Whitefish Montana Senior Pictures | Whitefish Lake and DowntownSenior Session with Cole

INTRODUCTION

If you’re thinking about doing your senior pictures in Whitefish, Montana, this session is a perfect example of why you should. For Cole’s session, we got the best mix of a more downtown feel and the Montana views—plus the lighting was so good the whole time. Whether you’re after something simple or want to hit a few different spots to make the most of your shoot, Whitefish is a place that never disappoints. I’m breaking down exactly how we planned this one, the outfits we went with, and how it all worked out so good.

Bigfork High School Senior: Meet Cole

Cole is an upcoming senior at Bigfork High School graduating with the class of 2026. Cole is athletic (shout out the QB1 lol),  super funny and really easy to be around which made his session easy going. We showcased his sense of humor with him doing some goofy poses by the signs in whitefish like standing next to the “No Dogs Allowed” sign when we saw it. For his shoot, Cole wanted his session to be super candid and have a mix of the downtown vibe mixed with some of the pretty scenery Whitefish has. 

Downtown Whitefish Senior Pictures

For Cole’s session, we started in downtown whitefish where we went to the parking garage there. Cole had seen a previous senior shoot here and wanted to go there as well for similar vibes. When we got there we drove up to the top to take some pictures that still felt very urban with the pretty views of Whitefish and the ski mountain. Then we walked down a couple levels and found this big window that he looked sick standing in front of. 

Whitefish Lake Senior Pictures

The next location we hit up was Whitefish Lake at the beach. We were only expecting to take some pictures by the shore and in front of the water but Whitefish Beach had a ton of different backdrops to use. We started by the shore where we walked to this big rock where he posted up for some more pictues. Then we saw a sick rock staricase leading up to a rock wall with a bench in front. Whitefish Lake is a perfect location in Whitefish for a ton of variety, with the lake as a gorgeous backdrop mixed with the more urban feeling rock features.

Flathead River Senior Pictures

We weren’t initially planning on going to the river, but we realized Cole forgot to change into his last outfit so we decided we had to find another spot. We found this really cool river location with a bridge going over it not too far from downtown Whiterfish. Here, Cole threw on his outfit and we took some final pictures on the bridge. 

Montana Senior Pictures in the Spring

We took Coles senior pictures in the spring, which is typically a little earlier than most seniors get pictures, but honestly I loved it. There were no crowds anywhere because it’s not quite summer, but the weather is still nice and great for outdoor photos. The skies are typically a bit moodier with some occasional sunny days which can be unpredictable, but really gorgeous. During Cole’s shoot, it was clear skies but not too sunny out. The weather was a great backdrop for his shoot and the pictures with flash really stood out here. Spring is great if you want to get your senior pictures done and out of the way before summer, the upcoming school year when things can get busy. Spring is also when Montana’s snow starts to melt, everything starts blooming, and the sun can be out and about which can make for the prettiest backdrop for senior pictures.  

Montana Boy Senior Picture Outfit Inspo

WHITEFISH LAKE OUTFIT INSPO

At the parking garage and Whitefish Lake Cole wore a white long sleeve shirt, light wash jeans, a pair of New Balance sneakers, and his grandpas red Carhartt est. I really like how the outfit Cole chose was very true to him. He looked put together but also in an outfit he would wear on the daily to school. I also think wearing his Grandpas vest was a really cool personal touch to his outfit. 

FLATHEAD RIVER OUTFIT INSPO

At the river location in Whitefish, Cole kept the same jeans and shoes, but switched up his shirt to a blue long sleeve Carhartt shirt. We kept joking that his shoot looked more like a sponsorship with all the unplanned Carhartt clothes lol. This outfit felt a lil monocramtic with all the different shades of blue and I loved the way it looked against the bridge and water. It was another outfit that felt super true to Cole’s style which always makes for the best pictures, 

wHITEFISH mONTANA sENIOR pHOTOGRAPHER

Heyyy, I’m Morgan, a Flathead Valley based senior photographer that's all about turning your unique moments into visuals that feel like YOU! Let’s capture your true personality, vibe, and bring your ideas to life! Learn more about working with me for your Whitefish senior shoot by clicking HERE.