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.

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 friends right here, they are the ones who embrace the adventure, the mess, and the magic of it all. This was our second rendezvous and this time, we had a mountain view! When they heard about a new spot I wanted to try nestled in the Rocky Mountains, complete with a river and a dreamy shoreline, they were all in. The boys, all three of them bursting with energy, couldn't wait to dive into the adventure we had during their Dream Stream Colorado Family Session.

The kind humans make my job as a Colorado Family Photographer an absolute joy. They’ve got this infectious enthusiasm, a love for trying something new, and an amazing ability to be in the moment. We started our session at the river's edge, where the boys immediately took to skipping stones and exploring the shore. Their laughter was the soundtrack to our evening, pure bliss.

As a Rocky Mountain Family Photographer, I’m always on the lookout for locations that offer a bit of everything, and this spot did not disappoint. The Dream Stream area is nothing short of magical, with sweeping mountain views, lush greenery, and a river that runs some pretty impressive fish. It’s a photographer’s dream, and getting to share it with these babes made it even more special.

I was asked by Chelsea to photograph one of the biggest days of her and her husband Alec’s life, the adoption of their son Kai. We met at the El Paso County, Colorado court house and I photographed their adoption. We also met at Red Rock Canyon Open Space, in the evening, for a family session with everyone around.

This day was nothing short of the most EVERYTHING day you can image, a day where tears flowed, hearts swelled, and lives were changed forever. This journey wasn’t a sprint; it was a marathon filled with ups, downs, and everything in between.

Kai came into their lives when he was just five months old. From the moment they laid eyes on him, they knew he was their son. Fast forward to now, Kai is two and the day had finally come to make it official. Adoption day.

I am so lucky to have been able to visit with this family during their in home newborn session in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As I sit here, surrounded by the breathtaking vistas of Colorado, I find myself immersed in the awe-inspiring journey of motherhood, not just my own, but the journey of a remarkable client who recently welcomed a precious addition to her family. Today, I want to share a glimpse into her extraordinary chapter of life and how it has inspired my work as a photographer.

Welcoming a new life into the world is a momentous occasion, filled with overwhelming love and boundless joy. For this lovely mama, the journey into motherhood has been a tapestry of emotions, each moment more precious than the last. From the first flutter of life in her belly to the tender first cries of her newborn, she has experienced a depth of love that knows no bounds.

Laura and her crew (pups too) came and hung out with me after a long time of waiting. We had to reschedule their family session at Ute Valley Park several times due to weather and changing schedules and all the things that come with doing this thing called life. Sometimes that happens, friends. Life gets in the way of doing the things that we want to do, the things we should do, and everything in between.

It has been a while since I’ve blogged anything. If I am being honest, it is because I lack what to say, dear friends. Life has been hard lately. Hard af. I’m in spaces I didn’t think I would be in again. Dealing with changes to life and family. Those things are delicate and figuring them out is like walking a tightrope that has a little too much slack in it when you need it to be solid. So, we do what we do, and we struggle with the end in sight, even if the end is too far to reach out and grasp. It is there. It is always there. Right?

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.

Connecting with your photographer is essential: Creating rapport and making the photo session experience time enjoyable helps you relax, resulting in candid images that tell stories. Building a relationship with your photographer prior to your session allows us to get to know each other, get to know each other's personalities, and will enable me to understand your needs more deeply. The more we know about what makes you tick, and what is important to you in your life, the easier it will be for me to authentically document your story. I want you to reflect on your photos and remember your gallery as a whole, not just the images, but your feelings, your soul.

When you have a good connection with your photographer, they will be able to understand and capture the highlights of your life. They should be able to create for you a gallery that reflects your personality, as well as your personality as a family. For me, the perfect gallery captures the physical details of our time together and the emotions and personalities of your children that you know and love. Finding someone you feel comfortable with and can trust to document your authentic love and connection is essential when looking for a photographer.

The Talluto family and I have hung out before. The last time, it was freezing, snowy, and wet, and miserable. This time, it was golden and warm and wooded and all the things for their family session in Black Forest. I love the galleries from both sessions but they are very different. Not only different in location and colors but these kids have grown! In body and in mind. Their family endured long-distance living so the kids could get the best education they each deserved. It was an experience they all loved but they are stoked to be back together as a unit again, especially because the family dog gets to be loved by all now and the kids are excited about that!

Doing what I do, I connect with all different types and styles of families both in size, nature, and inner workings. I mean, that makes sense. Everyone is unique, and I like it that way. I love this part of the “job”. Getting to know the passions and quirks and lives of the people I am spending time with. Personalities are the best to see evolve, especially over the years when photographing families again and again. I love seeing parts of my children in the children I photograph. It makes it feel super personal and for those moments, I feel what they feel it seems. Empathy can be heavy but it can also be the best thing in the world to be able to pick up on feelings and navigate those strange seas with direction.

