An Intimate Proposal Photo Session at Lake Mcdonald in Glacier National Park
Capturing this fleeting moment was a privilege and a joy. The raw emotion, the overwhelming happiness, the stunning backdrop of Glacier National Park – all these elements came together to create a memory that will last a lifetime. And moments like these remind me of why I love what I do. Photography is more than just taking pictures; it is about capturing moments, telling stories, and preserving memories. It is about freezing time so we can relive the beauty and emotion of a single moment for years to come. And in a place as magnificent as Glacier National Park, those moments are truly special.
Summer Sunset Maternity Session in Bigfork, Montana
When having maternity photos done, here are a few things I like to educate my clients on before a session: Your comfort matters most. Wear something that you're comfortable in AND you feel beautiful in. There are so many dresses at all price points that I love. I will always help in the search! Perfect hair isn't a must. You should definitely do your hair. However, in Montana, be prepared for lots of wind! I personally love the look of hair flowing in the wind! Bring a change of clothes and a towel for afterward. I often have my couples get in the water, which means you'll need something comfortable in the car! The biggest thing to remember is to HAVE FUN! Do the silly thing, laugh, makeout, and overall make the experience the memory! The photos are a wonderful addition, in the end.
Pregnancy Announcement Turned Romantic Couples Session in Glacier National Park
This wonderful baby announcement session became a gorgeous, romantic vacation photo session in Glacier National Park. I love taking my out-of-state clients to multiple locations in the park, as there is so much variety to offer, it's as if you're getting multiple photoshoots in one! We started at the bridge, just outside of the entrance to the park. This is one of my favorite locations, as it offers stunning turquoise water with beautiful rocks to climb on for a unique and artistic feel. Then we moved onto Lake Mcdonald, which offers stunning views with the ability to see Alpinglow during golden hour. We were having so much fun, that we extended the session (for free) and these two really were so comfortable in front of the camera. I often ask my clients to get into the water. It's a wonderful and beautiful experience (also a cold one, haha) that adds so much dimension and story to photos.
All in all, this is a great example of why booking a long enough session to do 2 locations is so necessary!
Love,
Alex, your favorite Glacier National Park maternity, family, couples, engagement, and elopement photographer
How to Prepare for a Hiking Photo Session in Glacier National Park
When the Birrd family reached out to me to schedule a session at Avalanche Lake I was STOKED! Any session involving a hike in Glacier National Park is one I want to do. The best part about this adventure session was that this family dressed so beautifully and there were 11 of them, so we go to do so many amazing photos from the whole family, to senior photos, to romantic couples photos.
When doing any photo session in Glacier, it's important to prepare! Here are some things that I required this family bring to their session:
1. Bear spray
2. Lots of water
3. Snacks
4. Change of clothes
5. A comb and extra makeup (the walk up is sweaty)
6. A good attitude!
After our hike to the top, we took a break, ate, and got ready! From there, we took the needed "grandma photo" (whole groups, everyone looking at the camera). Then we moved on to my favorite images, where everyone got a change to take any photo or pose they wanted! I love to guide everyone to have photos taken that are true to their own personality. We did a small family session, a fun portrait moment for all the teenaged girls, and romantic couples photos in and out of the water.
Wildflower Senior Photos in Glacier National Park
This summer session in Glacier National Park turned into a fun and whimsical sister-senior session and we had so much fun giggling, frolicking, and picking wildflowers (we are outside of the park, if you are in Glacier please DO NOT pick wildflowers)!
These girls had no idea what they were walking into when we started our session, and once I mentioned the flowers, they immediately opened up and were natural in front of the camera! The weather was perfect, and I cannot wait for more flowers to come out this spring!
Preparing for Your Photoshoot with Your Dog
Photographing your dog usually takes a bit of time to get them into place or a couple of shots of the same activity. I will put some of their favorite treats in my pockets and hold them in my hands while I’m shooting, I’ll be super loud and obnoxious to get their attention, and I’m always prepared for slobber! I may also recommend wearing fabrics that aren’t as clingy for dog hair, but this is always up to you. Keeping a calm attitude is important because they will be excited, and anxious about the new activity, and feed off of your feelings. I even have difficulty getting my dogs to sit still during their photos, so please don’t be embarrassed! I’ve seen pretty much all animal behaviors at this point in my photography business.
Why I don’t Watermark my Photography
Watermarks have their place - but in lifestyle family and elopement photography, I think they shouldn’t be used hardly at all! Why? They take the attention away from the beautiful people in my images, not only are they ugly, they don’t stop people from stealing my photos, and I WANT you to post my work to your social media and tag me. Are you going to make a watermarked image your profile pic? Prob not.
