Watch for Matt Boyd Photography on MTV this Saturday at 5:00 p.m. EST!

Tune in this Saturday, Jan. 2nd 2010, at 5:00 p.m. EST for

MTV's MADE!

Watch the brand new episode of MTV's MADE Pageant Beauty Queen show with Matt and Meredith Boyd of Matt Boyd Photography! Below are some candid shots of the filming at our makeup and photo studio in Atlanta of Brittany as she prepares for her first professional photo shoot.

Miss America's Outstanding Teen Jeanette Moreland Supermodels Unlimited Photo Shoot

Today we had the honor of hosting Jeanette Moreland, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2010, in our makeup and photo studio...the entire day was filled with smiles, laughter, singing and capturing the true spirit of such an sweet and talented young lady. Today’s shoot was for a featured spread in and upcoming issue of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine. The fashion shoot consisted of all kinds of headshots, fashion portfolio and fresh new looks for prom. Matt had a great time photographing her in all the beautiful wardrobe and I had such a fun time doing her hair and makeup for all the looks in the shoot. As a small town girl from Wisconsin, she not only captured the national crown, but also our hearts. Her platform is “The Power of One,” and she shows girls of all ages how they can make a difference in their school and community.

Be sure to check back at our Web site at Matt Boyd Photography to see pics as soon as the issue is published of Miss Moreland, a beauty who shines brightly inside and out! And a shout out to the entire team at MAOT – Kim Parrish and company ROCKS!

Announcing Our New Retail Studio Location!

After many years of hard work and dedication, we are thrilled to announce that Matt Boyd Photography has successfully moved into our new 1,700 square foot studio in Vinings (northwest Atlanta). Photoshoots, makeup lessons and as always, good times with friends and family have already begun in our new retail studio location. We look forward to working with ya’ll soon!

Visit us at:

Matt Boyd Photography
3150 Highlands Parkway
Suite 111
Smyrna, GA 30082
For appointments call: 678-779-3134
www.mattboyd.tv

Happy Holidays from Matt Boyd Photography

Photo by Matt Boyd

Hair/Makeup by Meredith Boyd

Happy holidays from Matt Boyd Photography! Pictured above is Emily Cook, Miss Georgia, this is her official holiday greeting card, we had a blast during this shoot!

Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a New Year of peace and happiness! Because the good will of those we serve is the foundation of our success, it’s a real pleasure at this holiday time to say “Thank You” as we wish you a full year of success!

Miss Georgia USA Photogenic Winner!

So proud of all our clients this weekend at the Miss Georgia USA and Teen USA pageants! Special congrats to our client Brittany Parks who's headshot won the coveted MISS GEORGIA USA PHOTOGENIC AWARD! Thank you for making Matt Boyd Photography look so good!

Our clients have captured the photogenic award in both Miss Georgia America and Miss Georgia USA pageant systems this year, we are so blessed with this honor!

Matt Boyd Photography Shoots for MTV!

The secret it out! MTV was at our Atlanta photography studio last night filming an upcoming episode of MADE! The crew captured a 15 year old named Brittany, transform from a shy tomboy to a winning pageant contestant. Mere Cosmetics supplied all the hair and makeup services for this segment and Matt Boyd Photography shot a complete pageant model portfolio and headshots for her upcoming competition. After the shoot, Brittany said, "I have never felt this confident in my life about anything...my confidence has never been higher than it is right now, I feel like a winner and better yet, I feel like I can really win the title now!" Well Brittany, we think you are a winner no matter the outcome, good luck! Stay tuned for more updates on when the episode will air on MTV!

Matt Boyd Photography Shooting Headshots at Sherri Hill Trunk Show

Join us November 20-22 at Lasting Impressions in Eufaula, Alabama for the Sherri Hill Trunk Show and Matt Boyd Photography will be there shooting professional pageant headshots! Makeup lessons will also be available. Just a few spots remain!

Supermodels Cover Now Out!