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.

Color Theory. What is it, how is it useful for your family session with me (or any other photographer), and how can I help you figure this whole thing out. That’s what I want to talk about today while bringing you this beautifully styled family session at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I am new to color theory, thanks to my friend, Stormy Solis who has her own epic photography and photography education business just north of me in Denver, Colorado. I enrolled in her course two years (or more) ago but haven’t really actually taken it yet, oops. That is okay, I’m in groups with amazing people from my connection with her and the AHA community and sometimes those people mention things I hadn’t really heard of before and I get curious. Color Theory was one of those topics and here we are, hi, hello!

Color Theory is essentially a roadmap for combining, manipulating, and mixing colors. I am sure everyone who had art in elementary school has heard of the color wheel and primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. If we dig a little deeper we will discover there are also complementary colors as well as analogous colors. Looking at the color wheel and all of these combinations can help us figure out what type of look you are going for and what will work best in the environment we will be shooting. For Lisa, she wanted neutrals that would help create a cohesive style that matched well with their location, Garden of the Gods. The subtle tones and colors she picked for her family worked well because the colors are similar in temperature and create harmony when paired together with the landscape.

The family session that was two years in the making. That’s what you are seeing here. Gerald and his family had seen my work long ago, when Gerald’s son Lucas and his mama, Soraya, would hang out with me each year. They lived in the midwest and being so, we didn’t quite get the chance to connect. A few years back Soraya, purchased a gift certificate (yes, I have those!) for Lucas’ dad. Fast forward a few years, they moved here AND had a sweet baby girl. It was fate that our paths did not cross until this very moment. Getting to this moment was like a careful dance. Reschedules dues to COVID, colds, and the weather. It was meant to be on this day. Perfectly beautiful in all the ways. The universe provides.

This is the first time I have worked with a blended family like this. Seeing my little friend, Lucas with his mom and now with his dad, it’s a beautiful thing to take part in. To see the people that sculpt his mind into one that is always curious, inquisitive, respectful, and kind. Co-parenting at its finest, friends. You can see the love that Kayla (his bonus mama) has for Lucas and it reminds me of the love I have for my husband’s children. The kind of love that is so big it hurts in a good way. Kayla and I were chatting about date nights and she said the only person she feels okay with leaving baby girl with right now is Lucas’ mama. How sweet is that? Soraya, I see what happens when you aren’t there mama, trust me when I say, he’s in the best hands.

Sometimes, the best memories are made when you take a chance—when you step outside your comfort zone and just do the thing. I learned that firsthand during this incredible family session with a friend of the family who came to visit my then-husband and me here in Colorado Springs.

When they first arrived, they weren’t entirely sold on the idea of doing a family session. It wasn’t their thing, and they were feeling a little hesitant. But after a bit of convincing—and some help from the beautiful landscape of Garden of the Gods—they took the leap. And let me tell you, it was SO worth it.

They trusted me, and together we set out on an adventure, all while soaking in the stunning backdrop of Garden of the Gods. The gorgeous red rocks, the expansive sky, and the crisp Colorado air—it was the perfect setting for a family session that was about so much more than just photos.

Kris and her family met with me in Cheyenne Canyon for their family session. Kris and I hit it off straight away when we had our video call and I just knew that I was going to enjoy her company during our time together. I was right. Plenty of laughter and exploration was had the evening we got to meet up. This was the first time Kris and Mike had taken photos since Lachlan was born so it was extra special that they traveled down to see me from Wyoming.

Getting ready for a family session with me involves a few things that I feel are imperative to us having the best time possible. One of those things is completing a questionnaire that I have curated to get to know you and your family a bit better. In this questionnaire, Kris expressed to me that she wanted their gallery to focus on authentic interactions and she was worried about looking “off” in photos. I am so glad when a client shares with me their doubts and worries, this gives us space to talk about them before it’s too late. Kris and I visited about her worries and concerns during our video call and I was able to pay extra attention to those specific things for her and deliver a gallery that she is in love with. I will call that win.

This family session at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs commemorating Arthur’s first birthday was perfect in all the ways. I was hoping to document all of his personality and I think it’s safe to say, I succeeded. Arthur was shy at first but quickly warmed up with some shy bouts in between. Which was totally cool with me. I want kiddos (and their parents) to feel relaxed during their time with me so we can get to all the sweet moments that your babe is bound to throw your way. Sometimes it takes time, but we get there, promise.

So, how do we keep babe happy and the session a successful one? I have a few tips to keep them smiling and you stress-free. Bring along a few of your child’s favorite things to help them feel comfortable. Arthur brought his pacifier holder, Walton, and also brought along one of his favorite stuffies, Star Bunny. Relax and let your child explore – the best shots will be the candid ones! Notice that some of the shots I included are of Arthur exploring his environment. I bet you a dollar his mama is going to treasure those. Oh, and I can’t forget Snaaaaacks. Bring them. You will thank me later.

