When I talk to my commercial clients about branding, I often tell them that the best imagery doesn’t just show a product—it tells a story. The same is true for family photography. While my home base is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Roanoke, my lens has taken me to some incredible corners of the world. One place that consistently stops me in my tracks? Whitefish, Montana.

Whitefish is more than just a gateway to Glacier National Park; it is a canvas of alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and that legendary “Big Sky” light. If you’re heading north with the family, you aren’t just taking a vacation—you’re building a legacy.

Here is how to capture that story effectively, with a few tips to make sure the process is as enjoyable as the final portraits.

1. Location, Location, Location

In Whitefish, you are spoiled for choice. Depending on the “vibe” of your family, here are three spots I highly recommend:

• Whitefish Lake (City Beach): For a classic Montana look with minimal effort, City Beach is unbeatable. You get the crystal-clear water in the foreground and the snow-capped Whitefish Mountain Resort (Big Mountain) in the background. It’s perfect for kids who want to throw rocks in the water between shots.

• The Summit of Big Mountain: Take the gondola up. At 7,000 feet, the panoramic views of Glacier National Park are surreal. This is the spot for that “hero shot” of the whole family.

• Lake McDonald (Glacier National Park): Just a 35-minute drive from Whitefish, this is the iconic Glacier shot. The famous colored pebbles under the clear water provide a texture and color palette you won’t find anywhere else.

2. Timing the Light (The “Golden” Rule)

In the mountains, light changes fast. I always advocate for Golden Hour—the hour before sunset. In a place like Montana, the sun hits the peaks and creates “alpenglow,” turning the mountains a fiery pink or deep orange.

• Pro Tip: If you have young children who can’t make it to a 9:00 PM summer sunset, try an early morning session (around 8:00 AM). The light is still soft, the air is crisp, and the kids are usually much happier than they are at the end of a long day of hiking.

3. Dress for the Environment (and the Weather)

Montana weather is unpredictable. I’ve seen it go from 70 degrees to a snow flurry in an afternoon.

• Layer Up: Think textures over patterns. Flannels, knits, and vests not only look great on camera but allow you to add or remove layers as the temperature shifts.

• Avoid Neon: Stick to earthy tones—deep greens, rust oranges, and mustard yellows. These colors complement the natural Montana landscape rather than competing with it.

4. Focus on the Interaction, Not the Lens

The best photos I’ve ever taken—whether for a corporate headshot or a family portrait—are the ones where the subject forgets the camera is there.

• Keep them moving: Instead of a static “everyone look and smile” pose, ask the kids to race toward the camera or have the family walk together along the lakeshore.

• Embrace the “Mundane”: Some of the most beautiful shots happen in the “in-between” moments—adjusting a toddler’s hat, sharing a laugh after a stumble, or just looking out at the mountains together.

5. Respect the Wild

If you head into the park, remember that you are in grizzly country. Always keep your bear spray accessible (and know how to use it). Most importantly, stay on the trails. The alpine vegetation is fragile, and as photographers, our goal is to leave the landscape exactly as we found it for the next family to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re using a professional DSLR or the latest iPhone, the goal is the same: capture the feeling of being there. Whitefish is a place that stays with you long after you’ve headed back to the airport.

If you’re planning a trip and want to chat more about gear or finding the right light, reach out to me here. I’m always happy to help a fellow storyteller.

Looking for more photography insights? Check out my latest post on Why Professional Imagery is Your Best Brand Investment.