up sitting in a cardboard box.

The larger the print- the more it pulls you in. It captivates you. It calls you to linger and absorb every detail. With an 8X10- you can take it all in with just a glance. You miss the details and it doesn't pull at your heart the same way. I'd rather have one 20X30 of my child than 5 8X10's ANY day! Give me just ONE picture that captures my heart- that turns me to mush--- it's all I need!

Consider this your encouragment to go bigger. Just think about it. :)

24X36 PRINT

30X45 PRINT

16X24 PRINTS

what you value.

My kids give me rare oppurtunties to photograph them- so when they do, I jump on it! Today was one of those days!!! I turn to mush capturing little details of my babies! :)

Today I was looking through a pile of pictures that I have of my kids- some I have taken, some taken at studios before I was a photographer. The pictures I was the most drawn to time after time again were the ones of my kids capturing who they were and not just what they looked like.

The posed studio pictures were cute, freezing time of what they looked like. But the pictures that I wanted to stare at for hours were the ones that reminded me the little details that reminded me of their personality. There are things about my kids that at the time, I can't imagine I could ever forget.....but years down the road, some of the memories are hazy. I'm so grateful for the images here and there that were captured that were reflections of who they were.

It's no wonder that the first thing that people grab in a home fire or natural disaster is their pictures. Everything else is replaceable--- your pictures aren't.

alicia caine photography- bozeman baby boutique studio

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter!

I had to grab a shot of a gorgeous bouquet of flowers I was given! :) I'm a girly-girl..so I'm a sucker for anything pink!

The calender is now updated on the web-site! Check it out for available session dates. If you had your name on the waiting list for spring/summer sessions- please contact me as soon as possible to finalize your session date. Limited session dates available and book quickly!

Please call 1-406-231-0880

*****

Do you twitter?

Alicia Caine Photography is now on Twitter!

*****

Available slots still available for modeling session

check it out!

{holden}

I never felt that I should thank Anne Geddes for anything- but today, I wanted to thank her for making hanging babies acceptable! The idea would have been mocked by my clients if it wasn't for her first paving the way of nude babies and stepping out of the box when it comes to newborn art. Thank you Anne! :)

Just one shot from today's newborn

Alicia Caine Photography- Bozeman Baby & Children Photography

Hang tight just a few more days!!! My session availability calender will be updated this weekend and session days will be open for booking!

Thank you so much to all who have been patiently waiting for my schedule to open up as I have been only been newborns this winter and putting all other clients on a waiting list. Trust me- kids need to be outdoors! No more indoor sessions for busy kiddos--- it just ain't natural! :)

I have some fabulous stuff planned for 2009- I can't wait to share!!!

To book your session- please call Alicia at 1-406-231-0880 or visit the web-site and use the contact form to e-mail regarding a session.

Does your child have personality!?

Well, that is kind of a silly questions--- because TECHNICALLY, everyone has a personality- some just have a little more sparkle than others, right?!

Alicia Caine Photography has been commissioned to do a commercial photoshoot which will take place in May and I am looking for children who fit these profiles:

Boy and girl with distinct freckles between the age of 4-8 years

Boy and girl with curly hair between the ages of 2-12 years

Little girl with hair past her shoulders- age between 6-12 years

Little boy with shaggy longer style hair- age between 4-12 years

Red headed girl- hair must be bright red or orange- age 4-10

Red headed boy- hair must be bright red or orange- age 4-10 (hair must be on the longer side- no buzz cuts)

Boy and girl with dark skin tone between the age of 4-10

If you know of a child that matches these profiles, please contact me as soon as possible. I request that you e-mail two pictures of the child- a close up of their face and another full body shot. Not all who contact me will be chosen for the shoot as I only need a total of 10 models. The models chosen will be the ones that best fit the profiles that we are looking for. I will not be able to personally respond to everyone who contacts me regarding this opportunity. If chosen, you will be notified within 2 weeks of the full details regarding the project.

The model’s guardian must be willing to sign a modeling release that agrees to the use of their child for any printed & online usage. All modeleling participants will receive a slideshow DVD of their session as a special thank you. Images not chosen to be used by the company will be available for purchasing upon request within 2 weeks of the session.

When contacting me about the modeling session- please include your full name, phone number, name & age of child and the two required snapshots. Please send information to me at info@aliciacainephotography.com

Featured momtrepreneur- Christy from Montkids!

