I had the pleasure of photographing the Triple Tree Trail Family Portrait Experience of Lexi and Dan in Bozeman, Montana a few weeks back.
With two young boys full of energy, Lexi and Dan wanted to document their young family’s adventurous spirit. They were growing up so fast. The Fall colors around Triple Tree Trail would make for the perfect backdrop for our family session. With their chocolate labrador in tow, we went for a hike along the popular Bozeman trail documenting the fun along the way.
Here are some of my favorite photos we made along the way. -M
T
Last Fall, I had the pleasure of photographing the Bozeman Family Portrait photography experience of Jenny and Ethan.
It’s been a joy for me to get to know these two over the last few years. A few years ago, these two hired me to photographer their wedding day at Rockin TJ Ranch. Since that great day, married life has been treating these two well. They’ve settled into a new home, their careers are going strong and their world has focused on loving and raising their young son Declan.
For these Bozeman parents, family time has quickly become a top priority in their busy lives.
Before the start of their Bozeman family portrait photography session, they told me the exciting news that their second child was on the way. Jenny and Ethan wanted to celebrate this time right now with Declan. Furthermore, they wanted to create beautiful family photographic artwork in their home that would be a reminder of all the love surrounding him. Photographs that showed their son that he is the center of his parent’s world.
For their family portrait photography session, we went for a walk along the Painted Trails Access with their labrador, Guinness leading the charge. At that vantage point we had a lovely view of the Bridger mountains for their family portrait experience. we played and soaked up the beautiful evening sunset.
Here are a few favorites from my time with them. -M
I’ve spent the last five weekends photographing fifty-five families from afar for my Bozeman Front Porch Project conclusion to raise money for local not-for-profits. Through the unwavering support of my Bozeman community, the project has been a huge success!
Thinking back on the experiences of the last five weeks of the Bozeman Front Porch Project conclusion, I find myself overcome with absolute gratitude.
Still, there has been so much to process personally and collectively as a member of my community.
Montana COVID-19 stay-in-place directives forced the country and my photography business into a holding pattern. I saw a lot of uncertainty and fear with all the drastic, fast-moving changes that we were experiencing as a community and nation.
As I was figuring out how I would support my photographic livelihood moving forward, I also was dealing with the realization that my grandmother was being admitted into hospice for her end of life care.
An ironic twist to an already surreal time in our world.
In late March, I was at home with my family in Missoula and supporting my grandmother. It was the week before stay-in-place directives kicked in. During that time, I came across some favorite family photos that I had made of my grandmother throughout the years.
As the end of her life neared, those photos had suddenly become priceless to me. Those captured memories brought up so many wonderful emotions of love.
Over the years, how many of us have made excuses to put off making the time to be present with our families?
I think we’ve all be guilty of it.
Yet once those loved ones are gone (or a mandated stay-in-place separates us), we would do anything to be back in their presence. To once more savor their cherished expressions that encapsulates who they are – just one more time. Good storytelling photography can be that bridge to tap into all those emotions we hold dear towards our loved ones.
During this time of uncertainty and social distancing, I wanted to be a remedy.
I was looking for a path to give back and help my community in any way I could.
I realized that while we may be socially distancing from our neighbors, now is a time to experience the precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets during this time of unpredictability.
That was something to celebrate.
While the front porch project was not an original idea, the simple concept was a chance to showcase community members in my Montana home.
I wanted to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic. I saw it as a chance to help change the narrative. Changing it from one of fear to one of focused appreciation of our relationships – a strength for so many during this time.
Best of all, I saw it as a conduit to raise money for the non-for-profits assisting the helpers in our community.
From the chaos, the Bozeman Front Porch Project was born.
Created as a little something to uplift the mood of our community while maintaining safety precautions photographing from afar.
An opportunity for families to contribute to a good cause and to create a small keepsake to remind them of the loving individuals that give their life meaning.
After all, family is everything and is worth celebrating right now!
It’s amazing to watch a good idea gain traction and grow into making a difference.
As a result, over the last five weekends I celebratED fifty-five families from afar while raising money for The Bozeman Area Community Foundation and the Greater Gallatin United Way. In total, we raised $2915.00!
Words can not express just how grateful I am to all the families that supported this fundraising project!
This pandemic has uprooted so much in our daily lives. Many have lost loved ones along the way, my grandmother included.
