Our adventure begins at Belton Bridge. The Flathead River's turquoise waters provide a stunning setting, capturing the feelings of family love and adventure against the backdrop of this iconic bridge. These photographs, framed by the natural beauty of West Glacier, tell a story of joy and togetherness that resonates with the charm of Glacier National Park.

The  adventure unfolds as we hike down to the river's edge, where a sandy area dotted with massive boulders awaits, natures playground.   This unique setting, up against the emerald waters of the Flathead River, provides an enchanting backdrop for your family's portraits. As we explore this picturesque spot, the iconic Belton Bridge stands tall, adding historical significance to every frame.

Lake McDonald: Where Mountain Magic Meets Family Fun

Rolling into the second act of our West Glacier adventure, we're diving deep into the enchantment of Lake McDonald. 

Colorful Rocks and Mountain Majesty

Lake McDonald isn't just a lake; it's like nature took a paintbrush and went wild with all the colors! Famous for its vibrant and colorful rocks lining the shores, it sets the stage for a photoshoot like no other. The backdrop? Majestic mountains that are part of the world-renowned Going-to-the-Sun Road. Each photo taken here is a masterpiece, with the unique rocks and mountains creating a mesmerizing contrast.

Reflective Waters, Reflective Moments

As your family explores the lakeside, the reflective waters of Lake McDonald become more than just a scenic view. They become a mirror to the moments you're creating together. The laughter, the smiles, and the shared glances are all mirrored back in the crystal-clear waters, making each photo a reflection of the joy and connection your family shares.

Lake McDonald isn't just a location; it's nature's art gallery. Whether we're capturing candid moments by the colorful rocks or framing the family against the backdrop of the towering mountains, each photograph tells a story. It's about blending your family's unique energy with the natural wonders of Glacier National Park, creating memories that resonate with the timeless beauty of this extraordinary setting.

So, get ready for a lakeside rendezvous, where every photo is a stroke of the brush in the masterpiece that is your family's adventure. Lake McDonald, with its colorful rocks, reflective waters, and mountain majesty, is more than a backdrop – it's a stage for creating memories as vibrant as the rocks themselves. Let's make your family's story a part of the magical tapestry that is Glacier National Park.

As you embark on your journey to Glacier National Park, don't miss the chance to capture cherished moments with a West Glacier Adventure. Call us today to schedule your family portraits – an experience you won't regret. Let's create memories last a lifetime!

Kind words from the family:

Mattison and Ethan Adventure Session

August 14, 2020

Glacier National Park

I am so excited to be a part of Mattison and Ethan's wedding on August 12, 2021.  They are saying I DO at Glacier Raft Company which is nestled along the outskirts of beautiful Glacier National Park.   

  On one of their wedding planning visits to Montana, we met up to capture some spectacular engagement photos.   We had planned an Adventure Engagement Session in the park for August 14 rain or shine.... and boy did the day shine

These two are a very active and adventurous couple who like to utilize every ounce of the day.  We decided on an early morning start and met at 7 am at the entrance of Glacier National Park and headed up the Going to the Sun Road.   At our first stop, the sun still had not crested the mountain tops and created some really amazing soft light!  The fields were full of purple fireweed and amazing textured skunk cabbage. 

As we made our way up the Going to the Sun Road towards the  Logan Pass Summit, we were greeted with a gorgeous day filled with nothing but massive mountains,  flowers and blue skies!

Logan Pass Summit is quite possibly the most stunning place on earth.  The mountains rise up in all directions above your head!  You can see every color of the rainbow in the mountains, flowers and rocks!  Stunning.  Breathtaking. Mind blowing beauty.

We made our way towards St. Mary's Lake.  The wind was howling, the sun was shining and these two were on fire!  You can feel the love in these photos!

We headed back towards West Glacier after a spectacular day already.  We made several more stops along the drive because, well how could you not with views like these!

We ended the adventure session at Lake McDonald.  It was an awesome adventurous day with Mattison and Ethan exploring the Going to the Sun Road.  I am looking forward to their wedding in August and to meet their friends and family, and to create more breathtaking images like these!

Congratulations you two!  I don't want to rush time, however I can't wait for August!

Summer in Montana is something magical.  The skies are a brilliant blue, the mountains are soaring into the sky, the air is warm and the waters are crystal clear.   People from all over the world come to Glacier National Park to get a glimpes of the endless beauty.  My job (if you want to call it a job) is to photograph families in this amazing neck of the world and create memories that they will cherish for a life time.   

 This July day, I was meeting the Allen family from Benton, Arkansas.  The Allen Clan has been travelling together for 20 years.  Typically with a much larger group.  This year, however, it was just two families exploring the Old West together- DeWayne and Laura, their two kids Avari and Bradley, Heath and Courtney (Laura's sister) and their children Brayden and Allie. 

 We had planned to meet at 9:45 at Belton Bridge on July 17.   When we all arrived and met for the first time....we just clicked and the fun began immediately! 

After we finished at Belton Bridge we headed into Glacier National Park and found ourselves at Apgar Village.  Talk about a totally different spectacular Montana view....

When we arrived at Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park it did not disappoint.  The lake was glass and the sky had just enough clouds to create amazing color and contrast.

The awesome thing about photographing at Apgar Village in Glacier National Park is just by turning the camera you have totally different views!  I love these images of both families casually walking down the beach....this shot always makes families laugh and I love how candid and happy these two families are, a perfect capture of a moment in time!

We finished the session with a few group photos.  They told me they were a shy bunch.....By the looks of these photos you could have fooled me!  

The day was one for the books.  As I drove home from this photo session I was smiling from ear to ear.  I love my clients, I love my job and I love creating memories like these that I know will be cherished forever and last a lifetime!

Many of the families I photograph are here on vacation.  I haven't met them in person.  Often we have chatted on the phone or emailed back and forth, but our first actual meeting happens the moment just before we begin to take photos.  As I drive to meet families, I am always excited and yes a little nervous to meet everyone!  On this perfect July day, as I pulled into the Apgar parking lot I saw 5 beautiful girls primping behind an SUV and a happy dad looking on, I knew this must be the family I was looking for! The moment I met the Aanestad family all my nerves vanishied and I knew this was going to be a magical photoshoot.  

The day was perfect.  We decided to meet early, 10 am at Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. That way, they could go and explore the park after the photoshoot.  In July, it stays light until nearly 11 pm.  So they would have almost 12 hours of exploring time still left in the day after the shoot!  The sky was as blue as one could imagine, the water was as clear as new glass,  and the mountains were towering into the sky!  I always love my job, but on days like today I LOOOOVE my job.  Take a look for yourself. There isn't much I can say that these pictures don't say, they are worth a thousand words.