Late this summer, I had the pleasure of photographing the Chico Hot Springs family portraits of Annie and Erik in Paradise Valley.
Annie and Erik have been married for seven years and have made a comfortable life together in Louisville, Kentucky. They both love an excuse to travel. Frequently they take advantage of the summer months to road trip across the country. Over the past three years, Erik and Annie have found solace and joy in vacationing with their two dogs, Wallace and Davis, in Southwest Montana. They also make an annual stop to stay at the historic Chico Hot Springs in Pray, Montana.
In Erik’s eyes, Annie makes everything in his life better.
He admires how she intuitively reacts to help others in a time of struggle. He loves how positive a person she is. At times when his attitude can be “a stick in the mud,” Annie is there to bring him back to a place of calmness with a smile on his face – especially when she has baked one of her trademark pies.
Annie loves how taken care of she feels in her life with Erik. As an engineer, his intelligence and handy ability to fix all the things around the house is a gift she does not take lightly. His affection and dependability make her feel loved every day. Sharing family-orientated mindsets, both feel supported, strengthened, and grateful for the love they share.
After a recent family tragedy, this year’s trip to Paradise Valley in southwest Montana held a special need to heal. It would be a time to decompress and be present with one another after the past year of grief.
To mark the occasion, they decided to hire me to document their family portrait experience. Annie and Erik wanted family photographs that highlighted their love of each other and their dogs in a place that has meant so much to them.
Joined by her father and stepmother, Tom and Sherri, we hiked and explored the mountainous hillsides around the Yellowstone River during the “golden hour” of the setting sun. It made for quite a beautiful backdrop for their family photographs. From there we headed to Chico Hot Springs to catch the remaining sunlight and then into the bar for some cocktails and family storytelling.
This family has been through so much and it was wonderful to connect with them, create some lovely family portraits, and bring out their smiles. These are some of my favorite photos from our time together. I look forward to seeing this family in Montana soon, -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chico-Hot-Springs-Family-Portraits-Greener-Visuals-9232-scaled.jpg10001500GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2023-12-06 19:05:092023-12-06 19:05:11Chico Hot Springs Family Portraits of Annie and Erik
Back In late August, I traveled up to the Flathead Valley in northwest Montana to photograph The Nest on Swan River Wedding Day of Lisa and Thomas.
While Lisa is originally from Montana, this couple resides in Hawaii with their children. They wanted to have their wedding celebration in the culture of her home state.
For these two newlyweds, their shared love of country music quickly fostered a strong bond between them when they met in January of 2019. They’ve been singing and dancing together ever since.
During the build up to their wedding day, I got to know these two and what they cherished about their relationship. Both commented on how perfect they felt for one another and their mutual down to earth approach to life. As Thomas puts it, “God put her in my life for the better.”
Thomas loves how her sparklely personality and great sense of humor is enhanced by her thoughtfulness towards others. Lisa has a charming humility that teases out the best in the people around her. He loves seeing her engage and love his three children from a previous relationship as her own. Lisa smiled as she told me about Thomas’s big, marshmallow heart. “He’s so intelligent and spiritual. I love how we can both express our values and ideals to eachother,” she recounted, “He cares so much about my feelings and is so loyal to me and the kids.”
While the surfable waves of Hawaii were absent, The Nest on Swan River Wedding was the perfect setting for their waterside wedding day.
When it came to their wedding plans, Lisa and Thomas wanted to have a relaxing, peaceful time with their friends and family along the water. The versatility of their The Nest at Swan River provided the perfect backdrop. As the bridal parties got ready, their guests enjoyed walking the lush riverside property. Everyone was enjoying the lovely late summer Montana weather. Some guests even assisted the curious local whitetail deer to forage apples on the property. Their lovely, intimate wedding ceremony was held under the tree canopy shade surrounded by their loved ones.
As the sun set over the Swan River, their focus transitioned into a classic Montana celebration. Wild game appetizers paired with great local microbrew beer enticed their wedding guests. The conversation and laughter flowed. Despite a leg injury that limited the groom’s mobility, he traded his usual dance moves for singing on stage. Backed up great live music tunes from the Band of Drifters, Thomas performed a variety of his songs for his new bride. Soon after dinner the band got people twirling back out on the dance floor.
It was a lovely Montana evening enjoyed by all.
