Dawn May Photography

First time to Helena and the steps of Montana State Capitol.

Much overdue to post these family photos, but I just love how these photos turned out - I mean, what’s not to love about this family, this location, and the lighting?!

Thank you, Sullivan family, for being the perfect models and for sharing this location with me!

I need to update my post to say
Happy birthday, Mary!! 🎉 I didn’t realize when I posted these photos earlier today. ❤️

Family portraits on Flathead Lake. The lake and beachfront definitely look different now than they did a few months ago. We had a great time exploring the beach, playing with the dogs and getting some updated family shots!

I had the unique opportunity to shoot inside of Conrad Mansion during the Christmas season. Yes, I geeked out on the VIP tour I got of the mansion and was thrilled to capture these photos for this family. If you haven’t had a chance to tour , I highly recommend it for the rich history and the beautiful craftsmanship.

The sweetest engagement session in the snow. ❄️ We really did have a lot of fun with this one. I love that we used Jonny’s Ford truck and then that red flask as props.

Congrats on your engagement, friends!!! We are so thrilled for you! .uh.saurus

Happy New Year!

The McDonough Family was absolutely wonderful to work with! We even captured some fun iconic spots in Bigfork.

I'll be trying to catch up with sharing the beautiful photos I've been capturing the past few months. Hope you are starting 2024 off refreshed and optimistic for what's to come!

Yes, I am a family portrait photographer. I am also a dog family photographer - this pup is brothers with Cayle’s dog in my last post. How fun is that?!

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Totally missing (and regretting) not taking my fall trip to CA to shoot, but also thrilled and full of gratitude for my amazing clients and friends here in Montana. This has been one heck of a season…but isn’t this just the sweetest photo of Cayle and his dog?! Thanks for helping find the perfect location!

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I just loved getting these sweet kids in front of my camera. I love what a snapshot in time can envoke as we look back and cherish the memory and the season.

Speaking of seasons...the weather is definitely starting to turn colder here in Bigfork! Fall is definitely in the air. Lots of pops of colors in the trees, which I absolutely LOVE seeing the seasons change. Please contact me if you'd like to book a fall photo session!

A successful and fun Bigfork Parade 2023!! Loved helping my husband serve snow cones at PureWest today.

Also, so proud of my oldest daughter, Caitlyn, for participating in her 1st parade with 🍒
nathanmay

Thank you for the nomination! Please go vote for Dawn May Photography at the link below. I believe I have to have more nominations to continue on to the next round.

Check out Dawn May Photography. Vote for all your favorites in Best of Flathead 2023!

Just some absolutely lovely humans that I call friends. Switching it up and posting some b&w photos today. Which do you prefer - color or b&w photos?!

It’s pretty wild to think about how long I’ve been photographing this sweet family! I can remember one of my first shoots with them when Hayley was pregnant with Viv and even taking Viv’s newborn photos. 🥰 It’s so fun to see how much they change (the kids 😂) every year. I absolutely love building long-term client relationships and also friendships with my clients.
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The snow has finally melted here in Montana (for the moment!), but these photos are so beautiful with the snow, mountains and river as our backdrop!
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Before my kids grow any more, I guess I should share these photos that I took of them in -10 degree weather. Winter in Montana is no joke. ☺️ I'm not sure why as a photographer it takes me so long to get photos of my own kids (other than weather 😂). They were total rockstars even though they were almost frozen. Love these kids so much! 💖

Senior Sunday 💫

.hubbard 💫

Nikki is a senior this year! I absolutely LOVE creating beautiful portraits with my seniors...it was really special to work with Nikki. We had never met prior to her senior session, but we had so much fun wandering around town finding fun spots to shoot at. I also took her older sister’s senior photos a few years ago which you know I absolutely LOVE when I get to shoot the entire family!
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~ I hope the rest of senior year is so amazing and that you take away so many great memories. I wish you all the best in your next chapter! Xoxo
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Dreamin’ of California beaches right now… 😍

Good morning! Just wanted to take a second and say thanks for following along and for all of the support. I feel the love and am so very grateful for each of you! Here is a family session I did in the fall before the winter weather hit...looks so warm and you know I love that light!
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Cheers to a New Year! I hope you all rang in 2023 with loved ones and optimism for the year ahead. The past few years I have picked a word or theme for the year instead of setting tons of goals. I do still create some goals for the year, but choose to focus on a word to challenge me throughout the entire year. What word or theme would you pick for 2023? I'd love to know if you want to share in the comments or DM me!
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I enjoyed the fall season while it lasted! 🍁 This photo is from a recent family session in Montana…isn’t she just gorgeous?!

Overnight, we got our first snowfall of the season. Check out my stories to see some snow!

Also, on a totally different note, I’m thrilled to be heading to CA on Friday for some photo shoots and some fun! Cannot wait!

I have slacked a bit with posting current sessions as they happen, so here are some beautiful headshots from a session earlier this year...as always, I love shooting near water...can you see the water reflection was used as our backdrop?
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Who's with me that the best season of all really is fall? I love all the changing colors and brisk mornings. I also love this family shoot...still makes me smile!!! ​​​​​​​​
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Let’s talk high school senior portraits for a minute! From the moment I am contacted about senior photos, I try to make the entire process an unforgettable experience for each senior. We try to intentionally plan out our vision - whether it’s outfits, to any fun props (unique to you!), to specific locations...all the way to the perfect customized graduation cards. Seniors and families treasure not only the images we create, but the special experience that I offer to each client.
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Class of 2023, now is the season to book your session! Hope you see ya soon! 💫
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Happy 406 Day!!! ​​​​​​​​
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Senior Sunday ✨
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Now booking Class of 2023 seniors!
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With spring quickly approaching, it's a great time to schedule your photo session - whether it's professional headshots, college graduation, high school senior portraits, brand photos...let's make some magic happen!
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This lady happens to be my sister in law...these are her college grad photos that I never finished posting in a timely manner 😜- enjoy! ✨
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Hello March!! It's hard to believe time keeps marching on (no pun intended) so quickly. Today I am reminiscing about this beautiful senior session! Scroll all the way to the end to see a sweet mother-daughter shot!
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I always encourage my seniors to bring a best friend, parent, or sibling with them to their session...it not only helps put the senior at ease immediately, but we get some great laughs and try to get a special photo with your person.
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I am so grateful that both Hannah and her mom, Shannon, gave me such kind, beautiful reviews from our session together...thank you both! ✨
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A little inspiration this morning as we celebrate Valentine's Day today!

Also, swipe to see a cute little walk down memory lane... I remember putting this simple little Valentine's Day party together when my girls were napping (I can't believe this was EIGHT years ago)...to this day, they still talk about this specific party. You never know what little moments will become lifelong memories for your kids. Do the little things when you can and you will be surprised at how much it impacts them. 💫

*Sidenote, the adorable little red table and chairs set was from the girls' great grandparents (my husband remembers it from his childhood!)...we have since passed it on to another family member for her little ones to enjoy. I love it so much!

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Less than a week ago I was contacted to shoot a small, intimate wedding on Monday. It was such a beautiful, warm winter day filled with so much love, laughter, and support.
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Chloe & Robert, I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together. Cheers! 🥂
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