Romantic Honeymoon Session in Glacier National Park
Imagine having your dream wedding and having your honeymoon in Glacier National Park – how romantic is that?! We met up in Apgar Village, and let me tell you, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The fall leaves were just starting to make an appearance, giving us the perfect backdrop for their photos. Glacier National Park is truly a magical place, and I feel so lucky to be able to capture moments like these for couples like Jillian and Chad. If you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend checking it out – you won't be disappointed. Until next time, keep smiling and cherishing those special moments with your loved ones.
A Fun Couples Session in Glacier National Park
I had the pleasure of photographing the sweetest couple during a romantic photo session in Glacier National Park along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It was the perfect August day, with the sun shining and the mountains towering in the distance.
A Casual Family Photo Session in Glacier National Park
Your photos can be as casual or dressed up as you want them to be! Professional family photography has no limits and to show your family as they truely are is always a good thing. It’s hard to dress up when you’re on vacation that’s mostly hiking and other outdoor activities. This family dressed as they would any other day and had fun just as they would in their own living room. They also had wonderful photos for their holiday cards later that year!
Photoshoots During the Smokey Season - You Should Still Do it!
Glacier National Park is known for its majestic scenery, which makes it a popular destination for families, especially those with kids. Even though the smoky season poses challenges, it doesn't mean you should miss out on this incredible experience. The park offers various activities and attractions that will keep your whole family entertained.
Milk Bath Photo Session + How it Works
I think the best age for these milk bath sessions is between 6 months to 2 years old. At this point, they are usually able to sit well on their own, which makes the whole process easier and safer. And trust me, you'll want them to be comfortable during the session because it's just too cute for words!
Surprise Proposals - How They Work + a Perfect Example!
To successfully capture the essence of a surprise proposal, I've learned that going with the flow is essential. While having a plan and precise instructions is crucial, it's equally important to embrace the unpredictability of the moment. There is a certain magic in capturing those candid, unposed shots that truly reflect the raw emotions of that fleeting instant.
Why Family Photography is Important
Imagine your children twirling amidst a field of vibrant wildflowers, their laughter harmonizing with the melodies of nature. Or perhaps your family gathers around a serene mountain lake, each member radiating their unique spirit and personality. The photographer becomes a storyteller, weaving together moments and emotions into a tapestry that will forever remind you of the love and laughter shared during that special summer vacation.
Embracing Wild Sessions with Small Children
And boy, did I capture some incredible shots. I leaned into the wild energy and let the kids run free. There were shots of them laughing and playing, chasing each other around, and just being their wild and beautiful selves. But my absolute favorite shots were the ones with grandma. Talk about capturing those precious moments!
In-home Young Family Photo Session
This in-home photo session is a perfect example of what I aim for with toddlers! We start with seeing how much they are willing to smile, then get a posed shot *IF they are ready! Then we do an interesting activity, then another posed shot, then another activity, and so on and so forth.
Maternity & In-home Newborn Session
When taking photos of newborns, I like to do a mixture of posed photos with mom and dad, and then lifestyle of the whole family (doing actual daily activities, such as nursing, cuddling). Another great thing to capture is the baby laying in a comfortable space, such as their crib for detail photos of the babies fingers, toes, nose, eyes, all of them! These sessions need to be taken in stride, as newborns require all sorts of breaks for feeding and changing! If you choose to photograph your baby naked, we will have rags and wipes ready to go nearby, haha! If your baby is crying, that's okay! Let's get a few shots of you comforting him/her. Then I can always hangout while you do what you need to do. I use the Calm app to play white noise if baby is asleep, which almost always helps keep the baby sleeping longer so I can get up close with my camera.
Owensby Family Maternity
Snowy sessions, with all the white around, call for bold colors. I edit my images with the goal of bold color as well, so when Theresa and I decided about what to wear, I knew red of was the color this session needed.
Velvet is one of my favorite fabrics for winter as well! It photographs well in general, but in the snow it just hits different. What velvet color do you imagine yourself wearing in the snow?
Maternity Session in Glacier National Park
Ashleigh is a beautiful mama that modeled this stunning and versatile dress that I actually own for my client closet! That's right - you can wear this dress for FREE to your session, pregnant or not! Glacier National Park is also a huge go-to for the Kalispell, Whitefish, and general Flathead area. The best thing about this location is that it's open year-round, and super easy to access, even in the winter!
Kalispell In-Home Newborn Session
Photographing newborns in their home is one of my favorite kinds of shoots to do! It's so intimate and customized to each family. Newborn photo shoots also almost never go to plan, and that need for flexibility shines through just like it does for every aspect of your life at the moment.