It’s always so special to be able to make photos for seniors in a place that holds special significance to them. And Allie’s Seeley Lake senior photos were a perfect example of this! Her mom grew up in the Bitterroot valley, and Allie’s grandparents live in Seeley Lake. She’s been visiting them every summer since 6th grade. (Allie currently lives in Georgia, and Georgia just doesn’t have what we have here in Montana. Plus, apparently a LOT more snakes. )

Allie just loves the mountains and the lakes, and the wide expanses that Montana has to offer, so we made sure to showcase that in her senior photos. We initially had to postpone her session a couple days since this spring was a rainy one, and it had decided to just pour on our original session date. Thankfully, we found a little window of time where the weather was dry and we could have a blast making images together!

Allie is a self-professed nerd (as am I), so we had a great time nerding out together. (Marching band and Star Wars, oh yes!) Speaking of marching band, Allie channeled her marching band walk for some of her images (she nailed it!), but just without the saxophone, and in slightly taller boots.

The wildflowers were still in bloom for her session, and we found all sorts of beautiful specimens to include in some of her images — larkspur, arrow leaf balsam root, and I think wild geranium? But don’t quote me on that. Montana was definitely in full-on Montana mode during Allie’s session, and also treated us to melodic meadowlarks, and majestic eagles and ospreys flying overhead.

Allie also wore THE most excellent top for some of her images (Darth Vader on a bicycle, yo!), and after completely slaying one of her photos, she pumped her fist in the air with excitement. I joked with her that I should add a light saber into that image…wellll…..I’ll let you scroll down a bit to see if I did or not.

Allie! Thank you again for an absolutely awesome session! I loved getting to meet you (and your mom and Papa), and make these images for you. What an absolute treat! Here’s to you, your senior year, and your future ahead!

On the docket:

Portraits galore! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

You know how you feel when you’ve just accomplished something simultaneously so difficult and so rewarding? Pure joy! And Jordan embodied that feeling perfectly during her University of Montana graduation photos the other day. (She literally kicked up her heels from happiness!)

We had such a great time making these photos for her to celebrate her December graduation. Jordan’s getting her degree in Math (something I greatly respect as someone who is forever challenged by numbers). In between making photos near the beloved Griz statue and Main Hall’s clock tower, we popped into buildings around campus to warm up, one of which was the Math building. As luck would have it, we found a room that wasn’t being used, and Jordan had fun writing a quick equation on the board that we could use as a backdrop to some of her images.

I’ve also got to give her major props for braving the chilly temps when we weren’t indoors. A few snowflakes were coming down as we made her images, but even though she was freezing, you would have never known it!

Another one of our warm up pit stops was at the library, an old haunt of Jordan’s since she used to work the late late shift there. We had a good time playing with the leading lines of the endless shelves full of books, and captured some images of Jordan pseudo-studying. (And I promise, we were quiet while we made these photos!)

Jordan! Thank you (and your most excellent sister assistant) for such a fabulous session! Your joy and energy is contagious in the best way possible, and I left with a perma-grin on my face (always a wonderful thing). Here’s to you and all your hard work to reach this point, and congratulations again on your graduation!

On the docket:

After a little holiday break, portraits and weddings! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Eli definitely timed his nature and urban Missoula senior photos perfectly, because we hit that autumn sweet spot, right before the temps dropped! And we had such a great time making his photos to celebrate his senior year at Willard. Even his girlfriend, Ivy, and mom, Sam, joined in for a few photos, too!

As we meandered around Missoula to make his images, Eli shared with me that he absolutely loves traveling. After he graduates from high school, he’d love to travel the world and has many places he’d be keen to visit, including the Faroe Islands, Sweden, and Croatia. As he put it, “pretty much anywhere” because he’s got the travel bug! (Courtesy of his mom, he said.) He said he even has some goals to take time to bike pack around some of these places. Which…how cool would that be?! I hope you get to do that, Eli!

Eli was so fun to photograph and such a great sport. He has the brightest smile, and, of course, Ivy and his mom helped bring that out, too!

When he’s not busy with school he shared with me that he loves to go backpacking and hiking with friends. He especially enjoys going up Pattee Canyon. He’s lived in Missoula all his life, so he’s ready to move on from it. Eli said that he’s thinking about heading to Salt Lake with his buddies. And it doesn’t hurt that Moab is right nearby, too — a fact which he really likes.

Eli (and Ivy and Sam, too!) — thank you for being an absolute treat to photograph! I so enjoyed meeting you all and getting to make these images for you. And Eli! Congrats on your upcoming graduation, and here’s hoping that travel bug succeeds in taking a (gentle) chomp out of you so you can explore all those cool places! Cheers to you, your fantastically positive attitude, and I hope you have a very happy remainder of your senior year!

On the docket:

More portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

We had the most perfect evening for Levi’s autumn senior photos in Missoula, and it was so nice to see him again after the first half of his session earlier this summer! Thankfully this time around it was not close to 100 degrees (phew!), so traipsing about in the cool fall air was a relief.

Levi’s been busy with school and scouting since I last saw him. He told me he’s putting the finishing touches on his Eagle Scout project, and is excited to finish that up. It sounds like it’s been a lot of work!