The struggle it seems is far from over.
I believe this time can also be viewed as a gift. It was a chance to show each one of us the healing, supportive power of our relationships.
If we choose to, we can refocus our attention on all the good things that we have to celebrate in our lives at this very moment.
This past Sunday evening, I was photographing my last family portrait of this project. The family happened to be my friends Sky and Tara. These two have spent their quarantine racing against the clock to finish their DIY home remodel. Their goal was to move in before the arrival of their first child due at the beginning of June.
I witnessed the excitement of a young couple on the cusp of starting their new family contrasted with the stressful demo chaos strewn about their front yard. It was a necessary step for the construction rebirth of the home they will raise their family in and it was also a hopeful conclusion to the Bozeman Front Porch Project.
Like Sky and Tara, each family I photographed were juggling a wide variety of emotions and personal challenges during this time.
I think the pandemic has shown all of us that in our shared, sheltered experience, we can foster personal connections and together begin to heal. For many, we’ve discovered a new appreciation for one another. This pandemic has shown us just how important our relationships really are in our lives.
There is great power in our relationships. They give us the space to laugh, to cry, to grieve, to experience our fears in a safe space, to celebrate, heal, and be accepted for who we are.
It’s a reaffirmation to know that we are loved, even when we are apart. To know that our loved ones have our backs.
Together, our relationships, nurtured with the foundations of love, will help each of us get through any trial life throws at us. That knowledge fills me with hope.
In Closing:
It was only fitting that I make one last family portrait for the Bozeman Front Porch Project conclusion – my Bozeman family.
My labrador Tippet has been my traveling companion on this journey with me from the start. Without her, this pandemic would have been a much more difficult and lonely road to navigate.
To my dog, I am grateful.
To my family and friends, I love you and I am grateful.
And for the generosity of the families in our Bozeman community, I am eternally grateful for your support throughout this project.
May all of us cherish this time of togetherness with the ones who matter most. Brighter days are ahead for all of us. When this storm passes, I’ll be here to help you celebrate your loved ones through candid, creative, storytelling photography. Thank you Bozeman! -M
The Bozeman Front Porch Project family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.
The enthusiasm and outpouring of support for the Bozeman Front Porch Project during this time of social distancing, has been incredible and I’ve decided to offer another weekend round of front porch sessions to continue raising money for the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
Last weekend, fourteen gracious Bozeman families participated in the second Bozeman Front Porch Project from afar to celebrate their loved ones, be apart of a community art project and raise money to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation during this unsettling time in our community and country.
Together we raised $700.00 for them.
There has been a lot of uncertainty with all the drastic changes we’ve been experiencing as a community and nation these past few weeks.
Everyone is feeling the impact in one way or another due to the current health and economic crisis.
While we may be socially distancing from our neighbors, we also get to experience the precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets during this time of unpredictability.
That is something to celebrate.
Together, we will get through this.
Greener Visuals Photography is again offering the Bozeman Front Porch Project family portraits from afar April 25th & 26th, 2020.
It’s a little something to uplift the mood while maintaining safety precautions. Contributing to a good cause and creating a small keepsake to remind you of all the good things you have to celebrate in your life right now. During our shared, sheltered experience, we can foster social distancing connections within our community.
How it works: Mike Greener, of Greener Visuals Photography, will come by your home next Saturday, April 25th or Sunday, April 26th with his telephoto lens and take your family portrait on your front porch from afar.
The Bozeman Front Porch Project by Greener Visuals Photography is fundraising to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
In return for your $100.00 booking fee, $50 will go to supporting the BACF and $50 to support costs of your local family photographer.
In addition, each family will receive a beautiful matted 5×7 fine art print to remember this time and 25% off a future one-hour family portrait experience with Greener Visuals Photography. All participating families will also receive a web-friendly digital photograph of your tribe to share as a thank you for your participation and support.
Together, we will raise funds to assist the Bozeman Area Community Foundation in helping our neighbors heal through this ordeal.
And as a result, we will have a collective group of creative portraits representing both your individual family’s strength together and our combined community’s resilience.
Next weekend April 25th & 26th, 2020 throughout Bozeman.
To reserve your spot in this weekend’s Bozeman Front Porch Project, simply on the link below.
https://bit.ly/34Q1nbu
If you know of a family that might be interested in participating, please share this link with them.
Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.