Here are some favorite photographs I made through out Lisa and Thomas’ wedding day. It was such a fun event and I was so excited to be apart of their wedding celebration. -M
To view all of the photos from Lisa and Thomas’ wedding day, click here.
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Thomas-Wedding-Day-Photos-The-Nest-on-Swan-River-Greener-Visuals1651.jpg9331400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2021-10-07 21:26:302023-03-09 05:40:58The Nest on Swan River Wedding Day Photos of Lisa and Thomas
With much anticipation and a year long delay due to the pandemic, I had the pleasure of photographing The Ellen Theatre Wedding of Lisa and Shawn.
True to their shared love of cinematic films, this Lisa and Shawn had their wedding on stage at the historic downtown Bozeman theatre. We also emphasized the movie theme during their recent couples portrait experience as well.
I love it when a wedding couple throws out the rules of what society says a wedding should be. Instead they embraced their shared interests that make their relationship unique.
For their Ellen Theatre Wedding Day, these newlyweds showcased their love of the Star Wars universe and other action movies near and dear to their hearts. It was a wonderful balance of fantasy and classy wedding themes all coming together. Each was able to highlight their loves. Lisa highlighted her love of red roses. Shawn (in pure delight) wore his Darth Vader outfit and walked down the isle to the imperial march theme music. Many of their guests in attendance also donned character costumes from the epic movie saga. All were given light sabers and Wonder Woman bracelets to wield during the grand exit down the isle. Their wedding cakes made by the talented bakers at Decadent Bozeman were super hero themed. Everyone in attendance savored the delicious tacos from the Chefs Table Food Truck.
In all, their guest were treated to a unique, playful experience full of laughter and movie nostalgia.
It has been so wonderful to get to know these two lovebirds over the past two years. I could not be more excited for them. It was an honor to photograph The Ellen Theatre Wedding Day festivities of these newlyweds. I wish them a lifetime of happiness. -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Lisa-Shawn-Wedding-Day-Photos-The-Ellen-Theatre-Greener-Visuals7461.jpg9881400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2021-06-29 19:28:152023-03-09 21:57:12The Ellen Theatre Wedding Day of Lisa and Shawn
In early May, I had the pleasure of photographing the StarWars-themed Ellen Theatre couples portrait experience of Lisa and Shawn in downtown Bozeman.
This couple have dated over the last seven years. In that time, these two have fostered a solid relationship and family home with Shawn’s two children.
They are self-described “goofballs” and commented that “their inner nerd matched each other’s.”
For Lisa it was his kindness and loyalty to their relationship that she cherishes. She loves how everything he does is for the family and is constantly putting others before himself. Shawn loves that she accepts him for who he is. Together they give each other forgiveness and grace both in their relationship and professional lives.
But of all their shared values and appreciations for one another, these two have fostered a passion for watching fims, especially their mutual love of the Star Wars saga.
So much so in fact that their entire upcoming wedding celebration theme will revolve around their love of movies. In fact, their wedding will be the first wedding ever at The Ellen Theatre in downtown Bozeman, Montana.
It was only appropriate that we highlighted their favorite film into their Ellen Theatre couples portrait experience.
These two love the archecture of old theaters and they maintain hopes of someday owning their own. We decided to explore the historic Ellen Theatre where we created a movie date night/Star Wars theme portrait experience for them.
We had a blast “nerding out” and creating some personal, unique photos of their relationship in a place that truly resonated with them.
The force is strong with these two. Clearly, the love as well.
Here are some favorite photos from their couples portrait experience.
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-Ellen-Theatre-Bozeman-Couples-Portrait-Photography-0112-1.jpg9331400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2021-06-18 19:35:402023-03-09 22:17:53Ellen Theatre Couples Portrait Experience of Lisa and Shawn
Happy New Year everyone! I’m proud to present my Best of 2020 Wedding and Portrait Photography and storied reflections on a year during great uncertainty.
What a wild ride 2020 has been.
At the beginning of 2020, my year was lining up to be the best ever for my business. I was looking forward to photographing a full schedule of wedding dates and also had a dozen or so portrait sessions already on the books.
As the coronavirus pandemic spread its way across the country and quarantine began, most of my clients, rightfully so, made the difficult decision to postpone their celebrations.
Suddenly, I was forced to pivot.
With the uncertainty of how to move forward weighing heavily on many. I too wondered how I would support my photographic livelihood moving forward. It was also a heavy time for my family with the realization that my grandmother was to be admitted into hospice for her end of life care.