We took the path less traveled and found ourselves down by the water, taking in the view. Levi really enjoyed the area by the water, and when I asked him if he likes fishing, he told me he’s not a big fisherman, but enjoys it here and there. He’s more of a lake fishing kind of guy.

As we walked around to find spots of autumn color, Levi told me he’s also been enjoying hanging out with his friends and watching football when he can. He doesn’t have any favorite teams that he roots for, but he loves the overall camaraderie of getting together with people and eating good food. (I can relate — who doesn’t love friends and food, right? )

He also brought his sweet, sky blue 1972 Chevy along for his session. The truck is his grandma’s, and he absolutely adores it — it’s his all time favorite vehicle. And I can absolutely see why. It’s in such beautiful condition, and it even had a custom wooden bed made for it! A beaut, that’s for sure!

As luck would have it, we caught a bit of some pinkish purple color in the sky, and were able to take advantage of the truck’s cool, retro lights and flip those on for some fun photos. Levi’s only ask — make sure that Chevy logo is displayed!

We had such a blast with these truck photos (thanks again, Levi, for putting up with my unbridled excitement while we were making these images!), and it was the perfect proverbial icing on the cake for some really fun sessions together.

Levi — thank you again for two delightful sessions. I hope you have a fabulous senior year, and congrats again on successfully completing your Eagle Scout badge! Have fun with that cool truck ‘o’ yours, too.

On the docket:

Portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It was such a beautiful evening to meet up with Logan for his Fort Missoula senior pictures, and I was so excited to get to photograph him with some of his favorite things ever — trains!

As his mom said, Logan’s “a man of few words.” And that’s A-OK, because sometimes not many words are needed when you get to just enjoy a gorgeous autumn evening and explore old locomotives together, walk along some retired tracks, and check out old train cars and stations. It was so nice to serenely wander around the Fort Missoula grounds together, quietly peeking into the windows of the station and train cars to see and exclaim about what was inside. It’s amazing how many books, and even beds can fit into the old cars!

I also love how Logan rocked his unique senior style with immaculate red Vans (perfection!), and a Nickelodeon-themed windbreaker. Those pops of color for his senior photos were smashing!

When Logan’s not admiring trains, he’s busy finishing up his senior year at Big Sky High School. His mom shared with me that he enjoys watching cartoons, playing video games, drawing, and putting together Lego sets. He also really loves train station sets, so getting to hang out with real trains for his senior photos was perfect!

Logan, it was so nice to meet you and your parents and get to look at the locomotive and train cars together! You are such a kind young man, and I really enjoyed getting to make your senior photos for you and see how much you love trains. (I’m in agreement with you — trains really are cool! I wish we had more opportunities to ride them around here!) Congratulations on entering your senior year — here’s to you, Logan!

On the docket:

Portraits! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I was so excited to get to photograph Landon’s Missoula senior photos in the forest, not only because I’ve been photographing Landon and her family for years now (we won’t say how long, because omg, I refuse to admit how old I am now, haha!), but because Landon’s an absolute blast, AND she told me she’d be wearing some hand-knitted items she’d made. (As a knitter myself, I’ve got mad respect for any and all knitted things, especially if they get to star in some photos!)

We were treated to a completely beautiful summer evening, and met up in one of Landon’s favorite places — the forest. Some of the shrubbery had already started turning colors in preparation for autumn, so our session was filled with that forest magic Landon loves. She told me that she especially appreciates big, tall trees, and remembers staring at the sky as a kid and feeling small. (I get it! I’m a sucker for that feeling wherever I can find it, even as an adult.)

We had so much fun finding all the little gems in the forest, including (apparently )every cool stump there is, as well as the teeniest, tiniest, cutest pine cones and little red berries.

As we wandered, Landon told me that she’s planning on going to college (perhaps at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor) to study Musical Theater, Linguistics, and Classics. She’d also love to possibly study abroad, and had recently returned to Missoula from a month-long linguistics learning program in France, which she just adored.

Being someone who’s spent some time in musical theater myself, I asked Landon about the type of theater that she enjoys most. She shared with me that she prefers original theater productions that have stellar storylines, and don’t rely on a movie that was made first and then converted into a musical. Preach!

When she’s not busy at school, Landon loves to play tennis, play guitar, violin, and ukulele, learn new languages, sew, and knit. Speaking of knitting, I’ve got to give Landon a shout out for her bear sweater (which you will soon see and admire). She knitted her sweater over a couple months (color me impressed!), and I was so happy she got to wear it for some of her photos. Thankfully it wasn’t a million degrees out so Landon didn’t cook in her sweater. But either way, it would’ve been worth it!

As our time wound down, we continued to get treated to all the sweet light, and we had so much fun cracking up over Landon’s Demi Lovato moves in the sunshine. (Though those moves will remain a secret in perpetuity. )

Landon! Thank you again for such a fabulously fun session! I always love getting to spend time with you and your family, and I’m just so excited to see what’s next for you after you graduate. (I know it’s going to be awesome!) Here’s to you, all your interests and ambitions, and to a wonderful senior year at Big Sky!

