Adventurous Montana Senior Photo Inspo | Gretchen’s Multi-Season Senior Photos
Adventurous Montana Senior Photo Inspo | Gretchen’s Multi-Season Senior Photos
Introduction
Cannnnn you say DREAM SENIOR PHOTOS!? I am absolutely obsessed with everythinggggg you’re going to find in this post — we’re talking the ultimate adventurous Montana senior photo inspiration. Gretchen’s multi-season senior experience had everythingggg — Free People/boho vibes in the summer on a Montana ranch full of purple wildflowers + a pond and canoe moment, fall photos with the most gorgeous golden light and woodland vibes, a family mini-session that showcased her dad + sister and sweet dogs, and even a few photos in her volleyball jersey at school. Gretch didn’t come to play haha!
Meet Gretchen
Gretchen is one of my favorite girlies on the planet — I met her when she was 13 years old as her volleyball coach haha! She literally didn’t change at all in all of the years I watched her grow up — she kept the same bubbly energy and out-there sense of humor. I feel like I’m alwayssss worried about teenagers losing their enthusiasm and willingness to be silly, but not Gretchen!
Senior photo locations
Montana ranch senior photos
Gretchen had a *vision* of taking her senior photos in a canoe hahaha — thank you, Pinterest. Did she know how to row/steer a canoe? Absolutely not, but I respect the aesthetic.
Her dad works on a ranch, so we drove in their work truck to a pond on the property with Gretchen, her sister Amelia, their dogs, and the canoe in the back and their dad Mark + me in the front. Gretchen and I had a blast taking photos while Mark and Amelia struggled getting the canoe into the water — I was honestly dying at this whole thing, the commitment was unreal.
Woodlands + Creek
Gretchen lives at the most gorgeoussss location on Rock Creek in a heavily wooded area. We lucked out the night that we took her Fall senior photos because the light was PERFECTLY filtering through the trees. It was seriously so beautiful!!
Should you take photos at your school?
I LOVE when seniors take a few photos at their school! Your senior session is supposed to be about capturing this season of your life, and you’re about to close a HUGE chapter with graduating high school! Gretchen wore her jersey for a few headshots at school, but this would also be a cute location for some cap + gown photos.
What season is best for senior photos?
I’m of the opinion that EVERY season in Montana has something to offer for your senior photos, it’s just a matter of preference!
Montana Summer Senior Photos
Summer senior photos are obviously super popular because it’s warm out, there are tons of wildflowers, more access points to trails and views, the sun sets super late, and everyone’s schedules are free from school so planning and logistics are a bit easier!
Montana Fall Senior Photos
Fall senior photos are amazing because the fall colors in Montana are insaneeee with the Tamarack trees and you have more layering options with outfits!
Why you should book a multi-season package
If you can’t decide between two seasons…do both! Gretchen knew she wanted artsy/carefree/boho vibes for her summer session, and loved the idea of photos in a canoe on the pond at the ranch her family works on — anddd she also loved fall colors and golden light. You don’t have to choose!
Seasons are super important when it comes to senior photos – many seniors want their photos taken in the summer or fall, the year before they graduate, or the spring leading up to their graduation. Many seniors even book special senior rep packages that offer seasonal photoshoots – so especially if you offer senior rep packages with multiple seasonal shoots, this is a great section to talk about the specific season this shoot took place in + why it was great, as well as the pros & cons of each of the other three seasons!
Montana Senior Outfit Inspo
Gretchen crushedddd it with her outfits — she picked pieces that reflected what her personal style was in that moment and matched the aesthetic she was going for — care-free, fun, boho.
Here’s a breakdown of what Gretchen wore:
A patterned floral crop top with draw-string jeans
An embroidered white tank top with a wide-brim hat
A flowy orange tank dress w/ bare feet
Her volleyball jersey with jeans
Personalizing your senior photos
How to include family + pets in your senior photos
Add a family mini-session to block off 30 minutes of family photos before your senior session! It’s such a good way to showcase your loved ones + block off intentional time to capture your family dynamic. Bring your pets, too!!
How to showcase your favorite sport/activity in your senior photos
Think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to be as subtle or all-out as you want to be when it comes to showcasing your favorite sports + activities in your senior photos! Photos in Gretchen’s volleyball jersey literally took five minutes before we headed off to her family home to take photos in the woods at golden hour.
Your adventurous, story-driven Montana senior photographer
Heyyyy, I’m Shay! I’m your adventurous + story-driven Montana senior photographer. If you want unique, artsy, vibey senior photos that look like YOU…andddd some traditional headshots for grandma’s fridge, then click here to learn more about the senior experience.
