Richele called me about photographing her husband’s return, he had been deployed overseas for 1 year.  She didn’t know the exact date or time, the military would contact her as it got closer.  I got an excited call from her a couple of weeks before and we coordinated where to meet etc., I called her the day before just to confirm our plans, she sounded crushed, and explained that she had just received word that he would not be returning with his group, Dan had a knee injury and they were going to keep him in Texas to access and decide what to do.  I felt my heart drop, I knew how unbelievably excited she had been, she had been counting down the days for a whole year, waiting to be held in his arms again, then to find that she would have to wait….she wasn’t sure when he would be able to return.  I went to the original homecoming for another project and was overcome with a flood of emotion, these families were so anxious and ecstatic to once again see their loved ones, it was one of the most emotional moments I can remember.  I kept thinking about Richele, she should have been there, welcoming him home, I was so sad for her.  I was surprised to get a call the following week, she sounded like she was on cloud nine, they decided to let Dan come home with another group just a week later, she wouldn’t have to wait the months that she was expecting.  I was thrilled I was able to make it.  The emotions again were high at Edwards Jet Center, the light snow didn’t dampen any spirits, the small lobby was jam packed with signs and red, white and blue.  Everyone anxiously waiting to see the plane touch down and then come to a stop, the crowd burst into cheers and made their way outside waiting to greet their loved ones.  Tears of joy came as they saw the ones they had been without for 12 months.   I loved the looks of pure love, reassurance and peace, that were on the faces of everyone there.  Richele and Dan’s parents held signs made weeks before, the look on their faces as they saw Dan come off the of the plane was priceless, the look on his mother’s face as she gave her baby a hug and knew that he was home safe and sound was one that I will never forget, and Richele was over the moon, she didn’t have to wait any longer – her man was home!

I was honored to attend two homecomings, it was an amazing experience to see the emotions of the families that were directly effected.  I had never felt that intense sense of patriotism and pride before.  Men and women are leaving their loved ones to serve our country, they are giving up so much to keep us safe.  I can’t imaging being without my hubby for one year, for my kids to not have their father for 12 months, it was crazy to see the emotions as children ran to their parents arms that they had been without for so long.  It is hard to express how thankful I am for the service men and women that give so freely and make such a huge sacrifice so that we might enjoy our freedoms.  If you have never had the chance to be a part of the cheering crowd when soldiers come home, I would recommend it,  it changes your perspective on what is really important. Thank you again for your sacrifice!!!

I got to shoot a few of our 2014 Senior Models this afternoon, and couldn’t wait to show you a sneak peek of these gorgeous girls!  I wanted them to have a little taste of what the Jana Graham Photography Senior Experience was all about.  They were so much fun to work with!  We had a blast!  I can’t wait for their “real” senior sessions this summer when they work it out.  Apricot Lane did an amazing job  – they had a personal shopper to help them figure out their look for this mini, then were outfitted with fab clothes and accessories.  Stay tuned to see the remaining two models, they will be photographed next week as well as some exciting news!!!

doing a cartwheel at Disneyland!  I can’t believe it  – this is the biggest sale ever, I totally have spring fever!!! For 48 hours only – contact us to schedule your session and shoot before May 1st.  We must hear from you, whether you leave a message, shoot us an email, or chat in person before Friday March 8th at midnight to take advantage of this unprecedented  deal…….your choice of 2 options #1 – 25 % off your total bill with a full session and any collection  #2 – 50% off the digital images collection – after the session fee get all of your digital images for $750

WOWSER!!!!!

I always do a sale this time of year but I have the best clients in Billings so I wanted to step it up this year.  Enjoy my friends!  Talk to you soon! 671.4371

Amy is one of my dearest friends. We met when our oldest daughters were in preschool together, that seems like ages ago!  She is one of the kindest people I know, always thinking of others and ready to lend a helping hand at any time.  I was so thrilled when she met JR, at first a friend then turning into her true knight in shining armor.  She told me along the way of all the wonderful and thoughtful things he would do for her, about their shared passion of interesting food, which lead to cooking dates and fabulous conversation, I was so happy for my friend that deserved nothing less.  They decided to have a gorgeous wedding in Hawaii with just them and the kiddos and then celebrate in Billings with family and friends when they returned.  It was a great party!!!

Check out this gorgeous couple!  I loved working with them, they adore each other.  They are getting married in Colorado this summer and already had their wedding pics arranged but just moved into town and needed engagement pics and save the dates.  I was so happy they contacted me, we had a great time! Congrats guys!!!!

It’s been so fabulous photographing Alex this past year.  She is one of the most adorable, easy going babies ever!!! I can’t believe she is one already, I have no doubt she is going to be a wonderful little girl!  I can’t wait to watch her grow, she has the best little personality.  Love this one!!!!  (remember her newborn and 6 month pics?  Check them out here and here)

Love this baby, she is sooooo sweet and smiley, 6 months goes by so fast!  Check out her newborn pics here I lalalalLOVE this family!!

This was fantastic!  Amanda is my wonderful, kind, sweet, uber hot studio manager.  I was thrilled when Eli called me about a surprise proposal, he wanted to propose on their 5 years of dating anniversary, and wanted me to capture it since she is obsessed with pics.  We decided to do it under the guise of a love shoot on their special day so that she would at least have great makeup on and be feeling gorgeous for the moment.  The day was rainy and cold, as we sat in the parking lot waiting for the rain to pass I could tell she was confused, Eli got out of the car to check how wet it really was and we chatted.  She asked me why we were forcing it today, it was just a love shoot, who cares if its on that day exactly, she knew I usually would have rescheduled in these conditions to avoid flat wet hair and rain spots all over clothes.  I told her to just go with it, Eli had wanted to do something that he knew she would like on their anniversary and this was part of this plan along with a romantic dinner after the shoot.  Who cares if she got sopping wet, it would make it even more memorable, and not dash his dreams of doing something nice and thoughtful for his woman.  They didn’t have to have wallpaper made out of this shoot, chalk it up to a fun experience – go work it.  It started as a cute love session, we had fun, got a little wet but made the most of it, then the drizzling stopped and Eli proposed.  The shocked look on her face was priceless, she had no idea, she thought that he was going to propose the night before and then they would celebrate on their anniversary so she had been a little irked all day that it hadn’t happened.  When she saw him down on one knee she flipped, then she took a second to check out the ring and was even more ecstatic, it was gorgeous!!! It was the most amazing moment, they was so much pure emotion!  She had the BIGGEST genuine smile I have ever seen.  Eli was just as happy, he looked lovingly at his bride to be the entire time.  I’ll admit it – I was totally teary!  After some more fun shots it was really sweet to see them call her parents and relay the exciting news.  What an incredible afternoon.  I felt so honored to be a bystander in the intimate proposal of my good friends.  Love you guys!  Can’t wait for the wedding!!  Look below to see how it all unfolded!

How adorable is she!!!!  Check out her newborn pics here.