On the docket:

Portraits galore! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Getting to photograph people in places that that are meaningful to them always makes me so happy. And I loved getting to capture Ashbeigh’s Potomac Montana senior photos right down the road from her house, alongside a creek and at her family’s barn.

We were treated to the most gorgeous summer evening, and Ashbeigh had picked out a perfect little grove of aspens to shoot in. Ashbeigh was wearing a pretty, white dress, and when pretty dresses and glowing aspens are involved, then twirling is always a must! Ashbeigh and I had a great time cracking up and laughing together amongst all those beautiful trees. Her collie dog, Sadie, even joined us for a few photos, too!

As we made Ashbeigh’s photos, she told me that she’s looking forward to graduating from Hellgate High School and pursuing a nursing career (as inspired by her aunt, who’s a nurse). When she’s not in the middle of making beautiful images, she keeps busy with volleyball (and wants to pursue it at a college level), 4-H, and track. She also loves hanging out with her friends and going to the lake for fun.

Speaking of 4-H, after our time twirling in the aspens, we meandered down the road a bit to Ashbeigh’s family’s barn. We had so much fun playing with the light and shadows there (all the while been “cheered” on by a crowd of mooing cows, haha, which definitely had us all giggling!). Ashbeigh invited Reba, her 4-H cow (along with Reba’s baby, Nova), to join us for a few images, too! Reba really enjoyed working it for the camera, which kept the laughs coming!

And, when Ashbeigh wasn’t herding cattle during our session, she had a great time “model stomping” her way through the barnyard for some fun images! We really hit the light at the absolute perfect time, and as the sun slowly slid down behind the mountains, a bright moon made its appearance in the bluish-purple twilight. The proverbial cherry on top of a fantastic evening!

Ashbeigh! Thank you again for an absolutely delightful session! You totally rocked your images, and I’m so excited for your senior your and your pursuits afterwards! Here’s to you and your very, very bright future ahead!

On the docket:

Lots more portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I met up with Levi for the first half of his downtown Missoula Montana senior photos on a hot 95º day, and props to him for not melting in the sun and heat! Levi graciously dealt with the temps like a pro, and we had a great time making images all over Missoula. That even included photos on a rooftop with some sweet views (and a fantastic sunset)!

As we meandered from location to location (or from shady spot to shady spot), we chatted a bit about his upcoming senior year at Loyola Sacred Heart High School. Levi really likes math and engineering and is very much anticipating his physics class. He’s also interested in majoring in aviation and becoming a pilot after graduation, after being inspired by his dad, who’s a FedEx pilot and really loves his job. Levi shared with me that he’s actually flown a bit already! (How cool is that?!) The farthest he’s gone has been to Flathead Lake and he just really loves it. He told me he’s been super busy this summer, but he’s hoping he’ll be able to fit in more flying time during the winter.

He’s also actively working on finishing up his Eagle Scout badge, and is wrapping up a project that he’s leading to help build a display at the aviation center at the smoke jumper center. I know that it’s a huge accomplishment to get an Eagle Scout badge in scouting, so big congrats to Levi on being dedicated to making that happen!

When Levi’s not busy with school, he’s also very big into golfing, and enjoys the University golf course because he’s got a buddy who works there. They get to take advantage of some perks, which is always a bonus. But a course he really loves is Canyon River. He also digs working on cars and driving them, and really loves his truck, so we had some fun making images of his rig in the evening light, too!

Levi! Thanks again for braving the heat and sun (and the camera, haha)! I’m really looking forward to the second half of our session (and hopefully some cooler temps!), and hearing more about how your senior year is starting out for you. :) You did such a great job, during your session, so let’s launch into your photos!

On the docket:

A plethora of portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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

Max’s Missoula Montana high school senior photos were so fun, as I expected they would be when his mom contacted me about making his images, and mentioned he was really interested in parkour.

We met at the University of Montana to make his photos (and to give him plenty of things to bounce off of!), and had such a great time wandering the campus finding the perfect locations for his photos. As we walked, Max told me that he goes by Max or Maxwell…and that he even has one teacher who calls him Maxwellington (brilliant!).

Max is a busy, busy guy! He’s the co-captain of the Speech and Debate team at Sentinel High School, he works two jobs in the restaurant industry, and when he’s got free time he loves doing parkour. He told me he’s been a parkour athlete for about four to five years now. Not many people do it in Missoula, he said, but he absolutely loves it. And I can see why! Max was flipping, spinning, running up and jumping off walls, trees, and rocks, and even somehow jumped and twisted in mid air, no objects needed! (We did have one rule during our shoot though — no breaking of bones, no injuries, and no dying. I’m so glad Max obliged!)

As we continued to meander through campus, and in between flips and twists, and launching himself through the air, Max told me that he’s taking an Arabic class right now that he totally digs, and his goal after graduation is to go to the University of Montana to study journalism.

Max! Thank you for such a delightful, fun session, and for being such a blast to photograph! You have such a great outlook on life, and I can tell you’re gonna go places! Here’s to you in your senior year, literally flying high! Congrats again, Max!

On the docket:

Lotsa portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine