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.
Branding Session with Holistic Therapist Near Denver, Colorado
Alice, a holistic therapist who works with clients in Colorado, Kansas, and California, reached out to me for a branding session to show her potential clients who she authentically is while they are trying to decide if they want to work with her. Alice wanted images that reflected her soul at its base to share on her website and social media. Branding sessions are perfect for these types of needs and Alice showed up in her fullest self and together, we made magic in the creek at Castlewood Canyon just outside of Denver, Colorado.
When booking her time with me, Alice mentioned that she wanted to be sure to include the elements in her images because they are important to her process as a holistic therapist. When I book with a new client, I love to schedule a video call with them to talk over their photography needs in detail and to ensure that I understand their vision and what they want to walk away from our time together. Together, we decided how she would represent each element: earth, air, water, fire, and, we made a plan. She brought crystals, palo santo, and sage with her and we used the creek and wind to pull the rest of the elements together.
Creative Flow of a Colorado Family Photography Session
I get to see Candice and her family about once a year, when we do a new family session for them, usually in the fall. Candice is a photographer in Colorado Springs too, you can find her work on her page here. This woman is amazing, she always hypes me up and is kind in her words and actions. I am thankful that we get to be part of the same tribe. Each year, I have the distinct privilege of documenting her children as they blossom and develop into their unique selves, and it’s deeply rewarding to witness both their growth and the continual deepening of the friendship with Candice over time.
Utilizing a location that I hadn’t used much and that Candice frequently incorporated into her artistic work allowed me to see it from a fresh and inspiring perspective, which not only sparked my creativity but also infused the entire session with vibrant energy. The delightful blend of familiar faces in a new and exciting setting made for a memorable evening with the sunset at Castlewood Canyon, and I genuinely look forward to seeing how this beautiful location continues to evolve. The creativity that flows when the energy is just right can’t be manufactured and this was one of those nights when it was all sparkly and gold.
Castlewood Canyon Newborn Creek Session in Colorado
Ashley and her crew were so beautiful to hang out with during this newborn session to celebrate baby Drew (and Ashley!) in the creek at Castlewood Canyon. If you venture just a little bit farther downstream there is a beautiful part of the creek that is perfect for splashing and exploring, without feeling too overwhelmed with littles in/near the water. Easy enough to get to for this new mama while carrying her newborn and her small boys. This is just the second time I have used this location and I can already tell it will be one I will travel to often in the years to come. I’m okay with that.
Baby Drew was a few weeks old during our time together. Colorado weather kept doing its thing and we had to change our date a few times. By the time we met, Ashely and her crew were in a beautiful groove with their new family member. The dance of being a new parent is one I think we quickly forget. It is a mesmerizing flow of love and trust, sacrifice and selflessness, empathy and humility. It is a gift to be able to watch families grow and transform from their small nests, to place roots like trees in the ground and become sturdy forms, strong in the winds of the world. Growing those little babes into strong, just, tolerant people is hard work. Ashley and Bryan you guys are doing it right.