May 22, 2023

West Glacier Family Photographer, The Wyatts

It's not every day I get to hang out with a family from Texas, and some newly minted University of Texas alumni. While photographing the Wyat family, however, that was just the case. They were visiting from Northeast Texas—a small town I was surprisingly not familiar with already—and two of the grown children are now former students from the campus where I spent a lot of time growing up.

As bad luck sometimes does, smoke from recent wildfires in Western Canada blew into Northwest Montana the few days before our session, and decided to hang around. That said, I think you'll agree it did nothing to make the backdrop any less amazing than it would normally be. Different? Yes. But Montana rarely disappoints.

March 22, 2023

Whitefish Family Photographer, The Cowarts at Whitefish City Beach

Those in the Flathead may recognize the Cowart name from local musician Todd Cowart. I've had the pleasure of photographing him as a performer a number of times in his work with The Alpine Theatre Project productions.

Needless to say when I got the call that his family would be visiting from out of town and he was hoping to grab some family photos with them I jumped at the opportunity to make it happen! We had an exquisite bluebird afternoon at—and on—Whitefish City Beach as our setting, and there were lots of laughs to be had.

October 17, 2022

West Glacier Family Photographer, The Sanders Family

Another evening of absolutely perfect Fall weather here in West Glacier and Glacier National Park. This time with the Sanders family.

September 30, 2022

Bigfork Family Photographer, The Gazieva Family

This family session, while maybe a little out-of-the-ordinary was such a delight. It was more along the lines of what you might call "a day in the life" session. We did a handful of posed photos, but the vast majority were really me fading into the background and documenting them sharing some family time. Whether that was reading a book, drawing dots, riding bikes, or going on a little family hike and building fairy houses.

So let this be your reminder that it's always okay to slow down, and take time for fairy houses.

September 28, 2022

West Glacier Family Photographer, The Buescher Family

The Buescher family from Alabama! We had a fun connection when I correctly pronounced their last name thanks to it being the same as a State Park in Central Texas. We talked about the 'Bama game against The University of Texas the previous Saturday where UT almost pulled off the upset, and I enjoyed attempting to get a smile from the very serious little toddler.

September 26, 2022

Columbia Falls Family Photographer, The Sperandio Family at Rivers Edge Park

A lovely weekday portrait session with the Sperandio family getting together before daughter Madeline was going to be on deployment for several months. Rivers Edge Park is such a lovely, surprisingly secluded park right near downtown Columbia Falls that is perfect for portrait sessions and family picnics.

September 5, 2022

Korpela Family Portraits at Abbott Valley Homestead

The Korpela family reunion I was fortunate to be invited to photograph followed a similar theme to so many large family gatherings I photographed in 2022. That the occasion was the first time everyone had been able to get together in one place, at the same time, in at least two years due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It's always so fun to be a part of these large gatherings.

My favorite part of this particular portrait session though was eventually winning over the youngest member of the family. For the first 30 or 40 minutes she didn't want anything to do with this stranger in their midst taking everyone's photos. But after giving her some space, and having her race her brother to see who was fastest she warmed up and did a complete 180 from before, totally taking control of the session and art directing a good portion of the photos that came afterward.

August 15, 2022

Glacier National Park Adventure Portrait Photographer, Natasha & Aaron

The idea of "day after" portrait sessions seemed to have gained steam over the last several years. At least here in Northwest Montana where you might be getting married at a particular venue, but still want portraits done in Glacier National Park.

What may not be as popular, but just as sound in terms of destination wedding planning, is the "day before" session. Natasha and Aaron were traveling from out of state, and the way the travel schedule was working out, plus just the basic logistics of hair & makeup, etc. we opted to schedule their portraits in the National Park the day before their wedding at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

It was a perfect opportunity to spend some time getting to know each other in person, while also getting some of the wedding day and portrait jitters out of the way ahead of time, and it worked out beautifully.

August 8, 2022

West Glacier Family Photographer, The McDowell’s

Nothing like a simple and relaxed family portrait session in and around West Glacier. We kept this one pretty relaxed and informal with the little one because it's pretty easy to get tired of smiling for the camera (this applies to grown-ups sometimes too.)

July 24, 2022

West Glacier Family Portrait Mini-Session, The Burtons

The Burton family happened to be breezing through Northwest Montana on a cross-country road trip, and wanted to memorialize it with a quick family session, but nothing too involved. They didn't have a ton of time to carve out as they had plans to visit as much of Glacier National Park as possible. I don't often do one-off West Glacier mini-sessions, particularly in the summer, but occasionally my schedule lines up to allow it, and I'm glad I was able to accommodate.

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Matt Wetzler is an editorial, motorsport, portrait, and destination wedding photographer based in Whitefish, Montana.

Copyright ©Matthew Wetzler 2008–2023