October 15th UPDATE:

Fall mini sessions are finished for 2023 (and were awesome!!). But you can still sign up to my VIP list directly below to be the first to know about future mini sessions and discounts I occasionally offer. Yay! (Have no fear, I won’t send you 1 billion messages either. Just the important stuff like occasional discounts and freebies!)

Oooooooh, boy! Am I ever thrilled to announce this: for the first time ever, I am offering Missoula Montana Mini sessions — specifically, fall family minis! (Just in time for those holiday cards. )

But even more exciting is the fact that 50% of proceeds support Earth Within Girls summer program for refugee youth. Let’s make some beautiful photos for you, and make a positive difference for Earth Within Girls!

Speaking of, Earth Within Girls is a local Missoula non-profit “that offers nature-based education for upper elementary and middle school children who identify as girls. Our mission is to teach plant wisdom and self care to empower our students to connect their internal cycles and natural environment.” As a woman (and once a young girl) myself, their mission speaks to me — our bodies are intrinsically tied to nature, no matter how busy or disconnected we may be with it at any given point in time. Reconnecting with the natural world and creating a relationship to it is such a beautiful thing!

We’ll embrace natural beauty in our mini sessions by photographing them at a gorgeous outdoor location in the Missoula area. (The location is still to-be-determined, but you’ll be emailed all the details far before your session.) These sessions are for children and their parents/direct caregivers, and are inclusive of all kinds of caregivers and ages. Love and care surpass any sort of age bounds! To make things extra special, you’ll also be treated to a stunning floral backdrop provided by Earth Within Flowers!

Sessions will be on Saturday, October 14 from 10am to 5pm, and I, Kristine, will bring my signature positive, playful energy to your session to put you and your children at ease. (Read more about my portraits and how I work here.) Get ready to giggle, smile, and be a little silly together! (And enjoy actually being IN your photos with your kids instead of the one always behind the camera or phone!) Earth Within Girls staff will also be there to assist you before and after the session to make it an absolutely delightful experience for your family.

If you’ve been reading this wondering what exactly a mini session is, that’s okay, too! Mini sessions are typically shorter than a full session (these minis will be 15 minutes), are offered in windows of time throughout a specific day, and take place at a predetermined location. They also include a set number of high-resolution edited digital files of your choice that you can download and print as you’d like!

For a limited time, I’m opening up booking for these sessions to my VIP subscribers at a nice discount.

To get on that VIP list and receive the discount, please sign up below, and you’ll be emailed all the details about these mini sessions! (Have no fear, I won’t send you 1 billion messages either. Just the important stuff like occasional discounts and freebies!)

Please share this opportunity with your other caregiver friends so we can contribute a nice donation to Earth Within Girls. Remember — mini sessions are a rare occurrence with me, so be sure to book your spot quickly before they fill up!

Sign up below to get early bird access to book your Missoula fall mini session!

Cheers!
-Kristine

In my opinion, there’s nothing better than getting to make Missoula lifestyle family photos, especially when you have the opportunity to work with folks as delightful as Jennie, Terre, Clara, Riley, Erin, Iona and Thea are. Erin and Riley and their daughters Iona, 5, and Thea, 4, were visiting his parents and sister in Missoula, and we even managed to include Jennie and Terre’s dogs, Zephyr, Pippin, and Clara’s dog, Skadi in their photos!  It was such a treat to capture the genuine essence of this super sweet family — and, to top it all off, we enjoyed a nice little sprinkle of fairies and magic, too. (I’m always a fan of that!)

As a photographer, I am constantly inspired by the beauty of nature and the imaginative hearts of children. During their family session, the kiddos stole the show as they informed me that tiny purple fairies lived in my camera. According to Iona, they vary in height between 1/8″ to 1/2″ tall. And, as we discovered together, the fairies got super excited when the kids smiled at me, as if their purply fairy magic intensified with the girls’ joy. Thea, especially, was so sweet as she peered intently into my lens, waiting for the fairy to show up. (And they did! She confirmed they were purple.)

The afternoon was filled with laughter and nostalgia as the family recreated their cherished tradition of hanging out on the porch, sipping coffee, and basking in the warmth of togetherness. The girls all picked a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers together, and to my surprise, they kindly gifted it to me — a touching gesture that just filled my heart to the brim!