This past weekend, fourteen Bozeman families participated in the fourth weekend of the Bozeman Front Porch Project fundraiser from afar. Our goal was to celebrate their loved ones, be a part of a community art project and raise money to support the One Valley Community Foundation.
Lately, There has been a lot of uncertainty the drastic changes we’ve experienced as a community and nation these past weeks.
Everyone is feeling the impact in one way or another due to the current health and economic crisis.
While we are socially distancing from our neighbors, we also get to experience the precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets during this time of unpredictability.
That is something to celebrate.
Together, we will get through this.
The Bozeman Front Porch Project fundraiser was a little something to uplift the mood of our community while maintaining safety precautions. It was a chance for families to contribute to a good cause. And more importantly, a chance to create a small keepsake to remind them of all the good things they have to celebrate in their lives right now.
During our shared, sheltered experience, we can foster social distancing connections within our community.
I’m happy to announce that this past weekend together, we raised another $700.00 for the One Valley Community Foundation to help our neighbors heal through this ordeal!
Greener Visuals Photography is again offering the Bozeman Front Porch Project family portraits from afar April 25th & 26th, 2020.
How it works: Mike Greener, of Greener Visuals Photography, will come by your home next Saturday April 25th or Sunday April 26th with his telephoto lens and take your family portrait on your front porch from afar.
The Bozeman Front Porch Project by Greener Visuals Photography is fundraising to support the One Valley Community Foundation.
In return for your $100.00 booking fee, $50 will go to supporting the One Valley Community Foundation and $50 to support costs of your local family photographer.
In addition, each family will receive a beautiful matted 5×7 fine art print to remember this time and 25% off a future one-hour family portrait experience with Greener Visuals Photography. All participating families will also receive a web-friendly digital photograph of your tribe to share as a thank you for your participation and support.
Together, we will raise funds to assist the One Valley Community Foundation in helping our neighbors heal through this ordeal.
And as a result, we will have a collective group of creative portraits representing both your individual family’s strength together and our combined community’s resilience.
Next weekend April 25th & 26th, 2020 throughout Bozeman.
And as a result, we will have a collective group of creative portraits representing each individual family’s strength together and our combined community’s resilience.
Thanks so much to every family that has participated! -M
This post is celebrating the life of my grandmother, Jean E Greener.
Four weeks back during the last stretch of a three-hour drive home from Missoula, Montana on I-90, I returned to a hazy, eerily quiet Bozeman settling into a new stay-in-place order.
My recent extended weekend visit with my family brought the realization that my 93-year-old grandmother would be admitted back into hospice care.
An ironic twist to an already surreal time in our world.
After a weekend in the hospital with strict visiting restrictions due to the coming COVID-19 pandemic, the bright side was that grandma’s infection had simmered down enough to return home. With getting her back on hospice, my family would have help keeping her comfortable in her end of life care.
Grandma Jean, in her usual fashion, was soon back giggling to herself in her old chair.
Despite her failing health, she was still bursting with stories – beaming as she described the joy she felt the day I (her first grandchild) was born and the details of my youth that were so special for her.
It’s been wonderful to have this time to relive all the good memories we’ve shared together as a family. The moments in life that really matter.
But in the past few months, her world has rapidly shrunk with the loss of her mobility, hearing, and eyesight. As an onlooker, it can be difficult to watch a loved one slowly fade.
The change and uncertainty have been scary especially when it meant every time I said goodbye to drive back to Bozeman, it might be the last time I would see her.
She has been a second mother to me.
As far as life goes, she had lived a full one and had reached the goals she set out to achieve.
She was so excited that she had lived long enough to know her two great-grandchildren. She was just head over heels about being apart of their lives. I was there to capture the moments when she got to hold her great, grandchildren for the first time.
These photos I made of her are so precious to me.
These photos remind me just how thankful I am that she has been such a loving, guiding presence in my life and an integral part of helping shape me into the man I am today. How thankful I am to have family around especially during these uncertain times of social distancing.
She was always able to find the joy in life and laugh in delight at the little things. I admire her for it.
To me, these photos capture her spirit and bring a smile to my face everything I look upon them. A constant reminder to be kind, stay childlike in my curiosity and to celebrate every precious moment in the present.
It was around the time that we admitted Grandma Jean into hospice a month back that I decided to create the Bozeman Front Porch Project so that other families in my community would also have a positive family portrait experience to focus on during this difficult time in our world.