An ironic twist to an already surreal time in our world.
I was at home with my family in Missoula in late March, giving support to my grandmother the week before stay-in-place directives kicked in. During that time, I came across some old, favorite family photos that I had made of her throughout the years.
I kept thinking about the nearing end of her life and all of the great times we’ve had together. I realized those photos had suddenly become priceless to me. Captured memories that brought up so many wonderful emotions of love.
I wanted to make sure that my clients had the same chance to celebrate their own relationships.
It was a reminder that good storytelling photography can be that bridge to tap into all those emotions we hold dear towards our loved ones.
How many of us have made excuses over the years, not making the time to be present with our families? And in doing so, have we missed an opportunity to celebrate them and this time together with photography?
I think we’ve all been guilty of it.
Yet, once those loved ones are gone, we would do anything to be back in their presence once more. Crave just one more time to savor their cherished expressions that encapsulates who they are.
Looking back on 2020, I think as a society, we came away with many gifts from the year. For many families it was a time of heightened awareness that while we were socially distancing from our neighbors, some of us were getting to experience the precious moments of togetherness. A new appreciation of our families, loved ones, and pets during this time of unpredictability.
That was something to celebrate.
Giving Back and supporting local charities
During quarantine, I decided to create the Bozeman Front Porch Project. I was looking for a creative path to give back and use my photography skills to help my community in any way I could. The premise of the project was a brief, socially-distanced mini family photo sessions. I photographed families on their front porches, offering it as a chance for them to refocus and celebrate all the good that surrounds them while raising money for local charities.
It was such a joy and highlight for me to give back to the community that has given me so much.
Best of 2020 Wedding & Portrait photography – Positivity comes to fruition
As the year went on, I was blessed to meet an assortment of new clients. Families that wanted to capture and celebrate this time in their lives. I also helped businesses and professionals put their best selves forward by creating fresh business portraits and engaging photographic content for their business websites.
While most of the weddings in 2020 had been postponed, I was still able to photograph a few wedding with their close immediate families present.
As we’ve seen from 2020 worldwide pandemic, sometimes the best-laid plans don’t always work out. But it’s amazing how we can adapt to life’s changing circumstances.
Harley and Amanda were so excited to have a snowy winter wedding at the Gallatin River Lodge. When their wedding day arrived, unfortunately there wasn’t any snow on the ground, only a frigid cold outside . Making the best of situation, we wandered out to the frozen pond to remedy the problem.
When the pandemic canceled the big wedding plans of Addie and Nate, we changed course and instead rode up a backcountry mountain on horseback to photograph their small, intimate wedding ceremony. It ended up being better than they could ever imagine.
During Jordan and Raven’s elegant wedding in the Bridger Mountain foothills, a fast-approaching wildfire forced an emergency evacuation just hours before their ceremony was set to commence. Thankfully, on short notice, another venue was secured. Despite the hiccup, we rolled with it and celebrated their relationship well into the night.
The year seemed to be full of unexpected challenges but in the end, everything worked out. Each of these unique weddings was wonderfully imperfect in its own way.
Despite the struggles of 2020, I think as a community and country we have realized some of the hidden gifts of this pandemic like cherished time with the people that give our lives meaning.
Looking back on my Best of 2020 Wedding & Portrait photography, it wasn’t the year I expected. But all of it was a blessing and a well-needed time for reflection.
Now, with hope on the horizon for the vaccines being distributed, I look forward to the possibilities of 2021. The love I’ll get to document, the families I’ll get to celebrate and the businesses I’ll be able to make shine even brighter.
I’m optimistic about what the future holds.
I’m so grateful for the clients that supported me this past year. I cannot wait to embrace my friends safely again once this storm fades.
Above are some favorite wedding and portrait photographs I created this past wild year. I hope you enjoy them. And when the time is right, I look forward to helping you celebrate what matters most in your life. Happy New Year everyone! -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2020-Best-of-Photography-Title.jpg8011254GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2021-01-18 23:19:282023-06-06 18:34:20Best of 2020 Wedding & Portrait photography – A Year of Reflection
I’ve been working with Cravins Adventure Lunches in Bozeman, Montana to photograph On-location lifestyle Product and studio Photos.