Our adventure didn’t stop there. The children’s curiosity led us to search for baby grasshoppers, and Skadi, Clara’s playful pup, happily joined in the fun, chasing Thea around the yard. The energy was contagious as everyone laughed together, enjoying the hilarity of Skadi and Thea.

Opa and Oma, the doting grandparents, were great sports and let the girls “surprise” them and whisper secrets into their ears. Oma even helped the girls pick berries from one of their trees, and Thea loved counting out her treasures with Oma.

We all dissolved in laughter as Thea adopted a new funny phrase, “flower toot!” And that laughter continued as it became apparent (according to Thea and Iona) that I had both spiders AND fairies dancing around in my hair!

Just in time, we finished our session right before a big thunderstorm rolled in. This super sweet family truly embodied the magic of togetherness and imagination, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of their story. Thank you again for a beautifully real, love-filled session!

On the docket:

Lots more portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

The third time was the charm for Lauren, Garrick, Quinn, and Burke’s snowy Missoula family photos! The weather had a mind of its own and kept misbehaving and raining, but things got a bit colder and turned to snow, so we went for it, and were treated to that in-between time in the autumn where the leaves are still brilliantly colored, but there’s snow on the ground.

Quinn, nearly 3, was a big fan of the colliding seasons and had a blast playing in the leaves, while also making a (face-down!) snow angel and some snow balls. She was absolutely beyond excited for our photo session and was all about running hither thither and yon. She especially loved racing her parents and playing red light-green light.

It was a bit breezy the day of our session, so baby Burke (8 weeks old) remained bundled up and cozy in his chariot until he made a fashionably late entrance to participate in some family photos. He was a trooper and wasn’t too upset to be removed from his cozy cocoon, and was exceptionally curious about what Quinn was up to.

Quinn also showed us how to best throw rocks into the creek, and how to balance on wobbly rocks in her new boots! When she wasn’t throwing rocks, she was busy bargaining with her dad to be tossed high into the sky to catch some air. And did she ever! She was absolutely thrilled and full of giggles afterwards.

Lauren, Garrick, Quinn, and Burke! Thank you again for braving the chilly weather and bringing the joy and warmth to your session! It was an absolute delight to get to photograph your family and be treated to so many smiles and laughs with you all. Cheers to your fantastic family!

On the docket:

More portraits! Be sure to stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

There’s absolutely nothing, nothing, like getting to connect again and work with couples whose weddings I’ve photographed, especially when you get to meet their sweeter than sweet kiddos! Hanging out with Sarah and Justin for their Missoula Montana summertime family photos seriously felt like it was only yesterday that I’d photographed their wedding. And I’m so glad I was able to catch up with them during their Missoula visit!

Their daughters, Elise, 6, and Isabelle, almost 3, were so cute in their matching dresses, and we managed to find some purple flowers for them to frolic in — talk about perfection! Purple is Isabelle’s favorite color, and, after getting acclimated to some very tall grass, she was all about checking out the blooms.

Elise loved showing me how beautifully she twirled in the sun, and the whole family got some great laughs as the resident winery dog “sang” to us through a very hilarious series of howls! (Elise and Isabelle loved imitating his howling, which had us all in stitches!)

Grandma and Grandpa (abuelita and abuelito) even got to join in for a few photos, and everyone helped sing some songs to me that I “absolutely needed to hear” and had “definitely never ever heard before ever in my life…ever ever.” The smokey the bear song was a treat! I think Rockin’ Robin might have made an appearance, too!

Elise told me some stellar jokes, the girls both loved dancing on a few big rocks we discovered (can you guess the image below that I swear is going to be Isabelle and Elise’s next save-the-world movie poster?), and both Elise and Isabelle are living proof that girls and dresses and backhoes and sandboxes are the perfect mix. I got to play in the sand, too, at Elise’s request. (“You need to stop taking photos and play with us!” she insisted. Twist my arm, sweet girl!)

Elise and I took a little stroll together to go look for birds in a nearby field. We walked the dirt road and she gently brushed her fingertips against the sun-kissed tips of the swaying grass. We also had a blast making images of Sarah and Justin together in that same field! (Did I mention it feels like only yesterday we were making photos of the two of them as newlyweds! Oh, time — how she flies!)

Towards the end of our session, Elise and Isabelle giggled gleefully together in a rope hammock as Sarah and Justin rocked them back and forth. Elise looked at me and exclaimed at the top of her lungs, “We’re going to send you a gift! It will be CHOCOLATE!” “Chocolate?!” I asked. To which Isabelle added, “AND POPSICLES!” I’ve never been offered such a thoughtful gift, and I seriously can’t wait to have chocolate and popsicles mailed to me. They’re definitely girls after my own heart.

