I was so excited when I talked to this mom about her son’s passion, I knew the shoot would be fabulous.  He is a jr. drag racer and competes all summer throughout Montana.  His grandpa met us with the race car and he was all geared up in his uniform, we were ready to go.  I loved this shoot, so fun!!

I photographed Shannon and her siblings a couple of years ago, it was so fun to work with her again for her senior pics!    The day we shot there were gail force winds, it was craziness, but she was amazing, just patiently pushing her hair out of her gorgeous eyes for the one millioneth time without any complaints.  We pulled over on the way to a different location to get this middle shot.  I couldn’t resist the fantastic dramatic skies, she looks calm, cool and collected, while my feet were dug into the ground so I didn’t fall over.  She rocked it!

I love when parents are excited about getting images of their kids being completely them  – these sisters love to dress up, so it seemed like the perfect thing to do at our session.  They were so excited to get into their favorite “costumes” and play outside with me.  They were so fun! I’m a complete sucker for lovey dovey pics so I couldn’t leave out the precious mommy /daughter snuggle moment.

I did a thank you in the Billings Gazette and will have another one in the paper this weekend but wanted to be sure and thank you on the blog as well!  Thank you for the Billings Reader’s Choice Award,  “Best Children’s Photo Studio”.  I was so surprised and thrilled when they called me with the news.  I really do have the best clients!  It is an honor to work with you and capture precious moments of your lives.

Describe your business?

I specialize in natural light photography of children, families, maternity/newborns, high school seniors, weddings, and commercial clients.

Why did you choose this career?

I have always loved photographing people in the moment.

What would you like people to know about you and/ or your business? 

My job allows me to capture glimpses of perfection—love, laughter, innocence, joy—and make them permanent in works of art clients will treasure for a lifetime. When clients first view their photographs, images reflecting their hearts and souls, they are often overcome with emotion, and I am so gratified.

How does your business differ from your competitors? 

I hear of clients who say they appreciate the “Jana Graham Experience.” I believe they value my high level of collaboration before, during, and after our sessions; and I know they enjoy the unscripted nature of sessions incorporating spontaneity, fun, and lots of movement. These best practices build ongoing relationships.

 What has been your best business decision?

I’ve made the decision to move my studio, joining the artistic community on Montana Avenue. I look forward to blending my own hip, eclectic twist with downtown Billings’ historic flair. A newly formed core team has allowed me to maintain a healthier balance between personal life and work.

The best advice you ever received?

Be in the present.

I couldn’t post without showing you an adorable toddler and her gorgeous mama!

Here you have it – the rest of the minis from that rainy day.  You would never know that it was drizzling the whole time when you look at everyone’s happy faces, I really do have the best clients!!  LalalalaLOVE them!!

I had to give you a little taste of the minis from last week!  I have more amazing people to show on the next post, but couldn’t resist a quick preview.  Minis are fabulous, quick and dirty, and a fun way to meet new clients as well as see some returning friends.

I have a few spots left for minis on October 29th (next Sat) be sure to call my studio manager Shawna at 671.4371 to get on the schedule.  I can’t wait to work with you!!!

I would love to write a paragraph about each family, but that would make the post UBER long so how about a quickie about each?

The first family owns Apricot Lane, the BEST place ever to get fantastic clothes, I send everyone there when they ask what to wear, the girls are great about finding flattering items that photograph well.  I’ve worked a lot with Michelle and love her, so it was a hoot to meet the whole family-great boys!

Love them! I photographed Kate a few months ago for her newborn, she is so smiley and wonderful!  Her grin is contagious!

How adorable are these girls? They were so nice and patiently waited for the rain to slow down enough to shoot without getting soaked. Great, loving fam!!!

Peanut is a fav! I love photographing this spunky little girl who always gives me tons of happy personality to work with.

Now is when I get teary…. You may recognize this family from the video on my website?  The “Wish on a Feather” fam.  When I originally photographed them Nicole was leaving the next morning to Mayo to start her intense cancer treatments.  She was in desperate need of a liver transplant.  I have kept in touch with them through the months, they actually adopted our guinea pigs. I have had so many questions about her since that video posted so I wanted to show you the happy results.  Nicole had the liver transplant and is doing extremely well, we have run into each other at kids soccer games etc. and it has been amazing to see how far she has come.  She is such a remarkable, strong woman.  I loved photographing them again when the vibe was much different, the kids ran up and gave me big hugs,  we had a great time.  Congrats Bykonen family!  We love you!!!

It was so entertaining photographing Hayden.   He is a quick witted, dry sense of humor kind of guy, he kept me on my toes.  He brought hats that he has collected during all of his worldwide travels to help make his session unique, he has quite the personality.  Thanks Hayden for a fun filled afternoon.

I love photographing this family when they are all in town together.  The cousins love goofing around and playing, it’s so great to watch them enjoy each other so much!  We had a fabulous location this year.  We went to their “garage” where they hold all of their amazing restored classic cars as well as old ones, full of character, that they use for parts.  It was such a great place to shoot.  Thanks for the fun afternoon!

I love this family!  I photographed their wedding, it was one of my favs. (you can see it here)  so –  I was so excited when Kelsey called and told me she was expecting number two!  They are so loving and adorable.  This is one lucky little babe that will be coming to their house.  I can’t wait to meet him next month!

I can’t wait for this couple’s wedding next year!  They were so nice, and ready to do anything.  I love shooting engagements, it really gives us a chance to get to know each other, then they know how to and feel comfortable working it on the big day!  Congrats!!!