July 21, 2023

College Friend Reunion Portraits in Whitefish

This large group portrait session was such a joy to be a part of. I large group of college friends had gotten together here in Whitefish and wanted to commemorate the occasion with some big group photos, some individual family photos, and some couples photos. Large family reunions are of course a joy, but when that large family is people who have chosen to be 'family' it's truly unique. And frankly, all of the little children running around, inside jokes, and just general camaraderie is a blast.

July 3, 2023

Whitefish Portrait Photographer, The Mordis Family at Whitefish City Beach

It's always great to be able to capture stages of life for friends of ours. My family met the Mordis family several years ago through our daughter who shared an art camp at Stumptown Art Studio with their youngest daughter. Since then they've returned to Whitefish every summer and we've watched Whitefish Theatre Company acting camps together and had pool parties. This year their visit, unfortunately, coincided with my wife and daughter being on a vacation of their own, but I still managed to meet up with them at City Beach for some long-overdue family portraits.

June 23, 2023

Whitefish Family Photographer, The Cisnados

Spent a lovely evening with the Cisnado family at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake for a quick family portrait session this week. Mom just wanted some photos while they were vacationing here in Whitefish, and the boys and dad didn't want to make too much of a fuss about it. So I simply met them where they were staying and used the wonderful view available just steps from the back of The Lodge. Just more proof that family photos don't need to be stressful, or overly fussy, so don't let that discourage you if that's what is preventing you from getting family portraits taken, here or anywhere else.

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.

May 19, 2023

Dana’s Surprise 40th Birthday Party

Nothing is more exciting, and a little anxiety-inducing, than when you're hired by another photographer for a job. But it's ultimately always a blast. My colleague Jennifer Vernarsky's husband was turning the big 4-O and was holding a surprise party for him at a Kalispell vacation rental. It was so much fun arriving early to capture some of the custom decorations she'd ordered from Etsy, and getting to hang out with her in-laws while we waited for them to arrive for the big surprise. Of course, I had a piece of the delicious cake from the Crumb Cake Bakery.

The good news, the surprise was a success, and everything went off without a hitch in the plans.

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.

Prints & Canvas

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

Copyright ©Matthew Wetzler 2008–2023