Sarah and Justin! What a hands-down, absolute treat to get to see you again and meet your darling girls. (And see your folks again, too, of course!) Your session nearly made my heart burst with happiness, and I can’t wait for our next “play date,” as Elise put it. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for bringing so much love and joy to our time together that evening! Chocolate and popsicles and summertime hammock giggles forever!

On the docket:

Lots more portraits! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers,

-Kristine

The ultimate compliment to me is getting to photograph families over the years and watch them grow together. I absolutely love getting to capture Flathead Lake family photos with Tim, Courtney, Teddy, and Violet. It’s been a couple years since I last saw them (heyo, pandemic times), but it felt like we hadn’t missed a beat in how we all hang out with each other. I just love their fun, spontaneous energy, especially when it involves some family “Twister” moves, haha!

Eight-year-old Teddy and five-year-old Violet were eager to show me some of their gymnastic talents on their swing set (and on Tim, too)! The kiddos were extra curious about one of my big ol’ lenses, so we had a blast making some ultra up close and personal shots of them.

Violet was an expert twirler in her pretty dress, and Teddy got the whole family engaged in kicking a ball around to show off some soccer techniques. Both kids got some major airtime as Tim tossed them high into the sky, and there were plenty of tickles, giggles and hilarity to make everyone dissolve into fits of laughter.

It wasn’t particularly warm that day since a storm was threatening, but Violet, brave as ever, convinced Tim to jump in the lake with her to top off our session together. And then she did it again! (Major props to you, Violet!)

Tim, Courtney, Teddy, and Violet — thank you so much for bringing your full, wonderful selves to your session, and for always leaving me with a brimming heart and a face that hurts from smiling (that’s the BEST thing!). I adore your family dynamic so much!

On the docket:

Weddings and portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I am always so happy when I hear from Kristan, Ben, Lincoln, and Cormac that they’re back in town visiting, and that we get to make more Missoula summer family photos at the University of Montana for them! I’ve been photographing their family for several years now, and it is always an absolute delight to get to hang out with them, laugh together, and document their wonderful family!

This year we decided to hike up the “M” trail a bit, explore the grasses, and have a blast laughing our heads off as we yelled Lincoln’s favorite funny words. (I’ll let you guess what a five-year-old boy might choose. )

We ventured back down to check out the peonies that were in full, splendid bloom, made ur way onto campus to cool off a bit, and enjoyed some time wandering around, racing each other, exploring cool bike racks that were perfect for 22-month-old Cormac to crawl through, and of course, the check out the wonders of steps and railings around the various buildings.

Cormac was particularly interested in investigating pine cones, Lincoln loved climbing the various rocks and other structures, and both boys are total pro speed racers!

We topped off our session with a visit to the grizzly statue on the Oval. Cormac was intent on holding its paw, while Lincoln performed a drum session for us on the bear’s thighs. Everyone joined in for a good family “roar” together, (again, Lincoln and Cormac are total roaring pros), and that was a wrap on another absolutely wonderful session with their family.

Kristan, Ben, Lincoln, and Cormac! Thank you for being your wonderful selves, for your curiosity and joy, and for always sharing the biggest and best laughs with me! Yay for you all!

On the docket:

Portraits and weddings – stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Way back in November of last year, Greg reached out to me about making Hamilton Montana family photos of him, his wife, Mary, and their son Jeremiah — and he booked the session as a surprise Christmas present for Mary. Fast forward a bit, and we planned on photographing sometime in spring, but it rained and rained and rained, and I think we had to reschedule something like six times! However, even with all those reschedules and rain delays, serendipity was on our side, and we experienced the most gorgeous evening together. The wildflowers were even still in bloom due to our wet, cold spring.

I met up with Greg, Mary, and Jeremiah on their 92 acre property outside of Hamilton, and as I parked my car at the their house, five-year-old Jeremiah came running up to me telling me that he had a gift for me! And out he thrust a little fist full of wildflowers he’d picked for me. I about melted of happiness on the spot right then and there. Suffice it to say that this was just the start of many, many delightful moments during our session together!