This family-owned Bozeman sandwich shop creates delicious lunch options for local fly fishing guides and their clients. They strive to make the experience easy by organizing lunches for their guides’ clients and packing their meals in biodegradable containers
Back in early March, the pandemic essentially shut down Montana’s local fishing economy. Impacted by this pause in business, Cravins took the initiative. Moreover, they decided to redesign their website and update their visual content to elevate their brand during this downtime. They wanted their visual brand to better reflect and resonate with the clientele they serve.
So for their Spring 2020 Marketing Campaign, I was hired to photographon-location product lifestyle photos and studio portraits of their lunch offerings. We wanted to show anglers enjoying their lunches on the river. Equally importantly, we wanted to create clean, well-lit studio photographs of their lunches for their website and marketing outlets.
I love commercial photography projects like this. They allowed me to do what I do best – telling stories with photographs to foster connection and to solve client’s visual challenges. In doing so, it allowed Cravins Adventure Lunches to better resonate with their target audience.
I spent a lot of time listening and understanding the needs of Cravins Adventure Lunches. We wanted to make the best business portraits and on-location product lifestyle photographs possible.
Through good communication, we were able to clearly identify how best to convey their brand and message. We decided to photograph the project over two days. First, would be in their commercial kitchen for studio photos and the second day on location of the Lower Madison River. As a result, I delivered a variety of creative, visual options.
Alas, early spring rains forced us to reschedule our Madison River on-location session a few times. Eventually, our patience for a perfect day on the river was rewarded. The guides models and I found a good weather window to complete our photo needs.
I’m really happy with how Cravins Adventure Lunches Spring 2020 Marketing Campaign turned out.
These photos below are some of my favorite that I made during this project. I’m so glad I could be a part of this project. -M
A few weeks back, I created a series of environmental business portraits of Katie Smith, of Wild Path Consulting.
Katie Smith is a seasoned marketing professional and owner of Wild Path Consulting. Through Wild Path Consulting, Katie is a catalyst for businesses that care about the future of the planet. How does she do this? She provides strategic marketing consulting to help these organizations succeed and adapt fluidly. With her expertise, her clients remain flexible in how they position their products and services through social impact marketing.
I was excited to chat with Katie to discuss headshots and photos to convey Wild Path Consulting. My goal with each client is to ask the right questions. From these conversations, I can understand my client’s values, who they serve, and what they want to showcase.
With Katie, my goal became to bridge her love and experience of working in the outdoors with her marketing communication skillset she brings to the brands she serves.
From our time in the field and behind the lens, we created some diverse, environmental business portraits of her. These photos help tell the story of Wild Path Consulting. Now, Katie can have the visual content to showcase her marketing and communications brand. Each potential client now instantly has a strong vision of who she is and the values of Wild Path Consulting. Her photos highlight her bond with the outdoors, her connection to those who value a healthy, sustainable future, and her excellent professionalism.
Katie is an adventure enthusiast and a self-professed marketing nerd.
She studied environmental science and psychology during her undergrad studies.
The idea that high-level marketing can be used for good and connection inspired her to hang up her outdoor guiding career and pursue a Master of Public Relations degree. Katie’s Wild Path Consulting business has since evolved into a career helping rebels and disruptors bring their business ideas to life.
Here are some of my favorite business portraits from our time together. -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Wild-Path-Consulting-Katie-Smith-Greener-Visuals-Photography-5829-scaled.jpg10011500GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2020-06-04 16:41:002023-06-02 16:17:54Environmental Business Portraits of Wild Path Consulting
Front Porch Project Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.
This past weekend, fifteen gracious Bozeman families participated in the Bozeman Front Porch Project family portraits from afar. They wanted to celebrate their loved ones, be a part of a community art project, and raise money to support the Greater Gallatin United Way during this unsettling time in our community and country.
Over the last few weeks, the COVID-19 virus spread across the world and finally reach our Montana doorstep, social distancing commenced. Quite quickly our vibrant, social, outdoorsy Bozeman community suddenly felt like a ghost town.
As a self-employed photography business owner navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus, I wanted to support and create a project to uplift the mood while our community maintains safety with social distancing.
While our normal lives have been turned into a holding pattern it’s important to remember that – Love is not cancelled. Friendships are not canceled. Emotional support is not canceled.
I wanted to create a reminder of all the good things these families have to celebrate in their lives right now.
These precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets – our relationships, are what will help us all get through these times of difficulty and struggle.
Through our shared, sheltered experience, we can still foster connections and our combined community’s resilience.
The enthusiasm and outpouring of support for the Bozeman Front Porch Project, has been profound.
I am so grateful to everyone who supported this and helped me spread the word on social media. Thank you!
Right from the start, the health and safety of every one were at the forefront of importance for me. As the week went on, this serious national health emergency continued to drastically change and escalate.
With the announcement of stay-at-home directives (starting this weekend for Montana) by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, suddenly, I was debating whether I should put the project on hold.
In the end, under my already stringent safety measures, I decided to continue forward. By photographing everyone from afar with my telephoto lens (on average at least 20 feet), we created some really genuine fun family portraits.
There was no charge to participate in the Bozeman Front Porch Project Family portraits. However, I’m happy to announce that donations raised $1,015.00 that will be given to the Greater Gallatin United Way!
I am so thankful for all of the generous donations to this good cause. It makes me proud to be a part of our Bozeman community. I’m looking forward to a time when we can put this challenge in our rearview mirrors.
Thank you, Bozeman!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and soak up this time with your loved ones.
When this storm passes, I’ll be here to help you and your family showcase everything you love about your relationships during your own family photographic experience.
Together, we are all going to get through this. -Mike Greener
P.S. As a candid, creative photographer, I can’t help but capture a moment if it’s happening in front of me. Here are a few bonus photos that I liked from my weekend of giving back.
And lastly, thanks to my labrador retriever and photo assistant Tippet for accompanying me on the Bozeman Front Porch Project. -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Bozeman-Front-Porch-Project-_Collage-Greener-Visuals-web-scaled.jpg5561500GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2020-03-30 19:18:192023-06-02 17:51:54The Bozeman Front Porch Project Family portraits – March 28th-29th
I recently photographed the winter engagement portrait photography of Kate & Dylan at their Bozeman family property overlooking the Bridger Mountains.
Kate knew right from the start after connecting online and on their first lunch date, that Dylan was a man unlike any she had met before.
The immediate comfort in their own skin around each other, matched with good conversation, inspired them to play hooky the rest of the day. They ended up spending the afternoon walking around, riding a carousel, and being complete goofballs.
For someone like Kate, who has dedicated her whole career to how humans learn through play, seeing Dylan’s forthright invitation to make a fool of himself sparked an immediate connection for her.
Dylan was a partner who had a willingness for silly, goofy fun. It’s a character trait that had been missed in Kate’s previous relationships.
As Kate recalled, “Dylan is the most earnest of people she had ever met. He is nerdy in the most wonderful ways.”
As their relationship grew, Dylan’s kind heart and inspiration around creativity solidified her love for him. It was a big deal. He was the first partner she ever invited to her family home for the holidays.
For Dylan, Kate is such a natural fit for him. She complimented him in every way.
“Kate’s smile is so genuine. It has an uncanny capacity to instantly get me excited and always lifts my spirit,” Dylan said, “It’s her ability to always find positivity in the world around them. Her willingness for adventure, good humor, and her sense of morality made him feel seen, recognized, and cared for.”
Kate gives him hope for a better future.
It has been a true pleasure getting to know this engaged couple over the last few months.
For their winter engagement portrait photography session, we wanted to celebrate all of those playful, creative traits that each one brought into their relationship.
We decided the perfect place to meet up for their photo session was at her parent’s house outside of Bozeman.
We had such a fun time exploring the Montana property of Kate’s youth. With the man of her dreams, we created fun portraits that reflect all that they cherish about one another.
Here are a few favorite photographs I made during their couples portrait session.
I am so looking forward to photographing these two on their wedding day later this year. Congrats on your engagement Kate & Dylan! July can’t come soon enough! -M
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I’m proud to present my 2019 Best of Weddings by Greener Visuals Photography!
Looking over my 2019 Best of Wedding Photography, it was another wonderful year documenting the love at weddings in Montana, California, Connecticut, and beyond.
In the spirit of reflection during this time of year, I’ve gathered up some of my favorite wedding photographs from the past 2019 wedding season.
Time sure does fly when you’re having fun. I feel so grateful to have been a part of my wedding clients wedding celebrations! I hope you enjoy looking through all the 2019 Best of Wedding Photography photos just as much as I had making them.
