Lightning Storm | Photographer Helena, Montana

Helena got quite the lighting storm a few nights ago. Generally we don't get a lot of severe thunderstorms that produce a lot of lighting here in Western Montana. If only I could live here in Helena, but get the storms that Eastern Montana gets, would I be in heaven. I love thunderstorms and I am fascniated by severe weather. I would love to see a tornado someday! I guess lightning will have to fulfill me for now. It was a great show from my front porch. Here are a few of the images I was able to capture.

Perseid Meteor Shower | Photographer Helena, Montana

Well I got back from Eastern Montana last week and of course came home with a summer cold. I missed the oppurtunity to go out with some other local photographers to capture the meteor shower but I ventured out with my brother who is starting to get interested more and more in photography. We had a blast driving around , caputring what we could of the meteor shower and showing him a little light painting. I think he has the photography bug big now! He will be coming with me to the Fall Focus Convention that the Montana Professional Photographer's Association puts on every year. This fall it is in Glacier and should be right up his alley. He love being outdoors and photographing Montana's beautiful scenery. Here are a few from our night out.

Challenge Club | Photographer Helena, Montana

Earlier this year I was asked if I wanted to be part of this club. Not knowing what I was entirely getting myself into I said yes. Well, this club so far has been amazing and one of the best things I have participated in. Garrett Thompson with Floating Leaf Studios here in Helena is so talented and a real go getter. The thought and energy he puts into all of his programs is awesome. I participated in Camera Collabertive last year and took several classes through his studio. He is a great teacher and is doing a great job helping build a local community of photographers who support each other. I think it is amazing in an industry like photography to be able to surround yourself with people that are not only passionate about the same thing but want to see you do well. That is one reason I am so active in the Montana Professional Photographers Association, Professional Photographers of America and now Challenge Club here in Helena. For this challenge we headed out to Craig, MT and divided into groups, each with a dfferent objective. It was so nice to finally meet the faces of some of the amazing talent we have right here in Helena. We all had such a great time out of the river and we may have even got a little wet! It was worth it though and really helped push us out of our comfort zone and challeng our photography skills. I am looking forward to the next time!

Gartner Wedding |Wedding Photographer Helena, Montana

A year ago my friend Leslie Livengood Photography asked me if I would be interested in helping shoot a wedding out in Bismarck again. I had never me the couple but I love the venue and said yes in hopes that it might be a bit cooler than the other wedding I helped shoot there. Well Bismarck does not disappoint, it was a beautiful and HOT day out once again. but well worth the trip. Markelle and Scott's wedding was gorgeous down to every last detail. The venue was decorated beautifully and despite the heat I think everyone had a great time. Lesie and I got some amazing images of them at the Heritage Center in Bismarck and the adjacent park. I love me some Montana but Bismarck does have some beautiful scenery despite the lack of mountains. I really enjoyed helping capture their day!

H Family |Family Photographer Helena, Montana

I have had the pleasure of photographing Kristi and her girls a few times now. Our sessions are alway so fun and it was nice to catch up with her since I didn't play softball this spring and summer. Her girls are both beautiful just like she is and they make my job pretty eash since they love the camera. For our session we added some fun photos of them in their softball gear in. It was fun trying out some new shots! I think they turned out great and I cannot wait to show them the rest.

Dugan & Wallis | Wedding Photographer Helena, Montana

I met Kaylee and her Mom last fall and I was so excited to take part in capturing her and Josh's big day. I absolutely love the venue and was excited to get the oppurtunity to shoot up there again. Little did I know that on the wedding day I would find out that Josh new my brother and he lived just a couple of houses down from us growing up. Small world! There wedding day was absolutey gorgeous and it was to date the funnest wedding I have had the honor of capturing. Kaylee and Josh are the cutest couple and perfect for each other. I am totally in love with some of the images we were able to capture on their day. Kaylee's dress was stunning and she looked gorgeous! And the wedding party was a little bit of a handful at times, but with the help of my second shooter Dawn Smartnick, we got some fun pictures. Venue: 4 R's Ranch Catering: Chili Obrien's Bar: Smiths Bar DJ: Jason Slead Cake: Van's Thriftway

Dugan & Wallis | Wedding Photographer Helena, Montana

I met Kaylee and her Mom last fall and I was so excited to take part in capturing her and Josh's big day. I absolutely love the venue and was excited to get the oppurtunity to shoot up there again. Little did I know that on the wedding day I would find out that Josh new my brother and he lived just a couple of houses down from us growing up. Small world! There wedding day was absolutey gorgeous and it was to date the funnest wedding I have had the honor of capturing. Kaylee and Josh are the cutest couple and perfect for each other. I am totally in love with some of the images we were able to capture on their day. Kaylee's dress was stunning and she looked gorgeous! And the wedding party was a little bit of a handful at times, but with the help of my second shooter Dawn Smartnick, we got some fun pictures. Venue: 4 R's Ranch Catering: Chili Obrien's Bar: Smiths Bar DJ: Jason Slead Cake: Van's Thriftway

Amelia's Birth Story | Birth Photographer Helena, Montana

Capturing birth stories is probably one of my favorite if not absolute favorite thing to photograph. It is such a special event to be asked to take part in and document. I know not everyone sees the value in it, but unless you have watched a slideshow or opened a custom made book after the birth of your child, there is nothing like it. I love hearing from my clients and watching their expresssion when they finally get the final product. How cool would it be to be able to show your child the day they were born? I wish I would have had this available when my girls were born. It is such a cool keepsake and heirloom to pass to your children. This birth was extra special because it was my cousin's and it was her last child. I was honored when they asked if I was interested. Of course! It was a great day and I loved every minute of it! It is so cool to see siblings meet their new sister. And it was nice to capture grandparents being able to attend this birth and holding them for the first time. This is why they are my favorite. I absolutely love my job!

Mr. G turns 1 and Mr. R turns 2! | Childrens Photographer Helena, Montana

These two brothers are so fun and so close together in age. They remind me of my two daughters who are just over a year apart. It might be tough for Mom and Dad while they are little but when they get older it is so great having them close in age. For this session we were celebrating them turning 1 and 2! I love when clients return every year. I think I enjoy watching them grow and change as much as their parents do! This session was fun and they sure had a fun time with the cake smash and big brother had to help show him the ropes.

Mr. R & Miss A!! | Childrens Photographer Helena, Montana

These two are so cute! I have been photographing both of them since they were born and I absolutely adore them. Miss A is getting quite the personality and as you can see is going to play basketball like the rest of her family, including Mom and Dad. And Mr. R is going to be a tall one I think. He is already almost as big as his sister who is over a year older then him. He is such a little chunk! He reminds me of my oldest daughter who was a chunky little thing as well. I always love photographing this family and cannot wait to do more this fall and winter.

Expecting #4! | Maternity Photographer Helena, Montana

I was so excited earlier this year when my cousin told me that they were expecting another child. They already have 3 adorable kids and another one would make their family complete. This little one is going to get lots of love from her two older sisters and brother!