Mom warned me this might be a tricky session,  “Erik is full of energy and likes to run, it is almost impossible to get a good shot of him”  No worries – I told her, it’s hard for me to get great shots of my own kids, shooting my own is often a hot mess, they know all of my tricks and don’t think I’m very funny. Now other peoples kids are a different story, I’m all over that and we even come out friends in the end.  Mission accomplished.  (had to throw in a mom and dad shot too – I love good parent shots – I think it’s so important for the kids to see those in the home)

Some of my favorite twins!  I have been photographing them since they were newborns, they are getting so big!  We always do something fun with their sessions, mom had the brilliant idea to take advantage of their family’s love of da’ Bears and work a football shoot, it was the perfect run around activity for two little guys.  We had a blast!  Love you boys!

I was nervous when I woke up to snow that morning, I called Ashleigh right away to see what she wanted to do, she was thrilled, she had been hoping for white flakes during her senior shoot and it was happening.  whew!  We hid under overhangs and ran with umbrellas so she wouldn’t get soaked, and Ashleigh rocked her tanks with a smile on her face,  even in the freezing weather  – amazing!  Thanks for playing in the snow with me!

Extended family shoots are always fun – I had to take advantage of the perfect light and get this immediate family walking together while we were waiting for the others to arrive.  Grandpa LOVES to fish, we got to capture him with all of the grandkids and with his perfect catch, the love of his life.

Really this has to be one of  the best dad and baby pics ever, I love how they are smiling at each other, and how gorgeous is the mom? Those eyes are amazing!!  I loved working with this family, I can’t wait to watch them grow, cute kids and nice, fabulous parents?  My favorite combo!!!

the session that I mentioned earlier in the fall that included ma and pa dressed up in their Norwegian folk dancing costumes on the bed of a 1920’s pick up truck.  This pic is classic – I love it- one of my favorites of the year, I really do have the best job ever.  This was part of an extended family shoot that included many things, this family owned a lumber yard downtown that recently moved to the west end, they wanted to document the sign that hung for years and years for Billings to see.  The daughter and son plus daughter in law were in town at the same time, a feat in itself, and they wanted to get a great pic with all of their dogs, their babies are getting up in years and they wanted an image of all of them together.  I randomly mentioned that it would be great to have the old truck in the middle of the field over there and they jumped in the equipment and moved it for me.  If only every shoot worked like that – let’s just move old trucks all around the property, no problem.  Thanks for a great morning!

I have photographed this family many times over the years, I love watching them grow – I can’t believe how fast times goes by!!! They love spending time together at the beach and the lake, and wanted to incorporate the water into their session, the river was so crazy low this season that it gave us gorgeous white rocks to work with to get the look that we wanted.  They are an active, fun family always on the go, so of course we wanted to show their everyday lives and interests.  Thanks guys for another great afternoon!

Of course I loved Taylor since she shares her name with my daughter.  Taylor was great to work with, we had fun splashing around in the river and working different locations.  Thanks Taylor for a great day!

Many of you probably recognize Karen from Musikgarten, the studio has been a major part of our family over the years, starting with the baby classes and growing into piano, we loved our teachers and the curriculum.   They gave my kiddos a fabulous foundation and love of music.  It was wonderful to photograph Karen with her daughters.  They are all gorgeous!!

You know shooting seniors with great personalities is one of my favorite things.  Well – Nick didn’t disappoint.  He was HILARIOUS!  He wanted pics with his ‘stache so we shot those first then he shaved it off for the rest to make mom happy.  He had me rolling the whole time, that lovely ram sweater was handmade for his dad by someone 25 years ago, it is now resurfacing and is worn with pride, why the regal santa, ugly sweater pose? He loves the jolly man and was vibing off of Masterpiece theatre.  My favorite shot is the kung fu karate kick with his fabulous car.  The kid has hops!  Thanks Nick for a great, entertaining afternoon!!