Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron - New Official Crown Headshot

Matt Boyd Photography is proud to post a new crown headshot of Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron!  Many thanks to the Miss America Organization for choosing us to take her pictures, we are so honored!

Photo by Matt Boyd Photography - Atlanta, Georgia

Hair/Makeup: Meredith Boyd

"2010 BEST OF THE BEST PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER" Award Winner!

From pageant community website Turn For the Judges www.tftj.com, we are proud to announce that Matt Boyd Photography has won the coveted national overall BEST OF THE BEST PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER award!

Article courtesy of TFTJ - authored by Devon Lee, TFTJ Staff

Portraits are critical in pageantry. A bad picture is hard to overcome, even with a good interview and on-stage competition. A great picture can really tell judges that you're serious about the title you applying for. This year's photographer excels in bring out the best in his clients and projecting that they are serious contenders.

Matt Boyd is based in Atlanta, Georgia and specializes in corporate and pageant headshots. He's a contributing photographer for Supermodels Unlimited and sponsors numerous pageants throughout the United States. Since he focuses on his speciality, he is constantly on the cutting edge of fashion and photography necessary to produce outstanding headshots.

"Matt Boyd has been working with my daughter for three years and she's won "Most Photogenic" as Miss Fulton County Outstanding Teen and Miss GA Jr Teen United States," says Tracy Sims. "Matt makes every shot count and encourages his subjects to take risks and try new things."

Copelyn Jue, who won the Miss Junior Teen United States title in 2009, says "When I have a photo shoot with Matt I don't get another 'picture' but a representation of me at my best. He is always  prepared, professional, calm, and funny!"

Miss Georgia Emily Cook shares, "Matt has been doing my headshots for 3 years and he has always produced amazing work.  He is kind and incredibly easy to work with. He has made me look my best in my year as Miss Georgia."

Another pageant parent says Matt provides exceptional value for this necessary pageant expenditure. "Matt Boyd can photograph one's inner spirit to complement their outward beauty," says Kina Alarcon. "He is also versatile and creative in the world of photography!"

Laura Giordano, Mrs. Georgia International, appreciates Matt's attention to detail. She says Matt ensures that backgrounds, lighting, and special effects are the best for where the portrait is going to be used. His photo touchups are just enough to enhance the model so each client looks her best.

Tiffany Hudak, Mrs. Georgia United States, appreciates that Matt can work with the inexperienced. She says he makes the process fun and relaxing regardless of a client's modeling background, or lack thereof.

It's clear that Matt Boyd can provide his clients a competitive edge in pageantry through his portrait photography, and does so in a relaxing and creative atmosphere.

Meredith Boyd Named "2010 BEST OF THE BEST MAKEUP ARTIST"

Exciting news from pageant community website Turn For the Judges www.tftj.com, I am so excited to be named the coveted national overall "2010 BEST OF THE BEST MAKEUP ARTIST" award!  Thank you to all our clients for this honor!

Article by Devon Lee, TFTJ staff

When you trust her most precious pageant asset to a hair and make-up artist, it is best to go with experience and quality. This year's Best Pageant Make-Up artist has the track record and client support to stand out from the crowd.

Meredith Boyd, is an accomplished pageant consultant in Atlanta, a makeup artist with her own line of cosmetics, and a commercial print model. She held the title of Mrs. Georgia United States 2003 and placed 4th in the Mrs. United States Pageant. Meredith also held the title of Mrs. Georgia International 2008 and finished as 1st Runner-up.

Clients sing her praises as a make-up artist and selfless supporter. We'll focus initially on her make-up work.

"With Meredith, I always look and feel like a million dollars when I'm done! " says the reigning Miss Junior Teen United States Copelyn Jue.  "Her techniques enhance my best features and I don't look 'made-up'."

"Without her knowledge and expertise in cosmetics and her products, I would be a lost cause during competition!" says Brina Potvin who was her 'little' sister in 2008 holding the title of Miss Georgia Teen International 2008. "She has taught me everything I know about on-stage makeup and has provided me with beautiful results in photo shoots and on stage."

As mentioned previously, Meredith extends her work through her own make-up line called Meredith Boyd Cosmetics.

"I use "Meredith Boyd Cosmetics" during pageant competitions and even every day," asserts Potvin.

Former Mrs. Georgia United States Kathleen Batson says Meredith can enhance those 'over 40' as well.

"At my age (45), she really knows how to bring out my features and make them pop in my photos, which not every makeup artist in the pageant world knows how to do for us gals over 40! "

Another 'older contestant' commends her work and attention to detail during photo sessions.

"Meredith suggests outfits and jewelry to enhance the model and then compliments the choices with the correct make-up colors," says Laura Giordano, Mrs. Georgia International 2010.

Meredith's work can be seen on the national, state and local level. Lindsay Schafer has competed in several local pageants in Georgia and took her recent photographs with Meredith's assistance.

"I've never been so impressed!" says Schafer "Her work is amazing!"

Another state level contestant, Lynsey Sanderson says that Meredith will make you stand out in any room.

"When Meredith does your pageant make-up you will feel like the most beautiful woman in the room," says Lynsey, "She has the unique ability to apply make-up like she is painting a beautiful picture.  She is very good at bringing out your best attributes with make-up"

Emily Cook, the reigning Miss Georgia who won (playing the oboe no less!!!), says Meredith is more than just a make-up artist, she is a trusted friend.