Name: Christy
Business Name: Montkid online children's clothing & outerwear boutique

Years in operation: 4 years (started in 2004)

What is your idea of a perfect day?
I try and find at least one perfect moment in every day. But, if I could have one day…

A lazy summer day that begins with good morning hugs from each of my girls, followed by morning coffee outside soaking up some sun while watching the girls play. This would be followed by a solo run or hike and I come home to a lovingly prepared meal surrounded by fresh flowers picked from one of our many overflowing gardens. Then, I would drive up to Bridger Bowl, where there would be a crazy mid-summer powder day and I could spend the afternoon skiing with my girls, maybe grab a burger and a cold beer from the Mid-Way Lodge. While we were gone the cleaning lady arrives and makes all the beds, does all the laundry, picks up all the plastic toys and makes the house smell wonderfully clean. That evening, a babysitter comes to help get the kids dinner, bathed and to bed while my husband and I get to enjoy a wonderful meal and movie together. I end the day by checking Montkid.com revenue and found out I’ve had a great day of sales while I was enjoying my family, and finally, just before I climb into bed, I step on the scale and discover I’ve lost weight!

This isn’t reality of course - but I can dream!

Out of 31 flavors of ice cream, which would you choose?
Homemade vanilla on top of just from the oven apple pie.

What is one product that you use that you couldn’t live without?
I start every morning with a cold Starbucks Frappacino (the ones in the little glass jar). I need that kick of sugar and caffeine.

Please explain a little bit about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it:
I started the business out of major frustration trying to find outerwear for my 3 girls that was high quality and somewhat stylish since I had to look at it every day. It was such a miserable, exhausting experience that we built the Montkid.com web site and launched it less than a month later. Since starting the business we welcomed our 4th daughter to the family.


What makes your product/business so unique?
Based on my own frustrations, I try to stock sizes ranging from infant to teen so that one family can take care of all of their outerwear needs in one stop. I also try to offer a range of prices and styles to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

Would you give us a sense of some of the steps-big & little you took
from your first thoughts about starting your own business, to the thoughts and actions in the middle to when it was finally up and running?
Over the years, I have built up this amazing ability to talk myself out of any great idea (what if I’m a complete failure!). If I run into obstacles I quickly lose interest and motivation. One of the best things I did - for me personally - was to view this business as a hobby. That way, there seemed to be no expectations. In the beginning, I didn’t even tell my friends what I was doing all day. I still stutter sometimes when someone asks me what I do!

What is your best memory of your first year in business for yourself? What
is your worst? The best memory is my first order – a guy in Washington placed an online order less than a month after I first had the idea. The worst memory was that I didn’t get my second order until 15 days later! That was a very long 15 days.


Since becoming a business owner, what has been one or more of your most exciting but least anticipated pay- offs?
The best thing to come out of my particular business has been the desire to get the family outside more. Since, we sell so much outerwear and outdoor gear, I want to be considered “an expert” when I talk on the phone to my customers. This means that our family does a lot of gear testing!

What do you love the most about being your own boss? What do you dislike the most?
I love the flexibility. I am a mother first, and this business lets me drop my kids off every morning and pick them up every afternoon. I am able to go with them on field trips and attend nearly every school performance. On the flip side, there are times when it is completely horrifying to look at the bills that are coming due over the next few months and know that it is completely on my shoulders to come up with the revenue to pay them.

What gets you up in the morning and keeps you going when things have been tough at work ?
Well, as every mother knows, one of my four kids gets me up every morning with a slow painful creak of the bedroom door. I haven’t used an alarm clock in 8 years. But, I also truly love what I do. I don’t think you can be successful in a business that you are not passionate about because it requires so much of your time. In four years, there have only been a handful of days that I haven’t wanted to rush in to work. On those days, I crawl back into bed or take some time for myself by going for a hike or to lunch with my husband and try again the next day. Most business owners work 7 days a week 8+ hours a day - we just fit it in at different times than the traditional 8-5. So, you’ve got to give yourself a break every now and then and feel OK about it.

How would you describe your most difficult challenge of being a "momtrepeneur"?

There are not enough hours in the day!


On any given day, what makes you smile?

Too many things to list! My husband cracks me up and my children, it seems, have inherited their father’s sense of humor. We also try to create a really fun work environment, so my employees keep me laughing all day.

How many children do you have. What are their ages? What were their ages when you started your business?
I have 4 little girls age 8,6,4 and 1. I never thought that was an unreasonable number until I started trying to plan vacations. It seems most hotels think a family of 6 is entirely too many children in one room! I started Montkid.com when my 3rd child was 9 months old. I look back on that time and honestly find it pretty amazing the family survived. After this experience I firmly believe you have to be extraordinarily passionate about something to make it work – I still find it amusing that I can be extraordinarily passionate about kid’s outerwear. If you are, you can find the time.