A few weeks back, I photographed the Bozeman Holy Rosary Church Wedding of Cassie and Justin and their wedding reception at Bridger Bowl Ski Resort.
After dating for the past eight years, Cassie and Justing wanted to say their vows during their Holy Rosary Church Wedding surrounded by the most important people in their lives. Their celebration after the ceremony would be amongst the mountainous backdrop of Southwest Montana at a place they both love so much, Bridger Bowl Ski Area.
For many of their family members (coming from Florida, Maine, New Jersey. Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Washington) their wedding weekend would be the first chance to see the place the newlyweds have called home for the last few years.
After an unusually soggy Spring and Summer in Southwest Montana this year, we had high hopes of avoiding the recent rain weather patterns. Alas, on a Saturday in mid-July, the rain found us.
Luckily, it just so happened that Cassie and Justin’s wedding ceremony and reception were preemptively planned for a rainy day – they had an indoor Catholic mass ceremony at the church and then lovely intimate reception at the Bridger Bowl mid-mountain lodge.
The rain couldn’t keep us down.
We celebrated indoors at both locations by dancing, eating crusted trout and elk tenderloin (delicious!), and playing in the Greener Visuals Photobooth. Many of their guests had taken advantage of the close proximity of Yellowstone National Park and were telling stories of their recent adventures. It was a lovely evening in a great place with good people.
I could not be more excited for these two. Congrats to the newlyweds Cassie and Justin! -M
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This past weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing the Bozeman, Montana wedding day celebration of Cassie and Justin at Holy Rosary Church and Bridger Bowl Ski Resort.
After dating for the past eight years, these two wanted to say their vows surrounded by the most important people in their lives among the mountainous landscape of Southwest Montana they love so much.
Their wedding would be a chance for many of their family members (coming from Florida, Maine, New Jersey. Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Washington) to see the place they have called home over the last few years. Many of their wedding guests were traveling to Montana for the first time. The day was filled with Big Sky excitement and surprisingly for July, lots of precipitation.
It has been an unusually soggy Spring and Summer in Southwest Montana this year. The rain found us.
Luckily, it just so happened that their ceremony and reception were preemptively planned for a rainy day – indoor Catholic mass ceremony at the church and then lovely intimate reception at the Bridger Bowl mid-mountain lodge. The rain couldn’t keep us down. We celebrated without a hitch indoors at both locations dancing, eating crusted trout and elk tenderloin and playing in the Greener Visuals Photobooth.
I’m working hard to go through all the fun photos I made during their special day. For now, I wanted to share a preview of their wedding photographs. Here are a few favorites so far. So many more photos to share.
I could not be more excited for these two. Congrats to the newlyweds and stay tuned for more! -M
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For Belle and Angel’s West Yellowstone Couples Portraits experience, we decided to drive back to their hometown of West Yellowstone, Montana to explore and photograph the place that fostered the roots of their relationship.
These two have been dating since high school – over seven years ago – where they first cultivated their relationship through their shared love of basketball.
While a lot has changed since high school, their relationship has never been stronger.
In Belle’s opinion regardless of where they are, Angel’s presence in her life is an immediate sense of home.
They now live and work in Bozeman, Montana – him as a chef and her as a caregiver.
Time together has helped them discover not only their love for each other but their shared passion for exploring the outdoors.
Now, as they work to finalize their wedding plans for Summer 2020, they wanted to celebrate this time in their lives by giving a nod to their shared love of camping and hiking in their old Yellowstone National Park area stomping ground.
We headed over to Black Sand Spring, a small spring creek west of town where we explored the area making photographs of them. Here are some favorites from their experience. Congrats on your engagement Belle and Angel! -M
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A few weeks back I had the pleasure of photographing the Washoe Theatre Couples Portraits of Amanda and Harley in Anaconda Montana.
Amanda and Harley met ten years ago and were high school sweethearts.
I had an amazing time discovering all that they cherished in each other and their relationship.
It has been such a fun time getting to know these two high school sweethearts over the past year.
They met at the age of 16-year-old. From the get-go, they shared an easy-going sense of humor and appreciation of the little things in one another.
Harley, usually a shy kid, recalled how profound it was that she could always bring him out of his shell and how to completely be himself around others.
Thinking back on what was a difficult childhood, Amanda loved that meeting Harley showed her the possibility of a better life and how to be a kid again.
More often than not, this usually takes the form of dancing and singing to music while cooking together.
