Villalva Family | Helena, Montana Family Photography

Usually while planning for a photo session, I have a certain idea in mind of what it's going to look like before I even get there.  This session was no different - in the days leading up, I had in mind a beautiful sunset, frolicking in beautiful warm sunshine... Well, in case you haven't noticed, the weather in Montana doesn't seem to give a darn what we want...

Lucky for us, the dramatic skies and threat of bad weather added to the depth and moodiness of this recent family session.  We met at their home, played with their horses and had a wonderful time together on a stormy Montana afternoon.

Looking forward to showing the rest of these soon!!

Enjoy this little sneak peek in the meantime. And thank you again for the opportunity -- it was great to get to know you all and share in the love.

These are some of my favorite black and white shots in quite some time - I just can't get enough of the closeness and the love between the beautiful girls and their adoring parents.  

Someone was very curious what was happening in his pasture.

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 :)

Carmen & Brian's backyard Great Falls Wedding | Helena, Montana Wedding Photographer

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to shoot along side Rab Cummings of Rabphotography again at Carmen and Brian's beautiful backyard wedding in Great Falls, MT.  So much love was put into every detail, and I was honored to spend the day with them.  Both the bride and groom (and all of the family members) are very active, enthusiastic folks.  You'll notice it didn't take them long to change from their fancy shoes to their Chacos.  My kind of people for sure.  

Congratulations to you both - what a beautiful beginning to a marriage between two people and two families who so clearly belong together.