The September/October Supermodels Unlimited cover is now out! Matt and I are so excited to share with you some of our latest work in the most recent Supermodels Fashion edition. We had a great shoot with Madeline Sapp, Miss American Teen Coed 2009!

All photography by Matt Boyd
Hair and Makeup by Meredith Boyd for Mere Cosmetics

Watch Drop Dead Diva this Sunday at 9 pm EST!

Be sure to tune in this Sunday, September 27th to Lifetime TV at 9:00 p.m. EST for episode 11 of Drop Dead Diva! I'm so excited to be an extra in this episode, you may spot me in the hip and trendy night club scene as a "club-goer" wearing a pink halter top! So who knows if you'll see me, but look for the girl in the hot pink top, that will be me! :0) It may be kind of like Where's Waldo...I met some really great people and we all had a lot of fun on set filming this episode in Atlanta.

Drop Dead Diva is such a cute show, it's a spirited new comedic drama series that puts a wildly unique and entertaining spin on the complex issues of a woman's identity in today's world.
"Drop Dead Diva" is produced by Sony Pictures Television for Lifetime Television.

Here she is...Miss America!

Pageant Headshots by Matt Boyd Photography

Hair and Makeup by Meredith Boyd

Drum roll please! Matt and I are so excited to unveil Emily Cook, Miss Georgia's new pageant headshot that is now featured on Miss America's Web site! We are beyond blessed to have this opportunity to shoot Miss Georgia. We will be cheering you on Emily in Las Vegas at Miss America! Another incredibly talented young lady in the great peach state is Brianna Godshalk, Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen. Congrats to Brianna for winning a four-year scholarship to Troy University!

Thank you Emily and Brianna for making us look so good! We are so proud to have you as clients!

Matt Boyd Photography and Mere Cosmetics are official sponsors of the Miss Georgia Pageant

The U.S. Marine Corp Toys For Tots Program and the Powder Springs Police Honor Guard have teamed up to host Tournament

As many of you know, my husband Matt is Lieutenant of Detectives with The Powder Springs Police Department, which is a 40-man department within Cobb County. He is also the commander of the Honor Guard Unit. The department is in desperate need of funds to buy uniforms for its 6-person Honor Guard. The city cut all expenses for the police department this year, so the guard is hosting a fundraiser to help get uniforms on their own.

The primary role for honor guards is to provide funeral honors for fallen officers. Honor guards may also serve as the "guardians of the colors" by displaying and escorting the state and national flag on ceremonial occasions at official city functions as directed by the Chief of Police. They are ambassadors to the public, presenting a positive image of their service, and assisting with the recruiting effort.

Honor Guard members are not paid for their time to attend these important events, they do it because of their love for their comrades and community.

In partnership with the U.S. Marine Corp, the goal of this tournament is to raise funds and toys; which will bring the Marine Toys For Tots program closer to their goal of 810,000 toys and provide funds to assist both the Marine Corp and the Powder Springs Police Department’s newly formed Honor Guard Unit.

Here's how you can help: I will be selling raffle tickets for $10 to win a new GLOCK (the lucky winner will have a background check prior to winning) and golfers are $85 per person. I will also be collecting toys! Please see attached flyer for event details.

Matt and I personally thank you for supporting those who put their lives’ on-the-line everyday for our safety and the well-being of our communities.

Monday, September 28, 2009
Dogwood Country Club

$85.00 PER GOLFER
$300.00 PER 4-MAN TEAM

For questions, please call:
Lt. Matt Boyd, 404-787-1229
mboyd@cityofpowdersprings.org

Speaking to UCB's Canadian Sales Force

Talk about inspiring! I wanted to share a special message I was greeted upon when I entered the UCB Training Campus this afternoon, it said, "We are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it, because nothing is perfect. But we are going to relentlessly chase it, because in the process, we will catch excellence."
Today I had the unique opportunity to speak to the entire Canadian sales force for UCB, a global biopharma focused on severe diseases with operations in more than 40 countries! In the midst of insurance paperwork, scheduling to see doctors, cruicial scientific testing and research is the child or adult battling a disease trying to live day by day. It was inspiring for me to share my story with UCB's Canadian sales force to bring home a patient's perspective of having rheumatoid arthritis and why their job is so important. UCB is passionate about enabling families with severe diseases to enjoy normal, everyday lives and I just want to thank them again for everything they do to help the 46 million people living with arthritis!