How do your kids respond to mom being her own boss?
My kids are clueless that I am anything special. In fact my 6 year old looked at me the other day and said, “Yeah, I don’t know what I’m going to be when I grow up. Maybe, I’ll just do nothing like you!”

How does the fact that you have children factor into your decision to have your own business?
I have met so many mothers that have found the inspiration for their business from their children. That is certainly my situation. I did try to work outside the home two other times when my girls were young and I did not last long. It is very difficult to work in an environment that does not have flexible hours and I have learned that I will not work unless it is my own business.


What are some of the creative ways you have found to juggle being a woman, a mother, a business owner, and a wife?
First of all, I try to surround myself with a wonderfully competent team of people. I also involve my husband and children in the business (brilliant, right?). And, I do my best to prioritize. However, I have found that as a result of being stretched very thin and not having much free time, I have just had to give myself a break and realize that there are a number of things that are just going to get done half ass!

What or whom have you found to be the greatest support to you and to your business over the years? Your greatest drain?
My number one fan is my husband!

My greatest drain is that there are a number of things beyond my control, and I have learned that I like to be in control. So many factors affect success – weather, economy, competitors, search engine technology, etc. - that at times it feels like a roll of the dice. Since, I’m not much of a gambler, my heart literally feels like it’s going to jump out of my chest at any moment.

The best prepared baby food- EVER!

So if you are a health nut like me- I have to tell you about this awesome baby food company that I discovered on my recent trip to Philly. I had taken Allie there with me and I bought several jars of organic baby food for the trip which she refused to touch. She's use to homemade- so she turned her nose up at the bland and nasty textured jarred baby food.

Have you ever tasted some of these jarred baby foods- mostly the multiple flavored ones!? No wonder we have such picky kids- they are use to only eating food with no real recognizable flavor!!! I remember tasting one that was called macNcheese--- and let me tell ya, it tasted NOTHING like macNcheese! *shudder*

At a visit to the awesome organic baby store Yum&Bum in Wayne, PA- they sold these little frozen containers of organic baby food that I got for Allie while we were staying there and she was in HEAVEN! Even I sneaked a few tastes of the assortment and thought they were quite delish! lol

Picky about the quality of food you feed your baby? Or trying to think of a creative gift for a new parent??? Check out Petite Palate Organic gourmet baby food! It was a lifesaver for me to have something healthy for her to eat while we were traveling and didn't have the ability to make it for her! Allie's favorite was the split pea stew--- tasted just like split pea stew- AMAZING! lol

order from their online store or Amazon.com

Enter the promotional code: PETITEI2 (upper case "i", letter 2)
for a free sample pack with your order of any case!

Go get some!!! And feel good about what you are feeding your baby and helping the enviroment wit their eco-friendly paper cups! ;-)

Buy *THIS* outfit

and get $200 print credit for your session!

I'm always getting asked by my clients for suggestions for clothing for their sessions- so I thought I would get a head start on the questions and suggest some of my favorite outfits that I would love to photograph cute kiddos in. And as an incentive for buying a complete outfit for your spring/summer session- recieve $200 print credit!

Baby Boy Outfit #1, Baby Boy Outfit #2, Baby Girl Outfit #3, Baby Girl Outfit #4

Girl's Outfits #1, Outfit #2, Outfit #3

Boys Outfits #1, Outfit #2, Outfit #3

Have your outfits and ready to book your session- Call me at 1-406-231-0880 or e-mail at info@alicaicainephotography.com to schedule your spring/summer session. Now booking May & June sessions!

Limited dates available!

Ronald McDonald House Fundraiser

Saturday, April 18th, 2009Riverside Country Club, Bozeman, Montana Wine Tasting and Hors d'oeuvres6pmDinner and Live Auction to follow All proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Billings, Mt and help support the families of Gallatin County RSVP by April 3, 2009406-522-0750 ****Alicia Caine Photography is donating a portrait package worth $3895!Package includes 2 hour custom portrait session16X24 Gallery Wrapped Canvas15 Gift Prints of Choice10X10 hardcover 30 page Coffee Table Book50% off any additional purchased prints Why should you support this cause? The people of Billings built the Ronald McDonald house and have funded it for 27 years, but nobody from Billings stays there. The house is for families who don’t live in the Billings area, but who must be there for their critically ill child to receive advanced medical care. In 2008 25% of the Montanans that stayed at the house were from Gallatin and Park counties. Please support this cause by attending!!!