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!

Matt Boyd Photography Shoots Miss America, Caressa Cameron For Her New Crown Headshots!

Matt Boyd Photography had a very royal visit from the one and only - Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron! We had a beautiful day for her photo shoot for her new official publicity crown headshots and photographs! I so enjoyed doing her hair and makeup for the shoot using Mere Cosmetics and Matt had a blast shooting her in our studio in Atlanta, Georgia! Thank you to the Miss America organization for choosing us to do her new crown headshots, we are very honored! Stay tuned to see the final results!

(Pictured from left to right: Meredith Boyd, Caressa Cameron - Miss America, Julie Hoffman - MA Tour Manager and Matt Boyd)

Arthritis Walk Kick Off Event!

Time to celebrate and get this party started! The Arthritis Foundation Georgia Chapter hosted its annual Arthritis Walk Kick-Off Luncheon today at Maggiano's Buckhead to stir up excitement for volunteers, corporate donors and team leaders. This year's walk will be better than ever! I will keep you posted on how you can help - let's move together for better health and to prevent or treat arthritis!
This is my friend Dorothy Leone-Glasser, RPN, HHC, has lived with systemic lupus for over twenty-five years. She has overcome two forms of cancer, disabling arthritis, kidney failure, a coma, one heart attack, and three strokes. Today she is not only alive, but she is living well and paving the way to the future of wellness by creating the Wisdom of Wellness Project, LLC.

So happy to see the sisters of AOII making a difference for those with arthritis!
With fellow Young Professional member and friend Heidi McInyre and the "Wisdom Walkers" team!

Visiting with my favorite superstar, Isabela - she's this year's walk honoree! She's had pauciarticular arthritis since age 1. I had the pleasure of meeting Isabela at the Juvenile Arthritis Family Education Day last year and being featured with her as the May 2009 cover story in Arthritis Today Magazine (click here to read the article)

Ask Now For $8 Million in Arthritis Research

Funding for arthritis research at the Department of Defense is in the hands of Congress, and it's time to take action. Please contact your Members of Congress. Each congressional office can submit a Program Level Request to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee recommending $8 million for arthritis research in the Congressionally Directed Research Medical Program at the Department of Defense. This is the one opportunity for all Members of Congress to make their own funding recommendations to the leadership. It is critical for Members to submit a Program Level Request now. Urge your Members to do so now.

Matt and Meredith Boyd Featured Speakers at Miss Georgia Pageant Forum Orientation

Official photographer of the Miss Georgia pageant, my dear husband Matt Boyd, speaks to a packed house on March 6th in Columbus at Columbus State University! Miss Georgia board members, miss contestants, outstanding teen contestants, franchise members and parents from every part of Georgia were in attendance for the weekend filled with educational seminars, announcements and fun to kick off the new pageant season.  Matt will be at the pageant this year taking pictures all week at Miss Georgia - click here to download the photo form to get your discounted rate before June 1st!

It was such a priviledge to again be invited to do a pageant preperation seminar for all the contestants participating in Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen pageants. The interactive session covered everything from hair and makeup for interview and stage, interview techniques, paperwork and platform development, public speaking and appearances, wardrobe selection, swimsuit and evening gown poise and modeling. As a former Miss Georgia contestant, I am more than happy to pass along any helpful tips! Good luck to all the talented contestants - you are all beautiful!  Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions before the big event, I'm happy to help!

meredithboyd@yahoo.com

Arthritis Advocacy Alert

Congratulations Georgia Advocates -- Senator Chambliss Cosponsors the Arthritis Act

Thanks to all your hard work making sure your Members of Congress hear your voice U.S. Senator Chambliss became a cosponsor of the Arthritis Prevention, Control & Cure Act (H.R. 1210 / S. 984). We appreciate all of your correspondence efforts to let your government officials know that arthritis is a serious disease that affects 46 million adults and 300,000 children in our country. Please take a moment and email Senator Chambliss and thank him for his support. A message for you to personalize is available at the Arthritis Action Center.

Atlanta Arthritis Walk Kick Off Event

Want to help kick arthritis to the curb? Start a team and join the Arthritis Foundation's kick off party on March 24th! This year's walk is May 22, 2010 at Atlantic Station. You will see people come to together young and old to help beat arthritis, bring your dogs, pets get arthritis too! For more information go to www.arthritiswalkatlanta.org

*That's Rocky and I pictured in the above ad, he won the "Most Original Costume Award" at the dog contest last year!

Matt Boyd Photography Reveals New Supermodels Unlimited Magazine Cover!

