Jessica Simonton Photography

06/10/2026

Ashley reached out recently because her mom and sister-in-law were coming to Montana from South Carolina for a couple of weeks. She wanted some photos of the kids with Grandma and some candid shots of all the cousins playing together.

She mentioned how much she loved the candid images I used to capture of her kids back when I was doing family sessions before we moved away. Honestly, that’s what got me excited to pick up my camera again. I’ve always loved genuine moments far more than the “everybody smile and look at the camera” kind.

That said… I’m not sure she was prepared for all the kids deciding to jump in the lake. 😂🙈 (See the photos at the end!)

Does this mean I’m officially taking on photography sessions again? Maybe. 😊 These days my schedule revolves around a busy little toddler, so I’m not looking to jump back in full-time. But if the right opportunity comes along and I have the margin for it, I just might say yes.

05/27/2026

Happy 14 years .eric.simonton  🤍

I can hardly believe all the things we’ve gotten to experience together over the years — and unfortunately Shep is about to wake up from his nap, so I don’t have time to dig through more photos to fully tell the story of our journey. 😂

From making Jesus the Lord of our lives, to marriage, mission trips, your boxing years, shooting weddings together, deciding to go back to school, moving twice, and eventually coming back to Montana to raise our greatest blessing and become parents together…

I love you, and I wouldn’t want to do this life with anyone else. Cheers to 14 years 🥂

05/15/2026

“Shep! Take out your paci and smile!” 📸

You’d think being a photographer means I’d constantly have my camera out for my own kid… but honestly I usually don’t even try because he’s either too busy, on the move, or attempting to grab the camera and press every button possible 😅

But the blue jeans with his blue eyes, the little summer tan, and that bleach blonde hair were too cute not to capture. Somehow, by pure luck, he actually sat still and understood the assignment for once 👏

05/10/2026

Mother’s Day weekend in Red Lodge 🤗 I’m so happy I get to do life with these two 🥹

05/07/2026

Poor buddy came down with a stomach bug the week of our mini Mother’s Day session 🤍 After a full week of extra snuggles, lots of sleep, and barely eating, we’re so thankful to have our happy, energetic boy back again.

Honestly though… being sick may have been the only way I was ever getting cuddly photos like these 😅

PC:

03/29/2026

Boy mom life is WILD!

Shep finally got to watch dad box at The Grindhouse today, and we’re making so many memories in this new neighborhood. Grateful for the trails, parks, people… and oddly, even the construction across the street.

02/14/2026

Valentine’s Day looks a little different this year.

We truly thought it would be a couple of years before buying a home — starting a business and moving back to Montana already felt like a big leap of faith.

But here we are.

Beyond grateful. Beyond humbled. Honestly still a little in awe of how God writes stories better than we ever could. 🤍🏡

So proud of Dada and the courage it takes to build something from the ground up.

The bow on the door is sweet… but the little feet climbing up the steps are the real gift. I can’t wait to rest here, use this home as a tool, create new traditions, and fill it with memories.

Thank you and for helping us find our home so quickly and effortlessly!

01/02/2026

12/04/2025

Bye bye month 10 🥹
We’re now in our very last month before ONE.
Howwww is that even possible??

Month 10 was so much fun — his personality is shining and it’s just the best being around him.

This was the month of climbing everything, learning how to go back down the stairs after crawling up, becoming obsessed with jumping and spinning in circles, and getting off the couch or bed by himself.

He now fully understands the word “no”— and will sloooowly sneak away and hide behind the couch with whatever he shouldn’t have and peek around the corner to see if he’s been caught 🤣

He loves sharing whatever he has in his hand with literally anyone he meets, loves pulling things around the house (mostly garbage bags 😂), and still loves balls — kicking, throwing, all of it. His favorite toy (and basically the only toy he plays with) is still the Lovevery lock box.

He’s frustrated that he can’t talk yet, but he’s learning to point and drag me toward what he wants. Baths are questionable now because he thinks the shower ledge exists ONLY for climbing. 😂

His hair is getting really thick (even if it’s light and hard to see), and he has zero concerns about the cold. No real interest in snow or the Christmas tree yet, which I wasn’t expecting!

He’s becoming more social and curious about other kids too, which is so sweet to watch.

Next up: Christmas in Ohio and his FIRST birthday. 😭
Nervous for flights with a busy baby who only wants to nap in his crib… but so excited for him to see family again. 💙

11/19/2025

Billings Friends🎄 I’ll be taking on 4 Christmas sessions this year. Message me for details if you’re interested 🤗 Weekend availability only.

This is my first photography and non Shep post in like 10 months 🫣😆