Jeremiah was incredibly excited about the photos and had all sorts of ideas for me. (As Mary said, “He’s five going on 30!”) He was our official tour guide, and he would take my hand, and lead me around to show off his favorite “shortcuts.” Bodie, their Rhodesian ridgeback, also joined us for some photos, too!

We had a blast finding the most perfect wildflowers and views, giggling and laughing and being silly, discovering dancing caterpillars, playing hide and seek in lupine, making flower petal confetti, turning into tigers in the tall grass, and even racing down their gravel road (Jeremiah definitely won that race with me, haha!).

What an absolutely delightful session! My heart was just soaring during and after, and I’m so glad we finally got to make these photos together! Thank you again, Greg, Mary, and Jeremiah! Your family is so delightful, and it was an absolute joy to capture these moments for you!

On the docket:

Portraits and weddings galore — stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It was such a treat to get to meet up with Kristie, Darwin, Isaac, Sophia, and Noah for their family photos at the Ranch at Rock Creek! They were visiting Montana from Florida, so our weather was slightly different than what they’re used to. We’ve had a very, very wet spring in Montana (did you see what happened to Yellowstone? ) , and even though it drizzled during our entire session, we still all made the most of it together!

I loved seeing how much fun their entire family has together — there were plenty of giggles to go around, some “mom adjustments” to hairstyles and good-natured joking, and the kids definitely know how to make each other crack up!

We hit up some of their favorite spots on the ranch, Isaac and Sophia spiffed up Noah’s cowboy hat with some giant feathers they found, they took a spin on the bikes the ranch provides (Sophia even off-roaded, all while wearing a dress — color me impressed!), and everyone had a good time showing off their cowboy boots, too.

As our session wound down, Sophia and Noah even showed me some of their “pool shark” moves at the ranch’s bar.

Kristie, Darwin, Isaac, Sophia, and Noah — thank you again for such a delightful session! I loved getting to meet you all, and I want to commend you again for braving those raindrops. Montana will most definitely be glad to welcome you back for another visit!

On the docket:

Weddings and portraits galore! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It is always such a pleasure to get to photograph the Simons family. And their Missoula wintertime family photos this year were such a treat to make!

I think we’ve hit all four seasons now in our images together (woohoo!), and I was pretty excited that Mother Nature decided to surprise us with some snow flurries! Snowflakes and photography are an absolute favorite of mine, and it just made their session even more fun and dynamic!

That said, it was pretty darn chilly for our session, so kudos to everyone for making it work and bringing some smiles to the table before our faces froze! The snow and the cold wasn’t two-year-old Brayden’s favorite thing (understandable!), so after we made a few images with him and his brothers, they all retreated to the car to warm up and chill out.

Meanwhile, Becka and Stephan stuck it out and made the most of the snow. I just love the images we were able to capture of the two of them individually and together. (Parents! Don’t forget to get photos of just yourselves — they’re so fun and your kids will love to see these images as they reach adulthood. )

Thank you again, Simons family, for another wonderful session! And for an always-enjoyed chat together afterwards. I love getting to see your family grow up right in front of my lens!

On the docket:

A super secret photo shoot…stay posted for the reveal!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I have absolutely loved getting to photograph Katie and Anthony and their growing family over the years. And their Missoula Montana fall family portraits this year were no exception!

It was my first time meeting 2 1/2-year-old Luca, and I couldn’t believe how much 4-year-old Dominic had grown since I last photographed him! And, of course, it’s always so great getting to see Katie and Anthony again, and documenting them in their roles as truly amazing parents.

We had such a wonderful time wandering around (despite a very smoky day due to a long summer of wildfires), and the boys had a blast playing in the sand, showing off their best sand angels, looking for dinosaur bones in the sand and searching for little dinosaurs that might be hiding in the trees.

Because water was nearby, it wasn’t long before the boys decided that water running and rock throwing were an essential part of our session, too. And, while I know sandy, wet little boys might stress a family out, this was real life (which I cannot express enough how much I LOVE), and the boys were beyond happy. (I highly encourage allowing your little ones to have fun during your session!)

In between sand angels and water splashes, we had a great time hunting for polka dot trees, and so much fun making family photos together too — which, going along with the dinosaur theme of the day — included some epic family roaring! We were all laughing so hard, and oh my gosh. I was about to smile my face off.

Thank you so much, Katie, Anthony, Dominic, and Luca for being your wonderful, beautiful, joyful selves! I just adore you all so much, and loved every single fantastic second of your session! Cheers to you all!

On the docket:

Lotsa portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine