Brainard Lake at golden hour is nothing short of breathtaking, and this family session captured all the magic, glowing light, mountain views, and the sweetest, most connected moments. With its easy access and stunning scenery, this spot is perfect for families who want a relaxed yet epic Colorado photo experience. Whether the kids were twirling by the water or snuggled up in their parents' arms, every moment felt natural, love-filled, and effortlessly beautiful.

If you’re dreaming of a mountain family session with golden light and heartwarming moments, Brainard Lake is an incredible choice. This session was a perfect mix of adventure and ease, and I can’t wait to share more from this unforgettable evening in the Rockies!

Carmen and her crew traveled to the Rocky Mountains for a family session with me where they announced their pregnancy with their sons. We went to one of my favorite spots, Brainard Lake, and we adventured in the forest, exploring all the moss covered everything. Walking on logs to show off how well they can balance, the boys really sunk into time with their parents and their parents got to be present with them too. Gifts all around, friends.

These kiddos (and their mom and dad) were so fun to hang with. They were also already practicing at being big big brothers by taking turns carrying a bag and flowers their family brought to the session. The boys definitely wanted to help and it was pretty sweet. As we made our way through the forest, along the rushing creek, the boys excitedly talked with me about their lives and were eager to show off their balancing and rock finding skills. To see them light up sharing things that were important to the is super special and I am thankful I got to be there for it.

These two girls. These friends. These magnificent beings. KC and Saylor adventured at Brainard Lake, through the chilly water and silly bugs, to have a mother and daughter session with me. KC wanted a gallery that reflected the nature of her motherhood story. She wanted to feel this time in her life. Really feel it to her core. I’m here for it girl. Thank you for sharing yourself and your story with me. Your bond is one that needs no proof. But, because it’s what I do, here you go babes. Love you to the moon.

Emily and Chase reached out to me shortly before they began their cross-country van trip from the east coast. They had decided they wanted to forgo the big wedding idea and elope during their time in Colorado while on the trip. When they had first reached out, they were interested in eloping at Garden of the Gods, which is a beautiful place! It is close to me and I visit there often. Emily and I had our video call shortly after she reached out and I could tell they wanted this elopement to be something epic (duh, as you SHOULD!). I suggested that she look at some other locations I have listed in my Location Catalog and she fell in love with Brainard Lake.

I had shot at Brainard Lake several times last year and I loved the space so much, I was excited to be going back again. Emily and Chase needed a sunrise elopement because they had plans that evening and it would work better for their schedule. I had never shot at sunrise at Brainard Lake but damn, I was down for it. From my side, this elopement coverage required some special planning. The location is about 3 hours from my home and sunrise was at 5:30 am that day, you do the math. Sleepover! I turned this sunrise elopement into a travel date with my kids and we had the best time visiting RMNP and sleeping someplace new. Best thing about it? I didn’t have to get up extra early and worry about fighting traffic or missing sunrise because I was less than an hour away in Estes Park. I won that day. For sure.

These high school sweethearts (and their pup, Penny) adventured with me near Rocky Mountain National Park for their private elopement ceremony. Sav and Casey wanted their raw, emotional, and tearful moments to be something they could look back on in the future. They knew that these moments, the ones where they express their lifelong devotion to each other could not be something that they could document on their own. Enter me. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared what I have been creating over here at Wild Prairie Photography and this elopement really ticked all my “dream session” boxes so I figured what better way to break back into the habit than with this.