After all, family is everything and is worth celebrating (from afar) right now.
This past week, Grandma Jean actively began her dying process. I was able to race back to Missoula so my family and I could be together with her and say our final goodbyes these past few days.
This morning, back in Bozeman as I made my rounds for this weekend’s Bozeman Front Porch Project family portraits, I received a call from my father letting me know that Grandma Jean passed away.
She is finally at peace.
I can’t express enough my gratitude for all the joy, lessons and love this wonderful woman brought to and provided in my life. What a gift she has been! I love you so much Grandma Jean and I will miss you terribly. Rest in peace.
Jean E Greener – 1926 – 2020
Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.
The enthusiasm and outpouring of support for the Bozeman Front Porch Project during this time of social distancing, has been incredible and I’ve decided to offer another weekend round of front porch sessions to continue raising money for the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
Last weekend, nine gracious Bozeman families participated in the second Bozeman Front Porch Project from afar to celebrate their loved ones, be apart of a community art project and raise money to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation during this unsettling time in our community and country.
Together we raised $450.00 for them.
There has been a lot of uncertainty with all the drastic changes we’ve been experiencing as a community and nation these past few weeks.
Everyone is feeling the impact in one way or another due to the current health and economic crisis.
While we may be socially distancing from our neighbors, we also get to experience the precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets during this time of unpredictability.
That is something to celebrate.
Together, we will get through this.
Greener Visuals Photography is again offering the Bozeman Front Porch Project family portraits from afar April 19th & 20th, 2020.
It’s a little something to uplift the mood while maintaining safety precautions. Contributing to a good cause and creating a small keepsake to remind you of all the good things you have to celebrate in your life right now. During our shared, sheltered experience, we can foster social distancing connections within our community.
How it works: Mike Greener, of Greener Visuals Photography, will come by your home next Sunday April 19th or Monday April 20th with his telephoto lens and take your family portrait on your front porch from afar.
The Bozeman Front Porch Project by Greener Visuals Photography is fundraising to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
In return for your $100.00 booking fee, $50 will go to supporting the BACF and $50 to support costs of your local family photographer.
In addition, each family will receive a beautiful matted 5×7 fine art print to remember this time and 25% off a future one-hour family portrait experience with Greener Visuals Photography. All participating families will also receive a web-friendly digital photograph of your tribe to share as a thank you for your participation and support.
Together, we will raise funds to assist the Bozeman Area Community Foundation in helping our neighbors heal through this ordeal.
And as a result, we will have a collective group of creative portraits representing both your individual family’s strength together and our combined community’s resilience.
Next weekend Front Porch Project April 19th & 20th, 2020 throughout Bozeman.
Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.
Through a whirlwind of ever-changing weather patterns, nine gracious Bozeman families participated in the third weekend of the Bozeman Front Porch Project from afar – to celebrate their loved ones, be apart of a community art project and raise money to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
There has been a lot of uncertainty with all the drastic changes we’ve been experiencing as a community and nation these past weeks.
Everyone is feeling the impact in one way or another due to the current health and economic crisis.
While we may be socially distancing from our neighbors, we also get to experience the precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets during this time of unpredictability.
That is something to celebrate.
Together, we will get through this.
The Bozeman Front Porch Project was a little something to uplift the mood of our community while maintaining safety precautions. It was a chance for families to contribute to a good cause and to create a small keepsake to remind them of all the good things they have to celebrate in their lives right now.
During our shared, sheltered experience, we can foster social distancing connections within our community.
Together, the Bozeman Front Porch Project raised another $450.00 for the Bozeman Area Community Foundation to help our neighbors heal through this ordeal!
Greener Visuals Photography is again offering the Bozeman Front Porch Project family portraits from afar April 19th & 20th, 2020.
How it works: Mike Greener, of Greener Visuals Photography, will come by your home next Sunday April 19th or Monday April 20th with his telephoto lens and take your family portrait on your front porch from afar.
The Bozeman Front Porch Project by Greener Visuals Photography is fundraising to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
In return for your $100.00 booking fee, $50 will go to supporting the BACF and $50 to support costs of your local family photographer.
In addition, each family will receive a beautiful matted 5×7 fine art print to remember this time and 25% off a future one-hour family portrait experience with Greener Visuals Photography. All participating families will also receive a web-friendly digital photograph of your tribe to share as a thank you for your participation and support.