Take Action Today

Health care reform continues to be a hot and controversial topic. Members of Congress want and need to hear from voters, like us! Together we can voice our concerns about health care reform legislation. I urge you to email or call, or better yet, see your Members of Congress while they are home in the district or state. Tell them about the health care needs of people with arthritis. Now is the time!

Good news - Senator Rockefeller (D-WV) recognizes the importance of access to affordable medications. He introduced on August 6, "The Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act of 2009" (S. 1630). This legislation would cap out-of-pocket costs for medications - including arthritis drugs under Medicare Part D as well as those with private insurance. It would cap prescription drug costs at $200 out-of-pocket per monthly prescription and a total monthly out-of-pocket cap of $500 for all prescriptions. Senator Rockefeller is working to include this legislation in health care reform legislation. Please tell your Senators about this important legislation and how it would greatly benefit people with arthritis.

Congress Wants to Hear from You!

You can make a positive difference today!

During the month of August, many Members of Congress return to their home districts and states for the district work period. Your Representative and Senators may be holding public town hall meetings or other public events during the month as they want and need to hear from you, their constituents. This is your chance to express your views on health care reform and to share the Arthritis Foundation's principles for health care reform. It is very important for Congress to understand why people with arthritis want health care reform.

I strongly encourage you to attend a town hall meeting in your area. Contact your local Arthritis Foundation Chapter and ask to speak with the staff person who handles advocacy. He/she will be able to give you more information about local town hall meetings, and can connect you with other advocates who plan on attending. Local Chapter Map

WebMD Show Now Live!

Progress report! I am happy to give everyone a quick update about the New York filming for the segment on RA - Rheumatoid Arthritis produced by WebMD called "RA in Focus" that took place at the first of the year. I am very grateful to serve as a spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation and most especially, as a board member of the Georgia Chapter's Young Professionals Group. The segment is now available to view by clicking here or inserting this link into your Web browser:

http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ra-tv?catId=12&vidId=091e9c5e802ebb0f

The show is a new series dedicated to providing real life stories, the latest medical advancements and information about people of all ages touched by arthritis. Check it out and visit the other resources available...it's a wealth of information at your fingertips!

FDA Advisers Urge Smaller Doses of Acetaminophen

On June 30, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel recommended greater regulation of acetaminophen to reduce deadly overdoses and liver injury. Recommendations that affect people with arthritis include switching the 1,000 milligram dose to prescription status; limiting the maximum single dose of the drug to 650 milligrams; and lowering the maximum daily dose; eliminating prescription painkillers that combine acetaminophen with strong narcotics; and stronger labeling.

The Arthritis Foundation supports the recommendations of the panel, which help to reduce the risks of serious adverse effects from acetaminophen, and applauds the FDA for the prompt action. “Acetaminophen is an important drug which helps to alleviate the daily impact and pain of arthritis for millions of Americans. We believe that people with arthritis must be made aware of potential side effects of drugs so they can decide about the level of risk they are willing to accept. The recommendation to reduce the maximum dose of acetaminophen will help to make this a safer drug for people with arthritis,” said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation.

The continued concern over safety of arthritis pain relievers underscores the tremendous impact of arthritis on the nation, and the need for ongoing research for development of new medications, treatments and understanding of the disease. The Arthritis Foundation recommends patients discuss concerns with their physicians and stresses the importance of weight control and exercise, drug therapy and surgical options for the management of pain and functional limitations caused by arthritis.

Matt Boyd Photography Client wins Overall Photogenic at Miss Georgia Pageant!

