It's been a bit rainy in Montana as you may have noticed. (What is that glowing orb in the sky?) But the sun finally came out, the clouds parted and gave way to a beautiful blue sky and gorgeously sunny evening for George and Emily's engagement session in Ovando, MT, at the Montana Mountain View ranch that George and Emily adore. Their dog Billy joined us for the shoot (and kept us cracking up by barking into gopher holes!), and George and Emily's two horses Linus and Deuce were happy to accompany us into a field of wildflowers (which they gladly ate). It really couldn't have been a better evening - we all had a blast - and we finished ...
Raising Piglets – {Collin’s Missoula Senior Portrait Session}
It's not every day that you meet someone so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about raising pigs, since so many of us haven't set foot on a farm in who-knows-how-long. But that I did when I joined Collin and his mom at the pig barn to greet his four favorite piglets that he's raising as a part of FFA (Future Farmers of America). Collin and his mom, Anna Marie, have a special bond with these piglets, as they both helped birth them and ensure safe passage into their new world. And they also have a fondness for the farm, too - as Collin told me, it's one of his favorite places. Which is truly evident - he's at home, relaxed and confident next to ...
Kisses in the Snow – {Katherine and Mike’s Missoula Engagement}
Missoula has gotten a lot of snow this winter - and Katherine, Mike, their black lab, Buck, and I all found this out during their lovely engagement session. We had so much fun making some fun images for the two of them. Katherine and Mike are so warm and smiley, and very obviously in love with one another - I found myself grinning non-stop during their session. We all had some good laughs upon literally stumbling across some snow pack that was over our knees. Thanks again for being so gung-ho about everything, you two! I cannot *wait* for your wedding this summer! On the docket: engagement sessions and a video about pie ...
Mother and Daughter Beneath the Big Sky – {Close Family Portraits}
I met up with the Close family the other day to make some mother-daughter portraits in Missoula, as well as a few with their English Mastiff, Penny. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful evening - the clouds were gorgeously textured across the sky, the light softly filtered through them, and though it was a bit chilly, we all warmed up with a little walking. These two lovely ladies were radiant in front of the camera, their smiles glowing and laughter abundant. Thanks again for such a great session, ladies! It was so wonderful to meet you both, and Penny, too! On the docket: family sessions and ...
A Boy and His Rabbit and a Few Goats for Good Measure – {Western Montana Fair}
I decided to swing by for the opening day at the Western Montana Fair since my mom was in town visiting. She and I are big fans of cute animals, and we happened to find some super adorable ones at the fair. There were chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits, goats, llamas, bulls - you name it. I'm always impressed by the kids (and adults) who take such good care of their animals. This young man with the rabbit was no exception. His rabbit, R.J., was getting all sorts of pets and hugs from his youthful owner. He was kind enough to let me take some photos of him with his rabbit (who is a lion head breed, by the way), and to tell me a bit about how his ...
Warning: May Melt Your Heart :: {Missoula Puppy Portraits}
First off, happy Fourth of July! I hope you're all celebrating safely and having a great day! Make your day a little greater by checking out the photos of these adorable, ADORABLE puppies! I had the pleasure of photographing these 7-week-old Yorkshire terrier puppies last week, along with their lovely owners. I've got to hand it to them - because of all the rain we've been having the mosquitoes were out in full force and they didn't complain once. Seriously folks. These mosquitoes weren't like anything you've ever seen. I know we all went home with some war wounds from our photo session (and I know that the word "some" is probably an ...
Angie and Ken’s Just Because! Photos – {Missoula Portrait Session}
Eeek! I've gotten a bit behind in posting sneak peeks from my photo sessions - life's been so busy! I met up with Angie, Ken and their handsome dog, Rivet. (I think I'm spelling his name right?) Angie wanted to have a "just because" photo session - which I love! We all had a nice time tromping about near the river, and Angie and Ken braved the chilly water for a few shots. Rivet also kept himself amused by barking at a few kayakers paddling downriver. Angie is a photographer, too, and wanted some portraits with her camera, so we had fun being a little camera-nerdy and taking pictures of one another. Here are my faves from our ...
Petunia the Pug’s Puppy Portrait Pictures
Petunia celebrated her first birthday this last weekend and I was fortunate enough to be able to photograph her celebrating her day. This lucky little cutie got to eat some homemade doggie cupcakes (though she seemed to prefer the frosting more than the cake), frolic through some dandelions, chase a pug-sized squeaky tennis ball and even leap after some bubbles. These are my favorite images from the session - happy birthday Petunia! In other news, I'm hoping the rain lets up for Vern and Neli's wedding tomorrow. They're a great couple - I'm looking forward to photographing their day! Cheers, -Kristine ...
Oh, to be a dog in Missoula
I don't have a dog of my own right now (sigh), but my parents have a dog that I grew up with, Opie. They were out here visiting and, as is required when there is a cute dog around, he got his own little mutt mugs. We're still not entirely sure what Opie is since he was a pound dog rescue pooch (shepherd??? something else?? something else?) - but that doesn't matter - he's got the sweetest disposition. He "oinks" when he's excited, he sings when he knows it's dinner time, and he hops up and down on his front paws when he realizes he's about to go for a walk. Oh, and he smiles, too. I just love dogs! (To see some more pics of cute dogs, ...