Jess Slater Headshot with Jess Slater Photographer - Missoula Wedding and Family Photographer

MEET JESS

okay, here’s a little about me!

Hi, I’m Jess! A Montana film wedding and portrait photographer with a passion for capturing real moments and timeless love stories through beautiful imagery.

I was born and raised in Texas. In 2021, my husband and I decided to move back to where his family is from originally, to the beautiful state of Montana to embrace the breathtaking landscapes, slower pace, and warm community that make this place so special. From mountain vistas and lakes to cozy backyard family sessions and intimate wedding days, I’ve fallen deeply in love with documenting life here in Western Montana.

When I started this business, I had no clue it would succeed and grow the way that it has. I simply chased what I loved and realized how seamlessly my passion and purpose could intertwine.

As a Montana film photographer and digital shooter, my style blends light, airy, and timeless aesthetics with warmth and authenticity. I love creating images that feel elevated and effortless, photos you not only want to display in your home but ones that instantly take you back to the laughter, hugs, and quiet looks you shared with each other in that moment.

My faith and family are the purpose behind everything I do. Our oldest is 3 years old, our middle is almost 2 and our youngest will be joining us in February. As you can imagine it's never a dull moment at our house! My favorite person/husband Sy and I have been married 6 years. After bedtime, you can find us snuggled on the couch with a favorite show, playing card games, or on occasion hosting in our home.

MY ROLES?

Wife. Mother. Photographer. Dietitian. Friend. Believer.

A family of five standing on a dirt path beside a creek in a park with trees showing fall colors.
Two young girls holding hands walking on a dirt path surrounded by grass and leaves, with hands of an adult visible in the foreground.
A handwritten-style list titled 'yes please' and 'no thanks' with humorous reasons for being late in two columns. The left column includes 'Olitops,' 'Pride and Prejudice,' 'Farmers Markets,' 'Our Cat Named Figgy,' 'Texas A&M Aggies,' 'Sourdough Bread Making,' 'Rosy Cheeks from Sunshine,' and 'Merlot.' The right column includes 'Busy Big Cities,' 'Olives... I've Tried,' 'Sitting Inside Too Long,' 'Unnecessary Clutter,' 'Scary Movies,' 'Processed Food,' 'Being Late,' and 'Missing Socks.'
A family of four walking along a dirt path with fallen leaves during fall. The mother, holding her pregnant belly, and the father are holding hands while smiling at each other. Two young girls are walking ahead of them, one in a green dress and the other in a white outfit, both appearing happy and playful. The scene is surrounded by colorful trees and a small creek or pond on the left.
A couple holding hands outdoors, with the woman wearing a white dress and the man wearing a beige shirt and blue jeans.

WHAT IS MY PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?

Light and Timeless, without looking stale and lifeless.

Fine-Art Film, but with a palette to be High-End & Luxury.

With Dimension & contrast, but tames dark heaviness in shadows.

True to Life, but consistently having enough warmth to feel Inviting.

Has thoughtful Composition to be easy on the eyes.

My passion is taking the ordinary and intentionally creating publicized Art.

Two young children, a girl and a toddler, playing on a dirt and stone trail in a wooded area with colorful autumn foliage.

Our family photographed by Stella Throop

A man smiling and crouching outdoors with a young girl, who has blonde hair and is looking at the camera with a slight smile. The background has trees and fall foliage.

I IMAGINE…

you’re here because you love light, joyful, clean film photography that portrays your story in a captivating and beautiful way

Your’e in luck, that’s kinda my thing!

I’M HERE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A PHOTO EXPERIENCE THAT IS

COMFORTABLE

ELEVATED

& LIGHT-HEARTED

Black number one with a large beige number one in the center

My Approach to Photography

Helping you plan and visualize the look of your session or wedding day

Black square with a large beige number 2 in the center.

Guiding you into natural poses during your portrait session, while making sure to always highlight your best features.

Number three in beige on a black background.

Using my years of experience to encourage your toddler (and husband) to thrive during a session and maybe even enjoy themselves.

Black background with large beige number 4 centered.

Giving you unlimited access to me through email to ask any questions about your session or help with planning your Montana wedding day

Number 5 in large beige font on a black background

Making your photo gallery delivery, print orders and art inspirations come to life with convenience and ease.

SOUNDS GOOD TO YOU?

CONTACT JESS
A young woman smiling and looking to her left, sitting at a white table with a silver Apple laptop in front of her and a black Canon camera to her right, against a plain white background.

LET’S CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL!

Whether we’re exploring a favorite Missoula trail for a family session or documenting the joy of your wedding day under Big Sky, my goal is always the same: using the medium of film to create beautiful images that reflect your unique story.