Over the next ten years, Amanda and Harley’s relationship flourished.
“We were able to develop around each other and made up for each other’s perceived “faults”, Amanda said.
It was a wonderful, mutual balance of support, love, and acceptance. Each knew they had found their person
For them, it was those times growing up together around Butte and Anaconda, Montana where the foundations of their relationship and support for one another really solidified.
As their relationship grew, some of their fondest memories were going on dates to the historic Washoe Theatre in downtown Anaconda and then dining at one of their favorite restaurants in Butte, the Pekin Noodle Parlor – the oldest Chinese restaurant in the country and housed in a formal brothel.
We wanted to highlight these two places that held a lot of wonderful memories for them.
We decided to recreate an ultimate date night for them!
Here are some favorites photographs from their Washoe Theatre Couples Portraits photographic experience.
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Washoe-Theatre-Anaconda-Butte-Couples-Portrait-2634.jpg9441400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-07-09 20:40:512023-06-05 16:56:56Washoe Theatre Couples Portraits of Amanda and Harley
A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of photographing the Phillipsburg Montana Family Portraits of the Johnston family.
Months back while traveling en route to Mexico, I met and struck up a conversation with Robi in the Missoula airport.
We talked about her life, what she loved about each of her children, and how fast they seemed to grow up. She wanted to celebrate each of them at this time of their lives.
While they live in Washington, as it turns out, she grew up spending her summers in Montana, a place near and dear to her heart. She decided that this was the year to celebrate her upcoming vacation with her two kids at the family ranch in Phillipsburg, Montana with a family portrait session.
We explored the rolling grass hills of her ranch making fun family portraits and candid photos of her kids being themselves. Despite both of them not feeling well, I was able to tease out some smiles and create some great, meaningful photographs for them.
Here are some of my favorite photographs from our Phillipsburg Montana Family Portraits session together. -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Phillipsburg-MT-Family-Portrait-Photographic-Experience-Greener-Visuals-6821.jpg9341400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-07-07 17:41:012023-06-05 17:04:51Phillipsburg Montana Family Portraits of the Johnston Family
The other day I photographed the Paradise Valley Family Portraits of the Young Family at their ranch along the Yellowstone River.
The Young Family ranch rests on the edge of the Yellowstone River. It’s a timeless and beautiful Montana property tucked away in Paradise Valley and a place that holds special sentiment for this family.
The old dairy farm was purchased by their great-grandfather in the 1980s and was his pride and joy home. Over the years, it has served as an anchor point for many wonderful Montana memories for their family.
A sanctuary where they can fish, ride ATVs, and spend uninteruped time together as a family.
For a family of twelve, they, unfortunately, don’t all get together as much as they would want to. Usually family gatherings happen only around the holidays.
The upcoming 4th of July weekend would be their family reunion. The Young family were celebrating having everyone together for the first time in two years. They wanted to remember it with Paradise Valley Family Portraits.
I had a wonderful time with the Young Family exploring their family farm and making fun portraits and candid photographs.
It was such a pleasure getting to know this family and finding out what they cherish most about each other and their relationships.
There is a lot of love in this family.
Here are some favorite photographs from our time together.-M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Livingston-Montana-Family-Portrait-Photographic-Experience-Greener-Visuals-7594.jpg9891400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-07-05 15:29:042023-06-05 17:20:53Paradise Valley Family Portraits of the Young Family
Molly Ogle, their new associate, recently joined this talented team of realtors and was in need of some updated headshots and business portraits. We decided to explore the newly restored, historic Cannery District with her French bulldog, Pippa in tow and made some fun, indoor business portraits for her new position.
Here are some of my favorites from our portrait photographic experience. -M
Looking to get some fresh new business portraits for your own company?
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Professional-Headshots-Molly-Ogle-Knoff-Real-Estate-6991-1.jpg9341400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-05-02 06:52:102023-06-05 18:35:45Indoor Business Portraits of Knoff Real Estate Associate Molly Ogle
The other day I drove from Bozeman to photograph the Ousel Falls Engagement Portraits of Taylor and Josh in Big Sky, Montana. I love a couple that is game to get outside even in early Spring weather.
In fact, it was their love of games and hiking in the outdoors that brought them together. This engaged couple met playing an intense game of parchesi at a friend’s place where Josh won on the last roll. As the Denver Bronco football season went on, they cheered and bonded over their shared passions and growing connection. He made her laugh and always knew how to cheer her up. She was loving and helped him open up and out of his introverted tendencies.