Together, we will raise funds to assist the Bozeman Area Community Foundation in helping our neighbors heal through this ordeal.
And as a result, we will have a collective group of creative portraits representing both your individual family’s strength together and our combined community’s resilience.
Thanks so much to every family that has participated! -M
Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.
The enthusiasm and outpouring of support for the Bozeman Montana Front Porch Project during this time of social distancing, has been profound and I’ve decided to offer another weekend round of mini photo sessions to continue raising money for the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
Last weekend, ten gracious Bozeman families participated in the second Bozeman Front Porch Project from afar to celebrate their loved ones, be apart of a community art project and raise money to support the Greater Gallatin United Way during this unsettling time in our community and country.
Together we raised $500.00 for them.
There has been a lot of uncertainty with all the drastic changes we’ve been experiencing as a community and nation these past few weeks.
Everyone is feeling the impact in one way or another due to the current health and economic crisis.
While we may be socially distancing from our neighbors, we also get to experience the precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets during this time of unpredictability.
That is something to celebrate.
Together, we will get through this.
Greener Visuals Photography is again offering the Bozeman Montana Front Porch Project family portraits from afar April 11th & 12th, 2020.
It’s a little something to uplift the mood while maintaining safety precautions. Contributing to a good cause and creating a small keepsake to remind you of all the good things you have to celebrate in your life right now. During our shared, sheltered experience, we can foster social distancing connections within our community.
How it works: Mike Greener, of Greener Visuals Photography, will come by your home next Saturday April 11th or Sunday April 12th with his telephoto lens and take your family portrait on your front porch from afar.
The Bozeman Front Porch Project by Greener Visuals Photography is fundraising to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
In return for your $100.00 booking fee, $50 will go to supporting the BACF and $50 to support costs of your local family photographer.
In addition, each family will receive a beautiful matted 5×7 fine art print to remember this time and 25% off a future one-hour family portrait experience with Greener Visuals Photography. All participating families will also receive a web-friendly digital photograph of your tribe to share as a thank you for your participation and support.
Together, we will raise funds to assist the Bozeman Area Community Foundation in helping our neighbors heal through this ordeal.
And as a result, we will have a collective group of creative portraits representing both your individual family’s strength together and our combined community’s resilience.
Next weekend April 11th & 12th, 2020 throughout Bozeman.
If you know of a family that might be interested in participating, please share this link with them.
Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.
This past weekend, ten gracious Bozeman families participated in the Bozeman Front Porch Project to celebrate their loved ones, be a part of a community art project, and raise money to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation during this unsettling time in our community and country.
As a self-employed photography business owner navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus, I wanted to create a little something to uplift the mood for local families and support our incredibly hard-working not-for-profits in town while we collectively maintain safety with social distancing.
While our normal lives have been turned into a holding pattern it’s important to remember that – Love is not cancelled. Friendships are not canceled. Emotional support is not canceled.
With all the uncertainty and fear circulating around. I wanted to change the narrative to focus on the positives that are still around us.
I wanted to create a reminder of all the good things these families have to celebrate in their lives.
We are all doing our part to change the curve of our predicament. We can also safely from afar give ourselves permission to celebrate the people who give our lives meaning.
Family is everything and is worth celebrating right now.
These precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets – our relationships, are what matter most.
The love and support we give and receive from others will help us all get through these times of difficulty.
It’s through our shared, sheltered experience, that we can still foster connections and our combined community’s resilience.
Right from the start, the health and safety of every one were at the forefront of importance for me.
Stay-at-home directives started last weekend for Montana by Gov. Steve Bullock. I’ve been personally exercising stringent social distancing practices while closely monitoring new developments.
In the end, under my already stringent safety measures, I decided to continue forward. By photographing everyone from afar with my telephoto lens (on average at least 20 feet), we created some really genuine fun family portraits.
Like the week before, the outpouring of support from the Bozeman community was incredible.
I am happy to announce that together this past weekend we raised $500.00 that will be donated to the Bozeman Area Community Foundation!
I feel so thankful for all of the generous donations to this giving organization. I’m proud to be a part of our Bozeman community of helpers and look forward to a time when we can put this challenge in our rearview mirrors.
Thank you to all the wonderful families that participated in the Bozeman Front Porch Project!
