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.

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.

Elizabeth, Matthew, and ALL of your family thank you. Thank you for bringing me to Arizona to photograph your sunrise elopement in the Saguaros. Thank you for showing me around your amazing little town of Patagonia. Thank you for the evening we spent in the San Rafael Valley. Thank you for the good food. Thank you for the friendship and kindness. Thank you for it all. I felt truly welcome in the space that you call “home” and I would gladly adventure back in a heartbeat.

Elizabeth and Matthew hail from a small town close to the Mexico border. They flew me down to spend the weekend with them and their families for a celebration of their marriage. Elizabeth is a queen and so is her mom. Seriously. Last year, we were supposed to be doing all of this but COVID wouldn’t stand for it. This year, it was on.

To start my trip, I ventured into the San Rafael Valley to scout out the perfect spot for their sunset session the next evening. This scouting trip involved a tiny car, miles of dirt roads, an amazing sunset, a Mexico border fence, and an interaction with Border Patrol. Yes, I got pulled over. Yes, they searched my rental car for bodies and drugs, to which, I had neither. Thankfully, haha. In the end, they were nice and it was a once (I hope) in a lifetime experience for me. By the end of the evening, I had found a great location AND had a great story to tell. I. Was. Winning.

When a couple reaches out to me to book me for their wedding, the first thing on my mind is, when can we meet? It is important for you to get to know your wedding photographer and you can do that by booking an engagement session with them too and that is just what Caroline and Tommy did. Your wedding photographer is spending quite a bit of time with you on your wedding day, it makes sense to make sure you vibe together well. An engagement session (along with pre-wedding meetings) helps create a feeling of trust with your photographer and them with you.

For Tommy and Caroline, including Caroline’s son, Gabe, in their engagement session was something that meant a lot to both of them. I get questions from clients often who book an engagement session asking if their children can join. My answer will always be yes! My own family is a blended family so I truly understand the feelings surrounding not leaving anyone out. Sometimes I hear worries of it being more of a family session and less of a celebration of your love. Please don’t worry about that part. It is easy to create space and time for your engagement photos as well as document the love you have for your whole family during our time together. I got you!

Want to snuggle on those babes or your honey with me in a wildflower garden? Want to do it this fall? Meeeee tooooo!

I was fortunate enough this year to snag some time at a wildflower garden to host micro sessions. This space not only boasts a beautiful wildflower garden but also distant views of our mountain range. Located 20 minutes South of Colorado Springs, this location is on private property so we will have the place to ourselves to enjoy each others company and explore all of the flowers together.

There are three dates to choose from this year with 4 available times on each date:

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021

Thursday, September 23rd, 2021

Thursday, September 30th, 2021

Located in Hanover, Colorado

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.

This sweet couple and their friends and family traveled in from all over to witness their union during their Micro Wedding at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I live in Colorado Springs so I visit Garden of the Gods almost weekly. You know what that means? I have the best inside scoop on where the less crowded spots are in the park, that’s right, no fighting those crowds when I help you plan your evening at the Garden.

Can you believe that I spent my first 5 years in Colorado NEVER shooting at Garden of the Gods unless it was a sunrise session? I don’t do crowds when I shoot. You can’t get that authenticity that you can from being alone with the one you love. Waiting to take turns at “hot spots” around the park, trying to find parking, battling with tourists and allll the people. Nope. not in to it.

Kenzie and Kody chose me to be their elopement photographer after we had a lunch date at a local restaurant. They were in town checking out The Pinery at the Hill and wanted to meet with me to see how we fit. I loved them right from the start. Kenzie has the sweetest, kindest personality and it really showed.

I had never shot an elopement at The Pinery at the Hill (I had, however, covered a few non-wedding events there) and I was excited to be able to use the space. Their patio, where Kenzie and Kody exchanged vows, has the perfect afternoon sunset mountain light. Check out the images below to see what I mean.

Kenzie and Kody still wanted to showcase those Colorado mountains a bit more so after their ceremony, I swept them away with me for some intimate couples photos over at Garden of the Gods. We were short on time so we visited a location that is generally too crowded for me. I must have had all my karma coming back to me at once because when we got there, parking was a breeze and everyone just seemed to disappear from wherever we roamed on the rocks. Perfect evening.

Whew, what a beautiful day these two had over at the Fountain Creek Ranch for their Micro Wedding Day. The Fountain Creek Ranch hosted a day of Micro Weddings in May and they were simply perfect. Beautiful couples who celebrated their love for each other in front of their family and friends.

COVID created a change in the wedding industry. Before, it was “expected” that you would have a giant wedding that cost $$$. Now, couples are more open to having a small affair with few guests and in some cases, no guests at all. Elopements or Micro weddings such as this one are a perfect way to create that symbolic moment with your love, without all the stress of a big wedding.

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.

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.

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!

These two babes. We met through some mutual friends and while on a camping trip outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. I had the joy to document their sweet love in this amazing space. Tall cliffs all around, quiet, desolate, perfect. I had been here before and had been dreaming of photographing a couple here for some time. Hunter and Alex made all my dreams come true with their authentic love.

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.