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 17, 2023

Senior Portrait Photographer, Taylor in Whitefish

Taylor's family has moved around a lot, but have spent a couple of lengthy stints in Montana, and they own some property in Northwest Montana. Unfortunately, they were once again moved out of the treasure state, but that didn't mean she didn't want her senior portraits taken here in Whitefish. And who can blame her really?

I was able to spend a wonderful evening hitting up several spots around town with Taylor and her mom as they said goodbye to the mountains for the time being. As such, she felt the need to take one last swim in a crystal clear Montana lake before returning to their current home where the water is, shall we say, less clear.

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 28, 2023

Whitefish Wedding Photographer, Krissy & Todd at Star Meadows Ranch

I had my true kick-off to my 2023 wedding season this past week out at Star Meadows Ranch outside Whitefish. It was so great to share that kick-off with Krissy, Todd, and their friends and family. It was almost more like a summer camp outing—though with a more formal dress code than your typical summer camp—than a big fancy wedding but it had all the elements you might want.

Your best friends standing up with you? Check. Surrounded by family? Check. Flower girl and ring bearer? Check. A Jello shot bearer... wait what?

Venue & Lodging: Star Meadows Ranch / Coordinator & Florals: Dear Dahlia / Hair & Makeup: Craft Society Salon / Catering: 406 BBQ & Montana Picnic Co. / DJ & Music: Kadin Beller with RMF Entertainment / Couture: Alena Leena & Indochino / Rentals & Decor: Empress Tents & Events

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.

June 1, 2023

Whitefish Theatre Company’s production of “Suite Surrender”

Once again working with my friends at Whitefish Theatre Company, I had the pleasure of photographing the delightful farce "Suite Surrender." And what a classic farce this particular play is. Mistaken identities, missed connections, and misunderstandings abound. If you're in the Flathead Valley this weekend or next—June 1–4th and 8–10th—you should really check it out.

May 8, 2023

Alpine Theatre Project’s ATP Kids! production of “Les Misérables”

Over the span of a couple of months, 50 plus middle and high school students throughout the Flathead Valley rehearsed and performed "Les Misérables," one of—if not the most—famous theatre shows in the world. It's a difficult show about love and loss set amidst the backdrop of the French Revolution.

If you've followed my work for any amount of time, you're likely already aware of how impressive Alpine Theatre Project's productions are. Their student productions in particular never fail to just blow me away. The amount of care and commitment ATP puts into each production, and the dedication the kids display is so evident when seen on stage, it is nothing short of inspiring.

April 6, 2023

Whitefish Theatre Company’s production of “Evelyn in Purgatory”

Another fun project documenting a rehearsal of Whitefish Theatre Co.'s production of the play "Evelyn in Purgatory" written by Topher Payne. depicting teachers on a probation of sort in the New York Department of Education. Admittedly less frenetic than my last two projects with them. More talky, some humor, but more serious. The cast did an incredible job and includes 7 actors from around the Flathead Valley. Joy James plays Evelyn Reid, Andy Wilton plays Candace Metzger, Merannda Button plays Lila Wadkins, Dawn Watland plays Roberta Burke, Mikey Winn plays Toby Fleming, Malcolm Sharbutt plays Fred DiSalvo, and Laura Abernethy plays Ms. Atwood.

The preview performance is today, and it runs this weekend and next.

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 12, 2022

Whitefish Portrait Photographer, City Beach, and Riverside Park

This Fall we have been blessed with the most absurdly nice weather. Normally by early October, we'd be expecting much cooler temps but we've been enjoying highs in the upper 60s. Maybe not the best thing in the grand scheme of everything, but it sure is awesome for portrait sessions. Jena booked a simple one-hour portrait session before dinner while they were visiting the Flathead Valley, so we hit up Whitefish City Beach and Riverside Park, two of my favorite locations right here in Whitefish.

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

Copyright ©Matthew Wetzler 2008–2023