Stay safe, stay healthy and soak up this time with your loved ones.
When this storm passes, I’ll be here to help you showcase everything you love about your family relationships during your own custom family photographic experience.
Together, we are all going to get through this. -Mike Greener
P.S. As a candid, creative family photographer, I can’t help but capture a moment if it’s happening in front of me. Here are a few bonus photos that I liked from my weekend of giving back.
Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.
The enthusiasm and outpouring of support for the Bozeman Front Porch Project during this time of social distancing, has been profound and I’ve decided to offer another weekend round of mini photo sessions to raise money this time for the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
Last weekend, fifteen gracious Bozeman families participated in the first ever Bozeman Front Porch Project from afar to celebrate their loved ones, be apart of a community art project and raise money to support the Greater Gallatin United Way during this unsettling time in our community and country.
Together we raised $1,015.00 for them.
There has been a lot of uncertainty with all the drastic changes we’ve been experiencing as a community and nation these past few weeks.
Everyone is feeling the impact in one way or another due to the current health and economic crisis.
While we may be socially distancing from our neighbors, we also get to experience the precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets during this time of unpredictability.
That is something to celebrate.
Together, we will get through this.
As Fred Rogers said in times of trouble, “look for the helpers.”
This past week, countless, selfless people in Bozeman are offering support in various ways throughout our community, and we want to do our part!
Introducing the Bozeman Front Porch Project for April 4th & 5th, 2020.
Greener Visuals Photography again offering family portraits from afar to celebrate your loved ones, create a community art project and raise money for those in need during this unsettling time.
While I might be standing a farther away from you than I normally would, the connection with your family I’ll inspire will be felt deep within your hearts!
It’s a little something to uplift the mood while maintaining safety precautions. Contributing to a good cause and creating a small keepsake to remind you of all the good things you have to celebrate in your life right now. During our shared, sheltered experience, we can foster social distancing connections within our community.
How it works: Mike Greener, of Greener Visuals Photography, will come by your home next Saturday April 4th or Sunday April 5th with his telephoto lens and take your family portrait on your front porch from afar.
The Bozeman Front Porch Project by Greener Visuals Photography is fundraising to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
In return for your $100.00 booking fee, $50 will go to supporting the BACF and $50 to support your local family photographer.
In addition, each family will receive a beautiful matted 5×7 fine art print to remember this time and 25% off a future one-hour family portrait experience with Greener Visuals Photography. All participating families will also receive a web-friendly digital photograph of your tribe to share as a thank you for your participation and support.
Together, we will raise funds to assist the Bozeman Area Community Foundation in helping our neighbors heal through this ordeal.
And as a result, we will have a collective group of creative portraits representing both your individual family’s strength together and our combined community’s resilience.
Next weekend April 4th & 5th, 2020 throughout Bozeman.
Front Porch Project Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.
This past weekend, fifteen gracious Bozeman families participated in the Bozeman Front Porch Project family portraits from afar. They wanted to celebrate their loved ones, be a part of a community art project, and raise money to support the Greater Gallatin United Way during this unsettling time in our community and country.
Over the last few weeks, the COVID-19 virus spread across the world and finally reach our Montana doorstep, social distancing commenced. Quite quickly our vibrant, social, outdoorsy Bozeman community suddenly felt like a ghost town.
As a self-employed photography business owner navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus, I wanted to support and create a project to uplift the mood while our community maintains safety with social distancing.
While our normal lives have been turned into a holding pattern it’s important to remember that – Love is not cancelled. Friendships are not canceled. Emotional support is not canceled.
I wanted to create a reminder of all the good things these families have to celebrate in their lives right now.
These precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets – our relationships, are what will help us all get through these times of difficulty and struggle.
Through our shared, sheltered experience, we can still foster connections and our combined community’s resilience.
The enthusiasm and outpouring of support for the Bozeman Front Porch Project, has been profound.
I am so grateful to everyone who supported this and helped me spread the word on social media. Thank you!
Right from the start, the health and safety of every one were at the forefront of importance for me. As the week went on, this serious national health emergency continued to drastically change and escalate.
With the announcement of stay-at-home directives (starting this weekend for Montana) by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, suddenly, I was debating whether I should put the project on hold.
In the end, under my already stringent safety measures, I decided to continue forward. By photographing everyone from afar with my telephoto lens (on average at least 20 feet), we created some really genuine fun family portraits.
