Shaun + Skyla : Santa Barbara Film Portrait Session

As some of you may know, I have started shooting film and have fallen in love with the process. Magic happens when I press that shutter and know that I got the shot. It is a process, a way of connecting with the couple or individual on another level. The shutter is a way of capturing, not hoping that you got the image. I believe that the artist inside may have finally developed into an area where both my artistic abilities and love for capturing two people have nicely intersected into this traditional process. I have found so much more from being limited in my frames, it actually forces me to be more present with my subject. The simplicity and importance put on every frame has changed my mind about what photography is, moreover, what it can be. Now, I am not saying that I will never shoot digital again, I am actually more impressed with how I have treated digital in the last couple of months. My images have become more “one of a kind” rather than a frame within sets of possible good ones. Let me say this, however a person gets their images is up to them and I will not say any way is better than the other, I am simply stating how shooting film has improved what it is that I see and how my eye captures it. For the most part, shooting film seems so much more honest.
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On to the couple. Shaun and Skyla are a wonderful couple that have inspired me in many different ways. Their photography is wonderful and their way of living, out in the wilderness, is something that I grew up with but have temporarily given up. I am now on the search for something more in the country where I can have a garden and maybe some animals. They love each other so much and they do the things in life that give true joy, like hiking and being outdoors any chance they get. They love living healthy and eating healthy. Even though this shoot was for one of my upcoming projects for my weddings this year, these photos, to me, are in no way fake or put on. These photos truly tell their story and their love for life. I hope that you all enjoy these and it would be interesting to see if you guys could tell which ones are not film. Let the games begin.

Cheers,
~Montana

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  1. Absolutely stunning images and gorgeous tones throughout! I do believe the best part about shooting film is the discipline it teaches you. You can’t waste shots – so you slow down and begin to feel the story you’re capturing which in turn allows you to see what’s going on around you differently!

  2. Angela says:

    You’ve come a long way since I first started following your work. Great talent! Great post! 🙂

  3. Skyla says:

    UNREAL Montana! We love them and we love you!

    So incredible 😀

  4. I found you through HHBoogie. I love this post–I too have started to explore shooting with film and I totally resonated with what you said! These are beautiful images–I love the setting, the compositions you chose, etc….Bravo!

  5. Heather says:

    Hi Montana – I finally got to look at these. Absolutely beautiful. Love your blog. You are very talented. Keep up the good work and keep shooting film.