Congratulations to Emily Cook, the new Miss Georgia 2009! And Brianna Godshalk, Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen 2009! Matt and I are so happy and proud of you! We will be cheering you both on for Miss America and Miss America's Outstanding Teen! Congrats to all contestants. Also congratulations to Kristen Little, Miss Georgia State University, who won the OVERALL PHOTOGENIC AWARD! We are thrilled that you chose us to do your pageant photos! Thanks Kristen!

All pageant headshots by Matt Boyd Photography
Hair and makeup by Meredith Boyd of Mere Cosmetics

Contact the FDA Today

The Arthritis Foundation has been advocating for many years for the creation of a juvenile arthritis registry. A JA registry would improve the care children with arthritis receive. It would help pediatric rheumatologists make better decisions about the type of medications our children need and it could serve as an early warning system if there are unintended side effects or outcomes of JA therapies. The Arthritis Foundation testified last month at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommending that such a registry be established: http://www.arthritis.org/murphy.php

Now it is your chance to let the FDA know we want them to continue their commendable work in this area and make our dream a reality - the creation of a fully funded JA registry that would help our kids! Please personalize your letter with your individual story and feel free to include some or the entire letter which can be downloaded here.

Please submit your comments either by regular mail or email by July 14th to: Division of Dockets Management(HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061 Rockville, MD 20852

Or Submit electronic comments to http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=09000064809306d1
All comments should be identified with: Docket No. FDA-2009-N-0145

SIRIUS XM "Doctor Radio" - Tune In Monday!

Channel: Doctor Radio Sirius 114 and XM 119

Program: The Orthopedics Show

Live Air Date: Monday, June 15th at 6 p.m. EST

Hosts: Dr. Ramesh Gidumal and Dr. Nader Paksima

Tune in next Tuesday for Sirius Satellite Radio XM's Doctor Radio's "The Orthopedics Show" where I will be a guest speaker about juvenile arthritis and orthopedics. Join hosts Dr. Nader Paksima and Dr. Ramesh Gidumal for in-depth looks at arthritis and other related orthopedic issues like ligament strains and meniscus tears that happen in everyday life, plus take a look at dangerous pre-existing conditions and the latest treatment options. From bones, muscles and joints to congenital conditions, nothing is too complicated for Drs. Paksima and Gidumal to tackle! Hear medical terms and procedures explained in everyday language, and call world class doctors directly with your medical questions.

Contact Your Members of Congress About Health Care Reform Today!

Health care reform now for people with arthritis! Today, fellow advocates, including my friend and Young Professionals Board member Aimee Busquet, stormed Capitol Hill to let Congress know people with arthritis need health care reform. There are 45 million Americans without insurance, millions who are underinsured, and the rising trend that paying for health care is contributing to upwards of half of all bankruptcies in the U.S.

Congress has been working on legislation to reform the health care system over this past year. Starting this week, Congress is planning to discuss this legislation in committees and it will eventually reach the Senate and House floor.

It is very important that you tell your Members of Congress about the unique health care needs of people with arthritis. If you are currently experiencing challenges accessing or paying for health care, please tell Congress your story. If you don't tell them about the problem, Congress can't include a solution in the legislation.

Click "Take Action" to write your Members of Congress and let them know we need health care reform NOW!

Arthritis Awareness in Action!

Check out AOL's homepage, http://www.aol.com/ and view the health section about arthritis. There's helpful information about how to cope and manage the challenges of this disease...my mission is to bring about awareness of the disease and the Arthritis Foundation as a resource to all ages and dispel the myths that arthritis is just an old person's disease, increase needed funding and insprire others to make a difference to those in pain, especially children!

Featured Panelist for UCB Conference

This morning at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta, UCB, a biopharmaceutical research company for immunology disorders had its annual sales conference. A panel of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients was invited to speak and inspire, motivate and connect UCB's international sales team with real people who have unique experiences to share. Each RA patient is different, yet listening to each was very moving...there wasn't a dry eye in the ballroom! I am so grateful to have met such strong and courageous friends during my advocacy journey, together we make a difference!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cimzia, for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA)! This is a major milestone in technology to help cure rheumatoid arthritis. Congrats to everyone at UCB, you are all making a difference in the lives of others!

