When Olleke’s mom, Kari, wrote to me about doing her Philipsburg Montana senior photos, saying that Olleke is “a creative musician/environmental enthusiast” who is “half punk rock, half mountain girl,” I just knew we had to work together. And I’m so glad everything worked out! Timing-wise, it nearly didn’t, and weather-wise it also nearly didn’t happen, but luck was on our side during our session and we honestly could not have had a more amazing day together!

Olleke is from Houston, Texas, but we met up in Philipsburg, which is where her family’s primitive cabin is. Her great grandpa built it, and, as Olleke describes it, “this place is absolutely the most important thing in my world and means the most to me.” She’s spent a few weeks every summer at that cabin, and so I was absolutely excited to get to capture such a special place to Olleke and her family.

We started our evening off meeting up at the local Doe Brothers soda fountain where we had fun making images with a more vintage vibe. In fact, Olleke picked up a few vintage dresses just for her session, and they were perfect to complete the vintage feel! (A big thanks to Kari for treating us to some delicious milkshakes — a perfect treat for a very hot summer day!)

We continued wandering around downtown Philipsburg for a few more photos, and then it was time to hit the road to some of Olleke’s favorite spots on the way to her great grandpa’s cabin. One of those places was this amazing fishing hole, and talk about scenic. I mean, we literally ran into a plein air painter right where we were shooting. (Seriously idyllic, let me tell you, holy smokes Batman! We were all a little beside ourselves, can you tell?) Olleke threw on a giant pair of her dad’s boots, and wandered down to the creek where she showed off some of her fly fishing moves in what may be The Most Beautiful Place Ever. We didn’t catch any fish, but boy did we land some amazing photos!

To continue our adventure, off we headed to nearby Moose Lake. But on the way there we came across a bear, which we all felt was a sign that we were definitely experiencing The Most Awesome Day Ever. We yelped with excitement, and that energy followed us to the lake where Olleke’s family friends let us borrow their dock (and their mosquitoes, haha!). We had so much fun making images of Olleke strutting her stuff on the dock catwalk, and thankfully I did not float away on a nearby dock that (as it turns out) was only lightly tethered to the one Olleke was standing on. (THAT would have made for an amusing story!)

After our lake images, we were off to the storied cabin. And what a magical little spot that is! It’s nuzzled into the forest, alongside a babbling creek dotted with bluebells and sunlight and happiness. I 100% understand why it’s one of Olleke’s most beloved places on earth — it’s a gem! Olleke twirled her way throughout the forest, and then it was time to bust out her guitar (her PINK guitar — yas!). She told me that she plays in a rock band (guitar, bass, keys, vocals, drums — talk about talented!). And this girl has goals! Olleke wants go to college and major in environmental studies, and perhaps pursue environmental law (but only if she doesn’t become a famous musician first). She’d also like to apprentice at some farms and do some work with the forest service.

Before the light disappeared we ventured off down the road again to find a cool boulder Olleke likes. We didn’t come across that boulder, but we did all scream with delight and joy as we rounded a corner and BAM! Rainbow! I told Olleke to run down the road with me to catch it before it disappeared, and she twirled and danced with a basketful of wildflowers, and we giggled giddily at our luck. Did I mention this was The Most Awesome Day Ever?

The sky started turning the strangest shade of yellow orange, and opened up pouring on us for a bit, but before our evening was over, we were treated to one last special cameo from the local mother moose. As we drove back to Philipsburg, I don’t think any of us stopped grinning at all the joy, fun, and brilliance we’d just experienced, courtesy of Olleke and Montana.

Olleke! Kari! What a truly amazing day! Thank you SO much for hanging out with me, running down dirt roads chasing rainbows, and going gaga over bears and moose and beautiful landscapes. It was such a treat to get to meet you both, and I’m just thrilled we got to capture images of you, Olleke, in some of your most loved spaces and places in Montana. Here’s to you, your senior year, and all your exciting plans after you graduate! I can’t wait to see where life takes you! (I bet you anything there will be many more rainbows in your future!) P.S. I threw in a little surprise for you at the end…bear with me.

And…last, but certainly not least, I just had to have a little fun with one of our forest friends we ran into…

On the docket:

Oodles of portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine