WE BELIEVE LIFE IS WHAT WE MAKE IT
— and love is how we make it all worthwhile
OPAL & OX IS A HUSBAND AND WIFE PHOTOGRAPHER-VIDEOGRAPHER TEAM BASED IN BOZEMAN, MT.
We live adventure, and we love to support yours. Our work is a celebration of you — the big, bold moments and all the meaning in between.
We believe photography and videography flow together perfectly, in a dance of visual storytelling. We speak in light and shapes, in emotion and energy, movement and focus, the grandest views and the subtle perfection of every imperfect detail. Every person, place, and instant holds remarkable beauty. Whether it’s weddings and elopements, senior portraits, family photo sessions, or newborn photos, we capture the sparks.
Opal & Ox has been telling stories together through photos and film for almost 15 years — and we can’t wait to tell yours.
RALPHIE
Videographer in Bozeman & Beyond
Ralphie creates poetry through imagery. His charismatic style is all about emotion and documenting real, raw moments. Ralphie’s natural energy and genuine sense of humor help clients feel relaxed and at ease. “It’s about connection and relationship. I want people to look back at their photos and videos, and remember feeling completely like themselves — stoked, and in love.”
His drive to ask questions and capture truth through creative mediums led him to photography. After seven years photographing weddings, he discovered the dynamic possibilities of film. His talents for tuning into both the moments and the big picture create unforgettable visual stories with light and soul.
Ralphie met Kristi in high school in Minnesota. They both developed a passion for photography (and each other) — and the rest is history.
Q&A SESSION: RALPHIE EDITION
When you go to a shoot, what’s in your bag?
All the gear!! Canon shooter all the way. What I pack in my bag depends on the adventure. I could have no pack or an 80L pack. You could find anything from a bottle of water to a jet boil and a water filtration system. The best is when the Garmin inReach is packed!
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
I started riding dirt bikes at the age of 3. I became pro at 16 years old. Now I’m a dad of 3 and ride in the mountains hopefully twice a year.
Where are you on your days off?
Outside with the crew! We (Kristi and the girls) enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, and skiing depending on what season it is.
Favorite books?
I took a beat poetry class in high school that opened my eyes to creative expression. Which led to a Hemingway obsession.
Favorite movies?
Hands down the movie Tenet! Close second is Dunkirk and Interstellar. Christopher Nolan’s timelines are a thing of beauty.
Favorite tunes?
Head and the Heart, Modest Mouse, and The Lumineers, but I can throw down with Blink-182 too.
What should we order you at Happy Hour?
If Kristi’s paying, a Whistle Pig Old Fashioned. HA but for anyone else—a Bozone amber ale!
KRISTI
Photographer in Bozeman & Beyond
Kristi’s love for wedding photography comes from a need to create, to challenge herself, and to capture each individual’s personality that crosses her lens. Energetic, easygoing, and incredibly skilled, Kristi helps her clients tune into the moment with a sense of ease and joy.
She values love and the amazing connection between humans. “I’ve gotten to be present for so many emotional moments, and every single one touches me — the more I see and feel, the more open I am to connecting to that flow of energy, knowing where to look and how to tell your one-of-a-kind story. It’s incredible to witness — people from all different backgrounds, from mountaintops to saloons, our barriers come down and we get to just be who we are, celebrating the beauty in life.”
Kristi has had a camera in her hand since fourth grade. She met Ralphie in high school and the two were inseparable. Kristi, Ralphie, and their three daughters live in beautiful Bozeman, Montana.
Q&A SESSION: KRISTI EDITION
When you go to a shoot, what’s in your bag?
More like what’s in my trunk!!! I’m an over-packer by nature! Huge problem when we hike! Since I’m always up for anything first and foremost I ALWAYS bring a pair of “shit” shoes along to my shoots. You never know if I end up in a lake, mud, the ocean, or quicksand for the perfect shot! Always prepared! My go-to set up for my everyday shoot is my Canon R5 with my 35mm lens. When hiking I HAVE to have my peak design camera clip attached to my pack—literally a game changer when shooting while hiking. Shoots where I get the opportunity to slow down and create more art with my photos, I pack my Hasselblad 907x 50CM digital medium format camera and I love shooting with 35mm film. Also pack all the snacks and sometimes margaritas in a bladder bag if a tent is involved for overnight adventure shoots!!
Hidden talents?
I’ve danced since kindergarten! Dance and music feed my soul, music is on 100% of the time. If there were two of me I would be a photographer and the other would be a dancer! I prefer hip-hop/trap but I can also get down at any rodeo in town!
What should we order you at Happy Hour?
Margarita!!! Best drink of all time!!
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Positano, Italy has always been a dream to explore and see! The coast for obvious reasons and the architecture and colors are so captivating to me! If I could I would spend weeks exploring the city and photographing every inch of it! Greece and Iceland come in close seconds though.
Where can you be found outside of work?
Being a Mom! My three beautiful daughters occupy 100% of my time outside of work! Kiah-9, Kensley-8, and Kendall-4 are very busy girls. Thankfully our girls have adventurous souls and love to be outside and road trip and travel. Kensley (my middle daughter) recently got her first DSLR—AKA “nice” camera—and it’s been so rad to see her fall in love with photography at such a young age! She is adorable!
WE ARE VISUAL STORYTELLERS
We capture the spark of beauty in each moment. Your life is a work of art.
Have questions? Want to chat about your project? Want to just hang out?