Paying Tribute to Fallen Heroes

(Before the ceremony with my Hero and love of my life, Lt. Matt Boyd!)
(The riderless horse carried a pair of boots of a fallen officer)
(Lt. Matt Boyd on far right saluting fallen officers in Cobb County)

(After the very emotional ceremony with Attorney General Thurbert Baker)

Tonight was the fifth annual Police Memorial Service, about 300 people gathered on the Marietta Square to pay tribute to all of Cobb County's 13 fallen public safety officials. Family members and police placed roses in a wreath to honor the men and women who hailed from county, municipal and university precincts. A white dove was released at the calling of each officer's name. "Amazing Grace" was preformed on bagpipes and a 21-gun salute helped conclude the ceremony. Police motorcycles and cruisers wrapped around the Square and officers turned on their blue lights at the close of the memorial. Officers that died either in the line of duty or accidentally were honored.

"There is no greater responsibility we can give a group then to protect our public safety. Most of us spend a lifetime trying to answer what our purpose is here on God's Earth. I dare say these men and women here today and those that have come and unfortunately those who have gone before us never had a question in mind what their purpose in life was to be. They chose to put on the badge. They chose to put on the uniform and they chose to be public servants. Because of that decision, this county and this state is one of the best places in America," said Georgia

Attorney General Thurbert Baker.

"The memorial service is very important because it honors and remembers the men and women who work for the county, cities and universities who have lost their lives. It is an opportunity for everyone to remember those who dedicated their lives to keeping the community safe, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice," Cobb Police Chief G.B. Hatfield.

I am blessed, honored and grateful to be Mrs. Matt Boyd. Being married to my hero is the best gift from God in the entire world. I am so proud of you and thankful that you not only chose me to be your wife, but also put your life on the line everyday for our community. I LOVE YOU!

Arthritis Act Introduced in Senate!

Contact Your Senators Today!
On May 6, U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Kit Bond (R-MO), and Ted Kennedy (D-MA) introduced the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2009 (S. 984). The bill expands efforts to prevent, treat, and care for people with arthritis through:

*Enhancing prevention efforts related to arthritis;
*Expanding and strengthening research programs relating to juvenile arthritis;
*Establishing a juvenile arthritis population database to track our kids and monitor their treatments;
*Enhancing support for physician training programs; and
*Establishing a loan repayment program for pediatric rheumatologists to address the country's severe shortage of these critical health professionals.
We need your help to advocate for passage of the Arthritis Act and to address the needs of 46 million adults and 300,000 children with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Together we can fight the pain and disability of arthritis and make 2009 the year the U.S. Congress takes final action and passes this important legislation. Please contact your Members of Congress now and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 1210/S. 984.

Raising $250,000 for Arthritis!

Today, we helped raise over $250,000 for the Georgia Chapter, Arthritis Foundation! Held today at Atlantic Station, The Arthritis Walk® is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide signature event that raises funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Participants walk in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis. People with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their action in taking control of their condition. The event features a three-mile and one-mile course, with arthritis information and activities for the entire family. Pet's get arthritis too! So pet owners were invited to bring their dogs along for the walk. This year's walk promoted the Let’s Move Together movement, a nationwide effort that encourages people to move to prevent or treat arthritis. Thank you to all of my friends and family who supported the walk and donated!

Georgia Chapter, Arthritis Foundation Young Professionals Board

Stay tuned for more info on our upcoming BONE BASH EVENT!
With four-time heavy weight boxing champion of the world, Evander Holyfield

With Aimee Busquet and Heidi Mcintyre

With a new friend who was so excited to meet Rocky!

With Advocate and Councilman of Georgia Jerry Barnes

At the AF Advocacy booth

Congrats to Rocky, who won "Best Original Costume" in the Arthritis Walk's Dog Costume contest!