AnneMarie and her crew have changed so much over the years. Their family has grown and I am thankful to have been there for the changes. When I first met them, their youngest boy was only two or three at the most and now they have a baby sister to hang out with too! As a mama to five babes, I completely get that documenting your family as it grows can be a daunting task. I will tell you, friend, it is so worth it. To help ease the stress I have some suggestions on the best way to get started (and some reasons for a session, so you don’t have to find your own, haha!).

Decide what story you want to tell. Do you want to document every year of your children's lives? Or do you want to focus on specific milestones? Knowing what story you want to tell will help you narrow down which photos are most important to document and that will help guide your decisions around photography and professional sessions versus home photos. Some clients love to meet up with me every few years to document their children’s growth. Some meet up during pregnancy and birth and then when babe is a bit older. This family met with me when they were a family of four, then when mama was pregnant, and now they are a fam bam of five! There are so many reasons to jump in front of the lens. They are all valid and you are worthy of having your family’s love documented in an authentic way.

Having a connection with your photographer is important, friends. Creating rapport and a comfort level that feels good is something that should be strived for. This helps me, your photographer, document your authentic moments, naturally. Connecting with your photographer also allows them to understand your vision for the session and what’s important to you. I truly believe that the more you get to know the person documenting your heart, the better experience overall you are likely to have. I want to document your essence and tell your story through your gallery. Period.

When you have a connection with your photographer, they will be able to understand what you are trying to highlight and will be able to provide you with a gallery that reflects that. For me, the perfect gallery should be able to not only capture the physical details of our time together but also the emotions and personalities of your children that you know and love so well. When looking for a photographer, it is important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and can trust to create with you and document your authentic love and connection.

Erin and Bobby met with me for both their maternity and their newborn sessions. We explored Cheyenne Canyon for their maternity session and then snuggled up in their home for my time with baby Sawyer. I love working with clients through their life stories. Engagement, wedding, maternity, newborn, family, and then back through the cycle with each new babe. Seeing their family change and grow. From being madly in love to seeing how amazing your partner is at growing a whole person (and an organ, thank you), to holding that babe in your arms, to chasing them around on the mountainside, I want to be there for it all. I want to build that relationship with you. It’s not just about photography. It’s about your heart (and mine).

Let me tell you a story about this girl. This sweet mama here. She booked her newborn session with me and I was so excited to see babe when they arrived. Fast forward to a few months after she booked the newborn session, her husband, Bobby, reached out to me. Turns out Erin tried to take her own maternity photos and it just wasn’t what she envisioned. Bobby wanted to know if I could sneak them in last minute. Yasssssssss is almost always my answer when its past clients (I also did their couples photos) AND babies are involved because I love them so.

This family session at Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs was extra special. I rarely get inquiries from single dads to take photos with their kids. Being so, I wanted to break that weirdness of dudes getting photos with their babes! I asked Matt and his boys if they wanted to hang out with me and they said yes (obviously!).

On their way to meet with me, Matt sent me a message that they were running a little bit late and that one of the guys was less than happy (he had a bad day at school). Friends, I want to take a moment to let you know that this scenario is one that happens. It happens to the most prepared, well-rested, loves the camera and outside kids. It happens no matter what sometimes because one kid (I have one myself) doesn’t want to leave the house. They would rather dieeeeeee than go anywhere.

So, I am thinking, I need to tell you something else. Sometimes the road to get someplace can be rocky but I promise, when you get to where you are going with me, it’s going to hit different for those small ones. The look in their eyes when they are allowed to jump in the grass and climb on top of a rock is something you couldn’t have asked for them to do, it just happens. Creating space for organic play and authentic connection is where my heart always is and kids can feel it, I just know they can.

The trip to Rocky Mountain National Park was fueled by a family session referral from another local photographer. I got to meet up with Sarah and her family in the mountains because the super sweet Katie Mitzelfelt of Katie Mitz Photo (go check her out because she is amazing!) recommended me. Thanks, friend!

This was a last-minute addition to my schedule and I had only been to Rocky Mountain a handful of times before but knew the area I wanted to shoot in fairly well. With COVID and all the capacity limitations that came along with it in the summer of 2021, I was lucky that sunset was later in the evening so I could get to where I needed to be without a permit, which was pretty damn awesome.

My daughter, Emma, and I left early so I could scout out the perfect spot for their extended family that would be doable for everyone and still looks amazing. Emma and I stopped at a few locations along our way but they weren’t it. When I find a location that is “it” I get super giddy and excited. I will literally jump up and down and run around thinking of all the things that I can do within the space. Serious. Ask her.