Matt Boyd Photography is excited to reveal another Supermodels Unlimited Magazine cover! This time, the United States pageant titleholders are featured! Hair and makeup by Meredith Boyd of Mere Cosmetics. Featured on cover and headshots are Lynda Samuels, National Director; Jr. Teen United States, Copelyn Jue (Georgia); Teen United States, Courtney Turner (South Carolina); Miss United States, Erin Grizzle (Georgia); Ms. United States Quiana Anderson (South Carolina). We had a blast at the shoot ladies, congrats on all of your accomplishments!

Matt Boyd Photography Featured in Lasting Impressions Newsletter!

PHOTO BY MATT BOYD

HAIR/MAKEUP: MEREDITH BOYD

Featured in Lasting Impressions Newsletter!

Mark Your Calendars - Trunk Show Information
It's all coming together; Bigger, Better, the Best! Mark your calendars as we get ready for this years best trunk show ever for our Columbus, Georgia location of Lasting Impressions. Such talents as SHERRI HILL, BILL WOLFE, LU SIERRA, MATT & MEREDITH BOYD & BILL ALVERSON will all be in our Columbus, Georgia location of Lasting Impressions to help you.

It's rare to have this much talent under one roof, but this is your opportunity to truly have a one stop shop. Make a weekend of it! Enjoy the talents of each person. To book an appointment to meet with any of the individuals mentioned, please call us at 706-596-2003. The show starts on February 19, and ends on the 21st.


Matt Boyd Photography
Matt Boyd is an Atlanta based photographer and graphic designer that has over a decade of experience. The Majority of his work involves corporate and pageant headshots. In addition to corporate clients; Matt is a contributing photographer for Supermodles Unlimited magazine and is an official sponsor for many pageants throughout the USA, United States and Miss America pageant systems.

Matt works with his wife, Meredith; who was Mrs. Georgia International 2008; a model, actress and founder of Mere Cosmetics. Meredith is also the makeup artist that makes up the second half of the photography team. Together they have the knowledge and experience which puts their cleints at ease, giving the ultimate results.

Matt Boyd Photography is located in Atlanta, Georgia, but will be in our Columbus, Georgia location during our trunk show in February. To book an appointment with Matt and Meredith, please call the store at 706-596-2003 or you can call their studio at 678-779-3134.

Miss Georgia Pageant Selects Matt Boyd Photography as its Official Photographer!

NEWS ALERT!

We are excited and honored to announce that the Miss Georgia Board has chosen Matt Boyd Photography as the new OFFICIAL Miss Georgia Photographer! We look forward to meeting all franchises and preliminary titleholders during Forum weekend, March 6-7 in Columbus, GA. Matt will be on hand ready to shoot headshots and I am honored to be invited again this year to conduct my hair and makeup seminar to all Miss and OT contestants that will address interview and stage makeup!

To schedule a professional headshot session or private makeup lesson at Forum, call us for more information 678-460-7797. See you in Columbus!

On a personal note, I am sincerely humbled to be a part of this opportunity. My dream of competing on the big Miss Georgia stage came true when I won Miss Northwest Georgia (open Miss Ga preliminary pageant) in 1997, and is one that I will forever hold dear to my heart. The volunteers, directors and staff are such wonderful people. My photos on stage at Miss Georgia 1997 were by the late Bob Richie and he was such a kind and talented man. 13 years later, here we are...it is a wonderful honor to say the least. Matt and I want to thank the Miss Georgia board and friends who have welcomed us into their family. We hope to continue the steadfast tradition and strong legacy of this amazing organization for years to come!

Matt Boyd Photography Shooting Headshots at Sherri Hill Pageant Trunk Show in Columbus Georgia!

Need new headshots for your upcoming pageant? Join Matt Boyd Photography on Feb. 19-21 at the Sherri Hill trunk show at Lasting Impressions in Columbus, Georgia! Meet Sherri Hill and get your new photos made for your next pageant, sessions are booking quickly, call 706-596-2003 or 678-460-7797 to reserve your time slot.

Photo by Matt Boyd Photography

Hair and Makeup by Meredith Boyd

India Batson Wins Miss Freshman Brookwood 2010

Hair and Makeup: Meredith Boyd

Congrats to India Batson, Miss Freshman Brookwood High School 2010! I was honored to do your hair and makeup for the pageant India! She rocked the stage in Snellville, at Brookwood High School (where I graduated in 1992). Her mom is my dearest friend in the world, love you so much Kathleen! I'm so excited for both of you! This is one of many crowns to come in the future!

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.