"Meredith is sweet and caring and always has what is best for each individual girl in mind.  She has constantly helped me out through my journey as Miss Georgia and will remain a friend for years to come.  Meredith is a true gem of the pageant world!"

All of these qualities are not only appreciated by contestants, but their support system. Rhonda Barney, pageant mom to Miss Teen Georgia World Megan Barney, appreciated Meredith's dedication to each client.

"Meredith truly pours her heart and soul into each and every girl she works with," says Rhonda. "Meredith supports each girl equally to strive to be the the best and she truly does it with all her heart. She's been doing my daughter's makeup since the age of 13 and will continue to do so for her wedding and beyond, she's a part of our family."

Her experience and credentials are impressive on their own. Meredith Boyd is certainly deserving of the title Best Make-Up Artist.

Miss Georgia Junior National Teenager Wins Photogenic!

Congrats to Matt Boyd Photography client, Olivia Diedrich the new Miss Georgia Junior National Teenager 2010 and OVERALL STATE PHOTOGENIC WINNER!

Photo by Matt Boyd

Hair/Makeup by Meredith Boyd

Health Care Reform: What Does it Mean for People with Arthritis?

6 Ways Health Care Reform Impacts Our Community...
Regardless of what side the political fence you may be on, here's the facts on how the new health care reform will affect those with arthritis.

Immediately..
1. It eliminates exclusion of pre-existing conditions such as arthritis. In 6 months, the nearly 300,000 children living with arthritis will no longer be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. By January 1, 2014 this law will take effect for the 46 million adults with arthritis as well.

2. It eliminates restrictive annual and lifetime limits on coverage.
Because of the high cost of biologics, this provision is good news for those with inflammatory forms of arthritis who quickly meet annual maximums. Starting in 2014, the law will prohibit insurance companies from placing annual limits - or caps - on coverage. Until then, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services will determine annual limits starting late September 2010.

3. It allows adult children to stay on their parents' health insurance policies up to the age of 26.
This provision, which will take effect in less than six months, will allow adult children to stay on their parents' plans longer than most plans currently allow.

4. It bans insurance companies from dropping people from coverage when they get sick.
This provision, which takes effect in six months, will provide peace of mind to people with arthritis to know that they are not at risk of losing their health insurance.

Gradually...
5. It improves access to pediatric rheumatologists.
Through advocating for the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act, the Arthritis Foundation has been seeking a solution to the shortage of pediatric rheumatologists. As part of health care reform, a new pediatric loan repayment program for pediatric sub-specialists was included to encourage doctors to enter into fields such as pediatric rheumatology. We will keep you posted as we ensure that pediatric rheumatology is included in this new program.

6. It closes the gap in prescription drug benefitis for Medicare Part D.
Currently, people on Medicare are responsible for 100% of their prescription drug costs of up to $1,720 once their out-of-pocket expenses on copays reach $2,830. We call this $1,720 expenditure the "doughnut hole". Effective this year, the Medicare Part D drug program will provide a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the doughnut hole. Next year there will be a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs for those who reach the doughnut hole. By 2020 beneficiaries will receive discounts of 75 percent on brand name and generic drugs.

Take 5 Minutes

Join the fight against rising prescription drug costs.

Today the Arthritis Foundation is joining with patient advocacy organizations to fight against the increasing burden of out of pocket costs forprescription drugs.  
 

Please join this effort and ask your Representative to cosponsor The Affordable Access to Prescription Medications Act of 2009 (H.R. 3799) and help put a monthly limit on out of pocket expenses for prescription drugs by sending a fully-editable, pre-drafted letter.  With drug prices having risen nearly 10% in the last year alone, more and more people with arthritis have to choose between treatment and many of life's basic needs such as shelter, and food. It takes less than 5 minutes to make a difference.
 

Introduced by Rep. Hank Johnson (GA), this bill aims to provide much needed relief to those in your community struggling to pay for the medication needed to maintain their health by:

•  Establishing a $200 cap on the amount a person can be charged for any one prescription for a 1-month supply; and
• Limiting to $500 the total amount a person can be charged for ALL prescriptions taken in 1 month.

These caps would apply to both public and private insurance, including Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

Join advocates from all walks of life andask your Representative to cosponsor this important legislation.

Today is the Day.

Take 5 Minutes to Make a Difference.

Let's Kick Arthritis Where it HURTS! Walk with us!

Help Make a Difference. Pain is Universal - So is Encouragement.

Visit my Arthritis Walk Page - Here!

Come join Matt, Rocky and myself on May 22nd at Atlantic Station for the annual ARTHRITIS WALK, there is a 1 or 3 mile option. Many participants choose not to walk and prefer to take part in the activities going on at the starting line. People of any age and ability level are welcome at the Arthritis Walk - Atlanta. 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.

The Arthritis Walk® kicks off in May during National Arthritis Month in more than 300 communities nationwide to fund arthritis research, health education and government advocacy initiatives. 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. Pet owners are invited to bring their dogs along for the walk. By joining your 2010 Arthritis Walk®, you become a part of the Let’s Move Together movement, a nationwide effort that encourages people to move to prevent or treat arthritis. Start moving today for better health!

Donate today!