6 adults + 5 kids + 17 degrees = Fun. Montana Style | Helena Montana Family Photographer

As a photographer, I have ideal times to schedule photo sessions and plans in mind so that I get the best possible images to present to the client. 

Newborns do best in the morning; during the summer time an engagement session is best scheduled about 90 minutes prior to sunset....   Families with small children do best in the spring or fall, generally mid-morning so the kiddos don't get crabby during their nap or dinner time. 

In that ideal world, the best time to schedule an extended family session of 11 (5 kids under 5!) probably wouldn't be when it's well below freezing a couple weeks before Christmas...

But then again, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do and you end up with something great!

Luckily, the family I was recently photographing under these circumstances (did I mention it was 17 degrees?!) was totally flexible and very willing to go with the flow.  Between darting in and out of toy shops, taking a break for cocoa, then heading up to play in the beautiful mountain snow, we came away with some great images of a fun-loving group of people.

I've only begun delving into the images, but here are a few early favorites :)