The Gardner Family {Miles City, Montana Family Photographer

by Whitney Bird in ,


I am blogging my last session of the year!  It feels great to know that with the exception of editing Christmas stroll photos, I will be spending a lot less time on the computer and more time with my family.  I have had so many amazing fall sessions this year, and I am so grateful for all the wonderful newborns, kids, couples, and families that I was able to shoot.  Being able to work from home other than when I am actually shooting, is such a blessing.  It isn't always easy to juggle work with being a mom, but it is worth it, and I thankfully have the support of my husband, family, friends, and of course my clients.  Thank you for your patience, and understanding when things took a little longer to get edited, and thank you for trusting me with your memories.  It is something I don't take lightly.

I could not think of a better way to wrap up my fall season than with this family!  I have known the Gardners since before I moved to Miles City, and have always admired their family.  These three little guys are so fun, and are truly growing up as best friends.  It was so fun to watch them together, and see how much Colton looks up to his older brothers.  Colton isn't much older than Paxson, and I look forward to Paxson getting to spend time with these boys because I know he will learn a thing or two, and have three great role models in these boys.

We did a few extra portraits of Colton, and he sure is photogenic even though all he wanted to do was find his brothers.  


Pretty Little Harper

by Whitney Bird in


I had been wanting to make a teepee to use for a little girl's shoot for awhile.  However, I didn't actually know if I could pull it off.  Then I mentioned that it might be a fun prop to Addie, Harper's mom, and she loved the idea.  She ordered an outfit for it, so there was no turning back.  It wasn't actually hard to make, and I came together just the way I wanted.  However, the first time we actually attempted this shoot, Harper wanted nothing to do with the teepee or taking photos at all.   We decided to give it another try on a morning, after a full nights sleep, with grandma in tow, and it all worked out perfectly.

It is so fun for me to see a vision come to life, and I love being able to do something different.  Obviously, not everyone wants a concept shoot or the use of a lot of props, and that is fine too.  I love simple, well lit portraits just as much.  We ended up with both in this shoot.  I am more than happy to be patient with my little subjects, and take the extra time to get it right, to get them in front of my camera when they are in a good mood.  I was the kid who was scared of people I didn't know, and that included photographers so I have a soft spot for little ones who are little shy at first.  However, the photographer at JC Penny's was never that patient and my mom always ended up with photos of me with a red blotchy face, and tears in my eyes.   I love what I do, and I want to give my clients a unique portrait experience even if that means we have to reschedule to get it right. 

If you are interested in a concept shoot, get in touch with me and let's chat about it!  I love to dream these types of shoots up, and I also love to craft!   

 Such a beautiful little girl!

 And...because being 2 is tough.  


The Zell family of almost 4 {Montana, Maternity Photographer}

by Whitney Bird in , ,


This was such a fun and relaxed shoot.  I was worried about the dark clouds and wind, but the clouds cleared, and the wind ended up being just a breeze.  It was a perfect summer evening.  Alivia loved being out at the ranch, and she loves to explore so that's basically what we did.  It didn't take her long to warm up to me and the camera, and she is so cute and photogenic.  She obviously gets that from her gorgeous mother.  

I love maternity/family sessions.  It is always a good idea to celebrate a pregnancy by getting portraits taken of yourself and with your family.  It is amazing how quickly you forget the way you looked while pregnant.  The new curves.  The way shirts stretch around you.  The way your hands automatically rest on your belly.  The glow from carrying a life inside of you.  Pregnancy is so beautiful, and although one of the most trying things a woman will every do, it is something so worth remembering.  Thank you Lindsay for trusting me with to capture this special time in your life, and to capture your beautiful family sharing in that time with you.  

What a perfect baby bump!