Summer in Montana: Capturing Memories Through My Lens (and Yours!)

Summer’s finally here in Montana, folks. The days are longer, the wildflowers are blooming and the mountains are calling. As a parent who lives for these adventures, I know this is the time we create memories that become treasured stories. And what better way to preserve them than with photos that capture the true essence of our Montana escapes?

I’m a seasoned photographer, but let’s be honest: wrangling littles and lugging around a fancy DSLR isn’t always practical. The good news is, your smartphone camera is a powerful tool! Here are some tips, from one Montana parent to another, to turn those everyday moments into frame-worthy memories.

Natural Light is Your Best Friend: Natural light is incredible, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Soft, diffused light is your friend for capturing those genuine smiles and playful moments. If you still need a bit of extra light, bounce your flash off of a white surface to create softer light.

Candid Captures = Real Connections: Forget the stiff poses and forced smiles. My favorite photos are always the unstaged ones – the goofy grins as they chase butterflies, the wide-eyed wonder as they discover a hidden waterfall or the sweet snuggles by the campfire. These are the moments that tell the real story of our Montana adventures.

Mastering Your Mobile Camera: Smartphone cameras are amazing! Use the “burst mode” function to catch fleeting expressions or action shots of your little daredevils climbing rocks. Remember the “rule of thirds:” imagine dividing your screen into a 3x3 grid. Position your subjects at the intersecting points for a more balanced and captivating composition. Turn on night mode or adjust your Aperture, shutter speed or lastly your ISO to also capture nighttime moments around the campfire, playing games in the cabin or dancing under the stars.

Montana: Your Majestic Backdrop: Glacier's rugged peaks, the rolling golden prairies or the crystal-clear mountain lakes –Montana offers endless scenic beauty. These landscapes are your canvas! Just remember to be a responsible visitor: leave no trace and check everyone for ticks before heading back to the car (trust me, I speak from experience). Don't be shy – friendly locals are often happy to snap a family photo for you.

Include Everyone (Even the Grumpy Ones): Selfie sticks, timers and remote shutter controls are your allies. Experiment with different angles to capture everyone’s personalities. Remember, these are your memories, so get creative.

Focus on connections: Forget about saying "cheese." Instead, focus on capturing genuine emotions – the playful bickering for the last s'more, the comforting handhold on a challenging hike or the shared laughter erupting from a silly game. These photos will transport you back to the heart of your Montana adventures, filled with warmth and nostalgia.

Editing Magic: After your trip, take some time to edit your photos with care. Enhance the clarity, color and composition without losing the natural beauty of Montana or the authenticity of your family. Don't overdo it with filters or AI – Montana's summer colors are stunning enough

Share the Joy: Don't let these photos gather dust. Print them, share them with friends and family, or create a scrapbook filled with photos and mementos from your adventures. There’s something magical about holding a tangible memory in your hands.

So, grab your camera (or phone), pack your sense of adventure and get ready to capture Montana’s magic through your lens. These photos won’t just document your adventures, they’ll tell the story of your family’s connection and the joy of exploring the Big Sky Country together. Happy summer, Montana families.

Shannon Bever owns Shannon Conrad Photography in Helena, Montana.