There was no charge to participate in the Bozeman Front Porch Project Family portraits. However, I’m happy to announce that donations raised $1,015.00 that will be given to the Greater Gallatin United Way!
I am so thankful for all of the generous donations to this good cause. It makes me proud to be a part of our Bozeman community. I’m looking forward to a time when we can put this challenge in our rearview mirrors.
Thank you, Bozeman!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and soak up this time with your loved ones.
When this storm passes, I’ll be here to help you and your family showcase everything you love about your relationships during your own family photographic experience.
Together, we are all going to get through this. -Mike Greener
P.S. As a candid, creative photographer, I can’t help but capture a moment if it’s happening in front of me. Here are a few bonus photos that I liked from my weekend of giving back.
And lastly, thanks to my labrador retriever and photo assistant Tippet for accompanying me on the Bozeman Front Porch Project. -M
Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.
Lately, there has been a lot of uncertainty. The pandemic has caused drastic changes across our community and the nation these past few weeks.
Everyone is feeling the impact in one way or another due to the current health and economic crisis of Covid-19.
While we may be socially distancing from our neighbors, we also get to experience these precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets. During this time of unpredictability, we can turn it into a celebration.
That is something to celebrate.
Together, we will get through this.
As Fred Rogers said in times of trouble, “Look for the helpers.”
During this past week, countless, selfless people in Bozeman were offering support in various ways throughout our community. I wanted to do my part!
Introducing the Bozeman Front Porch Project.
Greener Visuals Photography is now offering family portraits from afar. It’s a chance to celebrate your loved ones, create a community art project, and raise money for those in need during this unsettling time.
While I might be standing a little farther away than I normally would, the connection I’ll inspire during our photo session will be felt deep within your hearts!
It’s a little something to uplift the mood while maintaining safety. Together, we will create a photograph that will remind you of all the good things you have to celebrate in your life right now. Through our shared, sheltered experience, we can foster social distancing connections within our community.
How it works: Every weekend during the stay-in-place statewide directive, Greener Visuals Photography will come by your home in Bozeman and take your family portrait on your front porch from afar.
We are fundraising to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
In return for your $100.00 booking fee, half will go to supporting the Bozeman Area Community Foundation and $50 to support the costs of your local candid, creative family photographer.
In return, each family who donates to the cause will receive a beautiful matted 5×7 fine art print. They will also receive 25% off a future family portrait experience. All participating families will receive a web-friendly digital photograph of your tribe as a thank-you for your donation and support.
Together, we will raise funds to assist the Bozeman Area Community Foundation in helping our neighbors heal through this ordeal. Collectively, we will have a group of portraits representing your individual family’s strength together and our combined community’s resilience. -Mike Greener
Next weekend April 25th & 26th, 2020 throughout Bozeman.
Update: The Bozeman Front Porch Project was a great success! Read the story and check out all of the gracious families that participated.
During my Portland visit last Fall, I was able to photograph the Hood River Oregon Business Portraits of SEO analyst Ashley Ryan.
Ashley’s business Engrained Marketing, provides marketing consulting and guidance for small businesses and non-profits.
As a Search Engine Optimization analyst, she strives to empower her non-for-profit clients through finding their intentions and guiding them to form action plans for success.
She wanted her Hood River Oregon business portraits to convey more of her personality, values, and professionalism. Ultimately, she wanted to add her friendly face to her online presence for her clients. We explored her home and made fun portraits of her indoors and outside in the lush green landscaping around her yard.
We also made sure to lasso in her old dog Katie for a pet portrait at the end. Here are a few favorites from our time together. It’s always such a joy for me to help friends succeed. I love how her business portraits turned out. -M
I photographed the Destination Family Portrait Photography of Sara & Jason during my Northern California trip this past Fall.
I was fortunate to meet these two years ago when they hired me to photograph their wedding celebration in Chico, California. As the years have gone by, we’ve become friends.
Now six years later, their world revolves around raising their little family in Northern California.
They now call Auburn, California home where Jason works as a firefighter and Sara as a veterinarian. While schedules can be busy and they work hard to find the balance, it’s clear that there is a lot of love in this home.
I think it shows through the mirror of their happy kids.
In their eyes, life doesn’t get much better than when they are exploring the outdoors and camping outside with their two kiddos during their days off.
For their destination family portrait photography, they wanted to celebrate all of the little things they cherished about kids during this fast-moving time in their young family’s life.
They wanted to capture the joy on the face of their exuberant 3-year-old son as he plays and dreams in their family home. They wanted to hold on to the feeling of seeing that mom heart-melting tenderness that he shows towards his 1-year-old little sister and his willingness to always include her.
After rounding out a full year with the new addition of their daughter, they wanted to capture her fiery spirit and hilarious exploration of her little world.
They wanted to remember the magic that they see every day when they are with their family.
Knowing this, I felt we were able to create some really genuine, meaningful memories for them by exploring the north fork of the American River and playing with their kids around the house.
Here are some favorite photographs from our time together. Thanks for looking! -M
I’m proud to share my Best of 2019 Portrait Photography!
I’ve been looking back on this past year and the photos from my Best of 2019 Portrait Photography with so much gratitude for the couples, families, and business professionals I had the privilege to photograph and build relationships with.
As a destination family photographer, I was lucky enough to travel to Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, many parts of New England, and all over Montana this past year for my portrait photography clients.
Everyone had so much to celebrate in their lives.
I harbored so much fulfillment in helping each one of my photography clients rediscover what they valued most in each other and their relationships – in turn helping to bring out the best versions of themselves.
This year I chose the photos for my Best of 2019 Portrait Photography that showcased the photographs that meant so much to my clients.
For me, 2020 is shaping up to be another great year of celebrating the best in life.
Thanks for the continued support everyone! Happy New Year! -M
Matt and Allison’s Couples Portrait Photography Session at Rat Lake in Gallatin National Forest was quite the adventure.
When this newly engaged Bozeman couple, hired me to photograph their 2020 wedding celebration we got to talking about all the things they treasured in their lives and their relationship.
They met through a friend of a friend and while quiet at first, he had all of those amazing attributes like her father – a hard work ethic, compassionate and always willing to stick up for others.
As Allison reflected back on the things she really cherished about Matt, what stood out was his loving patience and his uncanny ability to liven up the mood by just being so much fun to be around.
Laughing as she thought back on it she said, “After dating just 10 months, I knew he was going to be the one.
Ever since they have built their lives together here in Bozeman.
Along the way, they have fostered a shared love of the Montana outdoors often opting to go fishing, off-roading in their 4 x 4 and spending time camping outside with their two dogs
After five years of dating and endless, fun adventures, Matt proposed.
For their Couples Portrait Photography Session, we decided to visit one of their favorite places – Rat Lake tucked up in the Gallatin National Forest outside of Bozeman.
It was the perfect setting to showcase through photography all of the things they love about each other and their relationship.
Here are a few favorite photographs from our time together. I can not wait for their wedding celebration coming up in July 2020. -M
On a peaceful August afternoon, I had the pleasure to photograph the flyfishing family portrait session of Kevin and Joan along the Gallatin River outside of Bozeman, Montana.
With their only grandson, Colton, living out of state and them residing in Red Lodge, Montana, this flyfishing family doesn’t get to visit each other as much as they would like. Kevin and Joan were so excited to finally be spending quality one-on-one time during their recent Southwest Montana road trip. Their agenda? Spend as much time together on rivers with fly rods in hand, chasing trout.
Flyfishing, as it turns out, has been a storied way of life for this family for generations.
All of their four adult children are serious fly fishermen. Two are even professional fishing guides featured on national television shows.
To Kevin and Joan, this family time together was precious. They recognized the importance of this time in Colton’s life. After all, he was growing up fast. They knew they wanted to document this moment with a flyfishing family portrait session.
In excited agreement over the course of our discovery conversations, we decided to highlight both their love of Colton and their favorite family pastime. In turn, they wanted to create some beautiful photographic artwork as a reminder to their grandson of all the Montana love that surrounds him, even from afar.
They are a family after my own heart! As a Montana Family Photographer (and fellow flyfisherman), it brings me great joy when I can celebrate and photograph families in a place that fuels their souls. I was happy to oblige.
Along with their Goldendoodle “Boomer” in the lead, we had a great time exploring, fishing, and photographing along the Gallatin River and making some really meaningful photos of them along the way. It’s never a bad day on the river with the ones you love. Here are a few favorite photos from our family portrait session. Wishing this family of anglers all the best on the road trip ahead. Tight lines, -M
I welcome and support everyone
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