In between all of my weddings this past summer, I also made some Livingston Summer Family Portraits of Bob and Sydney and their sons at their family ranch. Bob and Sydney are good college friends of my parents and met during their time at the University of Montana back in the 1970s. I’ve known them for years myself. They are great people.

For their family portrait experience, I headed over to their grandparent’s beautiful horse property in Livingston, Montana.

Horses would turn out to be a big theme of our time together that day. I arrived to find a household full of family members glued to the television with intensity. They were cheering on “American Pharoah” to win The Belmont Stakes horse race. Before our family photo session began, I joined them in cheering on the moving horses and riders figures on the screen. Their excitement was infectious. I learned that this family has a long family history of breeding racehorses. The business was their grandfather’s labor of love and a passion he upheld for decades. A dime tour of their house revealed decades-worth of framed pictures of celebrated horses, race memorabilia, and wonderful family memories. It was fascinating to learn about.

After an exciting finish to the race, we headed outside into the pristine Montana summer afternoon weather.

Keeping in theme with the day, we decided to highlight Bob and Sydney’s love of horses during their Livingston Family Summer Portraits session. Their sons bridled up their two favorite horses. Then we explored the ranch property and made some fun family photos with their equines in tow. It worked out splendidly. I still geek out on the great Montana light we had that afternoon during their session.

These are some favorite family portraits I made during our family portrait session.  -M