You know when the stars align, the weather is perfection, springtime in Montana is just exploding, and you get to work with the sweetest of people? Yeah, that’s what Breanna and Branden’s Corvallis Montana engagement photos in the Bitterroot Valley were like. We lucked into a day that showed off the Bitterroots to their fullest potential, and had an absolute blast together making their images.

When we were talking about their session, Breanna and Branden told me that they really would love to be able to make their images down in the Bitterroot, since when they were first dating, they’d spend many days driving and exploring around the area – so it’s got a super special significance to them, which I loved hearing!

They also told me they wanted to recreate a vintage tintype look for one of their images (which you’ll see below), and hoped to incorporate photos of their parents, grandparents and pups. I always love fun, unique ideas like this, so I was super tickled to help make this happen. We found ourselves an old homestead house, hung their photos on the clapboard behind them, they provided a vintage chair and clothing, and bam! We went to town making these photos – so fun! And what an awesome idea! (Our non-serious outtakes were pretty funny because when we’re having as much fun as we were, being serious is never an easy thing!)

The lilacs were also in bloom during their session, so of course we had to take advantage of that bit of lovely serendipity, too.

After our vintage shots were done, Breanna and Branden had a quick wardrobe change and we headed out to visit another beautiful spot in the Bitteroots – this time with their chiweenie pups along – Bonney and Wally! These two were such adorable little troopers, ready for a hike, eager to explore, and ridiculously photogenic. (Wally’s sweet little face just *kills* me – in the best way possible – in the last shot.)

To top off our absolutely delightful afternoon, Breanna and Branden treated me to a beer and some apps at Lolo Peak Brewery on the way back into Missoula, and it’s an understatement to say just how nice it was to get to hang out, sip on some beers, talk drones, and swap stories. (Thank you again, you two!)

It certainly goes without saying, but I’ll say it again – Breanna and Branden! I just adored your session, and thank you again for such a fantastic afternoon with you and your pups. I am beyond excited to get to photograph your upcoming nuptials and I’m so glad that we all get to work with and get to know one another. Here’s to you two, the beauty of the Bitteroots, and more brews in the near future! :)

On the Docket:

More engagement photos and wedding photos coming your way – stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

When people ask me to photograph them with their pets, I admittedly always get a little excited (ok, a LOT excited), because pets and their people are seriously the Best. Thing. Ever. And when I’m told that the session will include a puppy and an older dog too…well then. It’s no surprise that my heart completely melted during Kristy’s Victor Montana pet and family pictures.

I met up with Kristy, Dug, her 10-year-old golden retriever, and Sven, her 12-week-old golden retriever puppy at Kristy’s friend’s ranch in Victor. It seriously couldn’t have been a more idyllic setting – the ranch land is rugged and beautiful, and full of areas perfect for two curious dogs. Plus, that little dusting of snow on the mountaintops is always a nice bonus. We had a great time wandering the land and chatting, and as it turns out, Kristy also has Wisconsin connections, which is always fun to discover. (woot woot!)

A small creek runs through the ranch, and Dug took the initiative to jump in and go snorkeling for a variety of rocks that passed his strict rockhound test. Kristy and I couldn’t help but laugh ourselves silly at Sven’s antics, doing his best to imitate his big brother, Dug. As only a puppy can do, he barked and jumped alongside the creek, waggly puppy tail waving in the air, wanting to jump in, but being a little cautious as it was pretty deep for his currently short stature (which he had discovered earlier).

Kristy – what a pleasure it was to be able to make these images of you and your happy furry family! It was so fun to document this time in your life, and so cool to see how much your pups love you and how much you love them too. They’re lucky lads for sure!

On the docket: portraits and more portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine