The Wild Prairie Journal

Stories from the hearts I’ve photographed, planning guidance for the seasons you’re in, and honest moments worth holding onto.

From Colorado Springs family sessions to mountain elopements, weddings, and couples’ adventures across Colorado, this is where inspiration and real life meet.

Maternity, Education, Families, Resources Sandy Patterson Maternity, Education, Families, Resources Sandy Patterson

Why Book a Maternity and Newborn Session Bundle

When Megan and William scheduled their anniversary session at The Paint Mines, they didn't know they'd be expecting by the time we rescheduled. That surprise became the start of their maternity and newborn bundle: a Garden of the Gods maternity session where Megan wore colors she'd spent years learning to choose, and a Ute Valley Park newborn session with baby Marina a few weeks later. This is what the bundle is for. Not just the discount, but the relationship we build along the way. By the time I arrive to meet your newborn, I already know you.

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Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson

Colorado Springs Maternity Photographer at Garden of the Gods

Jennifer and Brandon booked my maternity and newborn bundle so we could start building trust and connection before their little one even arrived. Their maternity session at Garden of the Gods was relaxed and warm, set against red rock formations and soft golden light.

From choosing the best timing for Jennifer’s growing bump to guiding her through wardrobe options, this session was about more than photos, it was about creating space to feel calm, cared for, and excited for what’s next.

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Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson

A Sun-Soaked Maternity Session in the Colorado Mountains

Some families become more than just clients, they become part of my journey, just as I become part of theirs. I’ve had the absolute honor of photographing Laura and David through so many of life’s sweetest seasons, from their first maternity session with Liv to her newborn days, and now, as they prepare to welcome their baby boy. This golden, sun-soaked session in the Colorado mountains was a celebration of love, growth, and the beautiful transitions of family life.

Documenting families as they evolve is one of the greatest joys of my work. There’s something magical about capturing not just the milestones, but the quiet, in-between moments, the way a big sister waits with excitement, the way two parents hold each other with the deep knowing of what’s to come. I can’t wait to step into their home again soon for their newborn session, capturing the next chapter in their story.

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Maternity, Families, Newborn Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families, Newborn Sandy Patterson

Cheyenne Canon Maternity Session, From a Surprise Gift to Baby Sawyer

Bobby reached out to me in secret. Erin had tried to take her own maternity photos and walked away disappointed, so he booked a session without telling her. We met in a quiet corner of Cheyenne Canon. She wore a dress that caught the wind and made her feel like herself, and I photographed them in the kind of light that makes everything feel possible. A few weeks later, I was in their home meeting baby Sawyer. This is the story of one family's journey from bump to baby, and why booking maternity and newborn together makes all the difference.

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Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson

Trusting Your Photographer for the Perfect Session Location

Katie and Michael, I am over the moon for you. You shared your authentic love for each other and your sweet babe during your maternity session with me and it was magnificent. We explored and adventured and celebrated you, Katie. Beautiful mama, beautiful soul. You were kind and so sweet. Thank you again for those beautiful flowers and thoughtful card you brought me when we finally got to meet. They meant so much. It made me feel connected to you and Michael. Thank you for letting me take part in this season of your lives.

Maternity photos are about capturing a part of life that’s really special and emotional. It is a time when you are feeling powerful and your emotions are heightened. It is important to find a photographer that understands you and your needs. It is also important to find a photographer that is familiar with all of the banging locations in the area. That is why I provide all of my clients with extensive location assistance that includes access to my client-exclusive location catalog. Of course, I invite clients to scroll through my IG feed as well to find a location they love.

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Maternity, Newborn, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Newborn, Families Sandy Patterson

Maternity and Newborn Sessions to Document Your Growing Family

Hanging out with families for both their maternity and newborn sessions is such a sweet thing for me. I get to follow along with your pregnancy journey and document that sweet love right from the start. Andrea and her family met me last year during my fall mini sessions. Their little boy Findlay was shy to start but I found a way to break through to his tender heart. Look at him now, a big brother.

When families book me for both their maternity and their newborn session, I love to give a discount on both sessions. It is my way of saying thank you for wanting to work with me through the seasons in your life. Rewarding in my heart of hearts, when those sweet babes are born, it is magic.

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Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson

Boho Maternity Session with Pikes Peak Views

Kaitlyn and Jake, how did you two create such a beautiful baby boy? Ledger and I became fast friends during his mama’s maternity session with me in this lovely Colorado Springs location. It was a bit chilly that evening but still warm enough to have little Ledger’s bare skin showing with his mama. Doesn’t it just make those first few photos all that more authentically connected?

Kaitlyn trusted me to guide her with what I felt would look good and tell their story in the most authentic way. I took my lead from Ledger, and when he got too chilly, we put on the beautiful undershirt that his mama brought for him.

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Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson

Mountain Maternity Session Near Iconic Pikes Peak Views

When I get to work with a client for both their maternity AND their newborn session, I feel extra special. It is something special to trust someone to document not only one but two amazingly important times in their life. Laura is due in just a few days and I am so excited to get that message that their sweet babe has arrived.

I noticed something during my time together with Laura and David. David helped Laura along during our session. Making sure her every step was carefully taken and he was there to ensure she didn’t fall. It makes me think about how it might feel to be the dad in a pregnancy. I have been pregnant, but I am not a dad. To feel so much love for someone before you have ever met them, let alone felt their presence, in the unique way only a mother can. They protect and care for and love that sweet babe, right from the start. That is some powerful love.

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Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson

Maternity Family Session During Your Colorado Springs Vacation

Felicia and her crew were so sweet during our time together. You can tell they are a family who loves together and plays together. They will be welcoming this sweet babe with open arms and the warmest snuggles you can imagine. They are waiting to find out the gender of their new babe until they are born. When you have one of each, it just makes sense. I cannot wait to meet them via IG and gush over messenger about how cute they are!!

Are you thinking of traveling to Colorado and want to capture your crew with our beautiful scenery in an authentic way? I. Am. Your. Girl! Hit me up, let’s chat about how I can help you with not only photos, but also how I can help you find a great place to stay, yummy food to eat, and fun things to do!

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Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson

Garden of the Gods Maternity Family Session in Colorado Springs

Pregnancy. What a gift. How amazing is it that women can grow a whole organ (the placenta) and ALSO grow a whole sweet babe? I can’t even wrap my head around how amazing the body is to be able to accomplish such a task. It seems like a miracle at times. I am not a religious person but the human body and creation of life makes me want to be.

Allison and her sweet family met me for a perfect night in Colorado Springs. We enjoyed each other’s company and I spent allll session trying to be friends with sweet little miss Ellie. If you scroll down the bottom of these blog post image favorites, you will see that it finally happened. Or maybe it was just the chocolate chips and first-ever Annie’s Bunny Gummy Snacks her mama gave her. Either way, I’ll take it!

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Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson

Pikes Peak View Maternity Session in Woodland Park

Ten years. That is a long time to wait for something you want so badly. Their time is finally here though and it is the best damn thing in this world. Lauran and Colt have waited so long for this. Ready to be parents. Arms open and warm. The thing is, when you have to wait so long for something, when it finally happens, you cherish it. I mean really cherish it. Every moment. Every feeling. Every thought. I am here for it friends. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with me. I cannot say enough how honored I am to be the one who sets these moments in stone.

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Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson

Sunset Maternity Session for Expecting Twins in Colorado Springs

Mallory and Brian decided they would book me for both their maternity and newborn session. I offer a bundle for parents who want to stick with the same photographer for both sessions. My maternity sessions are like what you see here. Natural light, outdoors, and full of that Colorado beauty. For my newborn sessions, I offer in-home lifestyle sessions. This means nearly no posing of you or baby and documenting you in your space right now. New mama. Loving on that sweet babe with your tired arms and eyes but your heart so full of love you almost didn’t know you could love that much. I’ll be there for it. Let me journey with you?

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Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson Maternity, Families Sandy Patterson

Colorado Springs Family Maternity Session in Cheyenne Canyon

If you are sitting there reading through this post, I am guessing that you either know Steph or you have thought about having a session with me. If you know Steph, welcome, isn’t she and her broad gorgeous? If you are here because you have been thinking about working with me, what is stopping you? Let’s make this magic happen and document your family’s love story.

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