In Taylor’s words, “Our weirdness meshed well.”
These two have been dating for five and a half years and they were engaged in early March.
For their Ousel Falls Engagement Portraits session, we decided to check out Ousel Falls which is one of their favorite places to hike in Southwest Montana. The contrast of the light snowfall and ice intermingled with the lush green of the coming Spring made for the perfect backdrop to their couples portrait session. Here are some of their favorites from our adventure in Big Sky. Congrats on your engagement you two! -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Ousel-Falls-Couples-Portrait-Photography-TaylorJosh-8028.jpg9341400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-05-02 01:39:502023-06-05 18:44:26Ousel Falls Engagement Portraits of Taylor and Josh
Even a Bozeman Montana winter snowstorm couldn’t dampen the spirits of Ali and Josh during their recent Bogert Park Snowstorm Portraits session.
Ali and Josh are seniors at Montana State University and besides finishing up school and internships, they have continued to grow their relationship. After meeting them at this year’s Montana Wedding Event, we got to talking about things they love about each other and the activities they enjoy doing together.
Hearing their story and learning about their relationship, they have found a shared interest in playing ice hockey together. We decided to incorporate that shared passion for their recent Bogert Park Snowstorm portraits photography experience.
The last few weeks in Bozeman have had frigid temperatures and lots of snow. This meant most of the outdoor ice rinks around town were buried under a few feet of snow. We headed over to Bogert Park in downtown Bozeman, Montana to take advantage of its covered, outdoor ice rink.
After a fun hockey-themed photo session, we noticed a snowstorm coming in. We shifted gears, took off the ice skates and went for a tromp around the park in the deep snow. These two had a great attitude throughout and their playful love for each other really comes through in their photographs.
Here are some of my favorite photographs from my time with them. Big things are on the horizon for these two and I couldn’t be more happy for them. -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Couples-Portrait-Photography-Session-Winter-Snow-2120.jpg9341400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-03-14 15:25:042023-06-05 22:55:29Bogert Park Snowstorm Portraits of Ali and Josh
When Diane and William contacted me about their wedding photography needs, these Florida residents informed me of their grand plans to head north for a snowy, horse-drawn sleigh-inspired outdoor wedding celebration. They were so excited!
The February winter weather in Montana did not disappoint. Their wedding day had over two feet of fresh snow to decorate the mountain landscape. I love a couple that goes against the grain and does an exciting destination wedding change up from their usual warmer climate.
These two medical professionals invited about forty of their closest friends and loved ones out to Lone Mountain Ranch for an intimate wedding weekend tucked away in the mountains in Big Sky, Montana.
Embracing their self-description of being, “numerically up there, been married before, yet still young at heart!” they opted to get adventurous with their Lone Mountain Ranch Winter wedding plans.
They both have cherished their time spent vacationing in Montana and couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate their union.
With excited smiles on their faces, their guests got all bundled up for a unique Montana experience. They loaded into horse-drawn sleighs that would bring them to a large opening on the mountainside where Diane and William’s small, intimate outdoor Montana wedding overlooking Lone Peak would take place. Everyone loved the unique experience that the horse-drawn sleighs provided. With relatives who had trouble being mobile, the sleighs allowed access to the beautiful outdoors while also offering wool blankets and a high-seat vantage point for the guests to watch the ceremony. It all worked out really well.
After a lovely snowy ceremony complete with communion, the entire wedding rode by sleigh to the nearby B-K cabin at Lone Mountain Ranch for the dinner reception. The crew at LMR created a lovely atmosphere combined with flower arrangements from Karen’s Floral Artistry that made the room feel really homey. The sweet bluegrass tunes from The Bridger Creek Boys serenaded the crowd throughout the evening. The fireplace and libations kept everyone cozy while the funny stories and laughter warmed their hearts. We had a fantastic time and capped off the evening with a sparkler exit for the newlyweds. I could not be more excited for these two. I was so grateful to be a part of their wedding celebration and I wish them all the best! -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Lone-Mountain-Ranch-Winter-Wedding-DianeBill-0206.jpg9781400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-03-05 20:18:482023-06-05 23:04:13Lone Mountain Ranch Winter Wedding of Diane and William
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