Maternity
When your client is in their last trimester of pregnancy it is crucial to make sure that their photo session goes smoothly for everyone involed.
Would it be ideal to take your client on a mile long hike just outside Missoula, up a steep grade for a session?
Perhaps laying in the snow isn't the easiest in the third trimester,
These are some of the real solutions I've worked through with clients, without having to force them through discomfort for "the perfect image".
Other things to consider for clients expanding their family are the other family members and their abilities.
Does the family have other children, and what are their ages?
Do grandma and grandpa want to be apart of this session?
Everybody included in the session should have their limitations considered and the locations chosen accordingly.
Sometimes that means we will have to change the mountainous views for something closer to the river, or trees rich in color year-round, or even just your back yard with Montana's big skies in the background.
The above image was taken on an early morning in June at the Lincoln Hills trailhead, Northeast of Missoula in the Rattlesnake area.
This place is a gorgeous location year-round. The hike can be however long you want it to be, varying ranges of steepness, there are multiple paths in every direction of the mountain, and throughout the warmer months there are flowers blooming of all different colors, sizes, and shape.
It's best to get there in the morning or in the evening around sunrise or sunset, during the middle of the day the sun can be blistering hot and doesn't leave you with a stunning image as seen above.
It's best to bring smart shoes and hold your cute ones while you walk to the session area, bring a backpack to carry a few items like a hairbrush, cell phone, and props (if that you want to bring sonogram images, shoes, or something else to show off your tiny person).
This area is great for littles to enjoy as well, but please don't pick the flowers, this allows other to enjoy the flowers after we leave. Dogs are also permitted while on leash and picking up after pet waste is required.
Newborn
When babies are first brought home, parents don't get much sleep. The next dilemma comes down to whether they want to leave their home or not? Followed by what do they want to wear? When was the last time they showered?
Anyone who has had a newborn can understand the sensitivity of all of these questions, and my goal is to allow clients to feel their best when they feel like they're barely hanging on.
Even the "easiest" of newborns still leave parents exhausted and not feeling like they look their best. All of those emotions and chapters are completely normal, and something all parents go through.
The best part of my job, is to allow parents (and children, including the furry kids) to be apart of this chapter of their children's stories. With all the tears, tantrums, spit ups, and blow out's, all can be beautifully told and a moment to hold on to, as newborns aren't newborns long enough.
I always want clients to feel comfortable, and if an in-home session is what makes everyone feel at their best, then let's roll with it. Does the family have special location they share and want to capture that location together, or would they rather have photos of just their sweet bundle swaddled and enjoying their blissful early days?
I am confident in my ability to showcase client's in all their glory with respect and experience to guide me.
The image above is from inside the client's home. This gives clients an opportunity to show off their nursery and all the work they've put into nesting and preparing for their little one's arrival. This also allows clients the comfort of staying at home with their newborn and not having to brave any changes in weather, which can happen a lot in Montana. And as a mom to a winter and summer baby, I can attest that outside isn't always the first option I would choose for a newborn session.
Another great bonus for parents is when the inevitable blow out or spit up happens (which happened shortly after this image was taken). Parents can throw the soiled clothes into the wash straight away and change into a fresh set of duds. This also includes any siblings and pets within the home; they absolutely should be included in this cherished time with their newest addition to the family.
Sunrise and sunset are always my go-to for portraits, but with newborns I am at the whim of whatever schedule they feel like that day. Before I arrive, I ask which way the windows of the nursery and other rooms face in order to plan for maximum lighting. If that's not possible, I will bring in extra lights in order to fill in those shadows and make my job easier to create lifelong images you want to keep around for years after your newborn grows up.
Graduation
Location scouting for seniors in Missoula, Mt is probably my favorite part of the job. Being able to learn so much about someone's passion and ambitions really is a unique part of my job that many don't know about.
Does the senior want to be a professional writer, streamer, driver, athlete, contractor? Do they want to be an artist, welder, actor, CEO or play music? All of these professions have different opportunities for amazing locations. All of these locations can be in Missoula, while others go far beyond city and even county limits. Montana has some amazing and unique locations that really allow graduates to showcase their passions.
A great example is the session with graduate A in the larger photo attached, she wants to be an actor on Broadway. Where would you put someone with this background? In a field with some flowers or on a bridge? Sure, those look nice, but what about a stage with lights? This is what really help tell her unique story. So, I contacted The Roxie theatre in downtown Missoula, and I booked that location for a one-of-a-kind session. Many photographers don't often see these students who want something different and it's such a refreshing take on a senior portrait.
The next two images are both outside, but graduate B wanted his session with snow, in order to showcase his love for skiing. This location was about a 45 minute drive from Missoula and almost 15 minutes from his home. It's such a beautiful place, I've used this location 4 times this year! I've had sessions here in the snow, sunshine, and even a rainstorm. Every image that I showed to the clients was loved and brought into their home on a canvas or album.
The last graduate C is an Eagle Scout and really wanted to have an amazing skyline image. He also wanted to take some time out of his session to have his grandfather in his portraits. Of course I obliged, it's worth it to give that extra care to all of my clients and their families. Every Senior has dreams and I want to support those goals and ambitions to positively impact the future of everyone.
Family
Families are such a unique animal when it comes to planning. Some families are laidback and super chill, while others are more organized and detail oriented.
Is your family small, large, are the grandparents joining, are the fur babies included? These are all crucial questions that really cultivates a unique experience for every family. Maybe we need to find somewhere inside to keep away from September's wildfire smoke or January's deep freeze? Perhaps the dogs need somewhere outside with limited contact with other dogs, I know of so many places around Missoula that can fit these needs.
Learning about new locations is fantastic, understanding how each family might have locations that mean so much to them. These images can speak to them for years to come because of the memories made in these locations. This is what makes being a photographer such a delight.
The image above is from a large family session at McClay Flatts just outside Missoula on Blue Mountain. It's a very popular location for portraits of all kinds.
On this particular day this 3 generation family had found a toad, and they wanted to show it to their youngest member. This was core memory unveiling right in front of me! Of course I had to capture it as it was happening! These kinds of moments won't happen again, kids grow up, people move away, and life can change overnight.
Working with families with ages that range from octogenarians down to months and even days old is an honor I don't take lying down. Our Missoula community is built out of these homes and it's important to me to showcase those families in their own homes, reminding them were their love and support comes from.
