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.

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.

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.

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.

Sweet little Henry. How lucky are you to have such doting parents? This tiny man, his family, and I, spent an evening together exploring one of their favorite spaces for a first birthday family session. Brie mentioned a lovely bench at Red Rock Canyon Open Space that they would love to adventure to, and that’s just what we did!

Henry was so curious about everything around him and I was living for it. I love to let littles take the lead during our time together. I talk about this often when I have my pre-session video calls with my clients.

During those calls, a lot of parents express worry about their littles losing their minds during a session and I totally get it. I have five kiddos and I know first hand that kids sometimes don’t do the things we think or expect they will, they turn that ish on its head and do their own thing. You know what though? I love it. Authentically.

Lacie, Mike, and their tiny babe James hung out with me for their family session over at Ute Valley Park. This park, located in Colorado Springs offers such a variety of spaces to shoot in and explore. I got the venture to some new spaces with this sweet fam bam and I could have not been more excited.

Last year, I had a drawing for a free family session, I drew not one name, but three names! Lacie was one of them and it was so special to see the love of their family. Lacie and her husband Mike own A Grazing Life, a Colorado-based organization that offers farm-to-table dinners, which is pretty amazing! Farm fresh food, harvested in the place where you dine. I can’t imagine anything better.

Sweet Janine and her beautiful family. I got to work with them when their baby girl Mia was born. I just fell in love with the way they love their kids. Janine and I talk often and I just feel so thankful to be in their lives. She sent me an IG message telling me that she was pregnant AND that she wanted to capture the reaction of her husband.

We checked out a new location for me (I love this spot so much!) and Janine and Zach adventured with their babes on the trails near Cheyenne Mountain. I love that they let their babes run and play and they really follow their lead. My favorite way to have a family session!

It’s not often that I get to photograph a family this large with such a tight connection. Kaitlyn and Thomas, along with their crew of 8 beautifully soulful children joined me in Lake George for an adventure by the water.

I was lucky enough to meet Kaitlyn through my connections at The Fountain Creek Ranch. Their wedding day at the ranch is going to be the most amazing day. I include an engagement session with my wedding coverage and when we met and I saw all those beautiful faces, I just knew we needed to include these kids in their engagement session too! So, engagement session turned family session turned OMG how is my life this lucky session (for me at least, haha).

Kaitlyn and Thomas, look at this beautiful family you have built together. Piece by piece. Through all the steps in life that brought you to this moment. Good and bad. Rough and sad. Sometimes glorious and often times not, this was the reason. I am a firm believer in karma, fate, and serendipity. Our pasts are but a mirage in the far-off distance and the future is bright and clear and warm. Your blended family fits together like it was always meant to be and I am lucky that I get to see that with my own eyes. Thank you for that peek into your love.

Danica is a local birth photographer and it was such an honor to document the love her family shares during their session with me. I have gotten to work with Danica and her crew before when I was making a branding film ages ago. They were so sweet and perfect then, just as they are now. These two are parents who are connected to their babes and truly lead by example (well, most days, haha).

We traveled into the mountains to one of my favorites spots at Eleven Mile State Park and explored this glorious, nature-filled space together. My little friends brought along their binoculars, and their free spirits and we chased the sun and each other all evening. It was the best and I was totally there for it.

This year, I want to travel and meet clients in all the beautiful places in Colorado and beyond. Each year I get close and close to the ultimate goal of traveling in my camper and photographing families and couples along during my own adventures with my family. There is a lot that goes into that type of business/lifestyle change so it will be a couple of years, in the meantime, I’ll be taking airplanes and traveling in my trusty car to get to all those hidden gems that I stumble upon.

It’s not every day that you celebrate the day that your baby girl turns two! Miss Luna and her family hung out with me during their family photography session in central Colorado Springs. This space is one of my favorites because it is close to the mountains and still accessible for the little ones to play and run. It was the perfect space for Jordyn and her family of three.

Being two must feel like flying. Seriously, friends, I want to be two again. Don’t you? Stop kidding yourself, of course, you do. The beauty of loving what is right in front of you. Picking up rocks as you please, jumping, playing, singing songs, and just being truly who your little soul is. I love it and I’ll admit I’m a bit jealous that I can’t be that free. I mean, shouldn’t we all be a bit jealous of that?

Time is a weird thing that we use to hold markers for ourselves. It truly doesn’t mean as much as we think it does. It’s interesting to look into a culture other than your own and explore their thoughts on time and how it affects them. Let those babies keep their curiosity and wondrous nature for a bit longer, no matter the time. We would all be a bit more beautiful if we did that. Right?

Danielle is a fellow photographer and mama. She and her boys were coming to Colorado for a visit, so naturally, she wanted to get in a family photography session while they were here. The reason? Her little boy, Noah, was suddenly not so little anymore. She wanted to document these fleeting days before they are snuffed out by the beaconing of adolescence. Babies, oh how they do grow up, much quicker than you think too.

Noah reminds me of my son Ellis, I know, I talk about him a lot but, you know what, that’s okay. It feels good to talk about my sweet boy. I can remember when I first saw his squished-up face on the other side of the curtain in the OR. So small but also so big. I am sure that Danielle remembers the first time she saw her little boy too. I am sure that mothers save a special space in their soul to etch that memory right on in. To keep and hold forever.

Lisa, oh Lisa. Mama, you waited so long to have your family session with me. Your kiddos are another year older and you finally got to take that Colorado trip to see me! Lisa had scheduled her family session with me last year, but as all things, COVID threw a wrench into her plans and we had to postpone. It was certainly worth the wait.

These kids are firecrackers and lovers to their core, you can just feel it. Smiling and full of happy. I know I talk about it a lot but I really do wish I could perpetually be a kid. The world seemed so much bigger and overall, the problems felt smaller. I can imagine that allows for more of the happy to shine through. Kiddos radiate unfiltered love and curiosity. I. Am. Jealous. I’m not too proud to admit it. Being an adult does have its perks though. Being able to eat whatever you want is my favorite one, haha.

Mamas and their sons, I cannot think of anything sweeter. This North Cheyenne Canyon motherhood session was such a nice way to start my spring sessions. Abbey and her son, Lucas, explored one of my favorite trails in the canyon on a lazy Sunday afternoon with me.

It was not long ago that my son, Ellis was this small. His hair was long and whispy and his eyes curious and full of wonder for the world around him. I can picture him perfectly in my mind. Best friend’s peanut butter and jelly t-shirt on with a dirty sticky face, ear to ear grin, his tiny teeth on parade when he laughed. He had a pretty prominent speech issue and I love it when I find videos of him singing along in his own little way. G’s become d sounds, s’s become y sounds. The rap of a toddler.

Little Lucas here, he and his mama share these same moments. Years from now, when she sees these images, she will be ushered back. Sticky hands and faces, stolen bites of candy, and pockets full of rocks. Lucas will only grow and grow and now his mama has this gallery to help her earmark some of those smaller memories that you don’t ever want to lose.