Montana: Courage, Connection, and the Beauty of Everyday
When I think back on my weekend in Montana, a thousand moments flood my mind. Early mornings with coffee in hand at 4:30am. Wide skies that seemed to stretch forever. The sound of boots crunching on gravel as women walked toward their portraits. The laughter around a supper table at the end of a long day.
The Cowgirl Roundup wasn’t just about portraits — it was about presence.
Elegance and Energy
We began with the Baroness Dinner, a formal evening that felt equal parts elegance and anticipation. Women showed up radiant, some meeting for the first time, already carrying that spark of sisterhood. My camera captured gowns and glitter, but also nervous excitement and deep connection.
Long Days, Lasting Images
Saturday and Sunday were full: portraits from sunrise to sunset, candids woven in between. I saw courage in every session. Some women walked in confident, ready to shine. Others admitted, “I don’t usually like being photographed.” And yet, within minutes, I watched each one soften into herself, laugh out loud, and see her own beauty reflected back.
That transformation is always my favorite part. It’s the moment when negative self-talk gives way to truth: you are already enough, already stunning, already worthy of being seen.
A River I’ll Never Forget
Monday morning, before we packed up, came one final request: a portrait session in the river. A cowgirl and her horse, standing strong against the current. The water was cold, the light was soft, and the moment was unforgettable. Strength. Grace. Freedom.
I’ll carry that image, and that feeling, with me for a long time.
What Montana Reminded Me
This weekend wasn’t just about taking portraits. It was about capturing courage, belonging, and beauty in every form. It reminded me of something I deeply believe:
✨ Portraits don’t have to be stiff or overly stylized to matter.
✨ They don’t have to wait until “someday.”
✨ They don’t have to fit only in the box of “headshot” or “boudoir.”
There’s a beautiful middle ground; one that celebrates who you are, right now.
