Two sisters. Their husbands. Three kids, the youngest only a few months old. Seven people standing on a mountain together because this was the week, and this was the place, and sometimes you just make it happen. Extended family photography at Cottonwood Pass near Buena Vista, September aspens, silver light through rain clouds, and a journey from the trailhead to the Continental Divide.

Family photography at Great Sand Dunes National Park is unlike anything else in Colorado. Towering dunes, golden hour light that turns the sand to amber, and the kind of wide-open space that lets a family just be. Jessica and Mitchell brought their whole crew, kids, grandparents, and their Newfoundland, for an evening session that started in the trees and chased the sun all the way to the horizon. This is what a Wild collection session looks like, and it's worth every mile of the drive.

Cassidy’s graduation called for something special—a family session wrapped in love, sunlight, and celebration. We explored a beautiful, tucked-away spot on Air Force Academy land in Colorado Springs (accessible to those with military ID!) and soaked up golden hour in the mountains. Her son Solomon brought all the expressions and sweet mama snuggles, and we ended the evening with magic in the meadow.

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!

Katie and her kids, Felix and Ophelia, are the kind of family that make this work feel timeless. From Felix’s first session as a baby to their fall portraits near Wilkerson Pass, and now their adventure at The Paint Mines, their bond has always been the heart of the story.

This session was full of running, laughter, and the kind of big, anchoring hugs that say everything about love. In this post, I share their Paint Mines family session, why permits matter at this protected park, and why these three will always remind me what family photography is truly about.

When Tabetha’s longtime photographer stepped back from sessions, she was determined not to let go of her tradition: annual birthday photos for her daughter, Lileah. In her search for a new family photographer in Colorado Springs, she was drawn to the candid, emotive style that felt closest to what she’d loved before, and what she hoped to keep building as part of her family’s legacy.

This session wasn’t about stiff poses or perfect smiles. It was about catching the details, Lileah’s curls in the sunlight, the laughter as she ran down the steps, the way her mom pointed and whispered, “That’s it. That’s why we’re here.” In this post, I share their story, what to look for when choosing a candid family photographer, and why birthday photo traditions can become one of the most meaningful ways to preserve your family’s history.

When Casandra won my 10-year anniversary session giveaway, it marked the start of a long-awaited dream, finally stepping in front of the camera with her family. We chose Garden of the Gods, one of the best locations for family pictures in Colorado Springs, for its dramatic red rock formations, mountain views, and easy-to-access trails.

From laughter on the mesa to quiet moments framed by golden light, this session felt warm, natural, and full of connection. In this post, I share Casandra’s story, what makes this location ideal for families, and how we created a gallery as timeless as the landscape itself.

When Victoria and Andrew returned to Colorado Springs with their one-year-old son, Noah, they brought more than luggage, they brought a story full of meaning, growth, and quiet joy. Years ago, I documented their elopement at Garden of the Gods. This time, we met in the golden foothills of Cheyenne Mountain State Park to honor their next chapter: parenthood.

This post is more than just a glimpse into a heartfelt family session; it boasts a few ideas for vacationing families who want a meaningful, low-stress experience during their trip to Colorado Springs. If you're looking for kid-friendly outdoor locations, slow moments, and a photographer who meets your family where you are, this one’s for you.

Karissa and Saylor have trusted me with their memories more times than I can count. This time, we ventured all the way to Lake City, Colorado, for a session on Goose Island Bridge, a hidden gem stretching across Lake San Cristobal, now famous thanks to TikTok. Karissa planned the session as part of her birthday adventure, renting a cabin and making it a whole weekend for just the two of them.

We wandered the bridge, skipped stones, and soaked in mountain light that felt like pure Colorado magic. The connection between them is what keeps me coming back to sessions like these. Goose Island Bridge is definitely a spot I’d return to in a heartbeat for anyone dreaming of photos that feel wild, quiet, and deeply true.

Carolyn’s extended family traveled to Colorado Springs for her grandson’s wedding but gathered in Cheyenne Canyon to honor something deeper: the quiet, beautiful bonds of love that hold them together. Despite rainy weather and muddy trails, their session overflowed with tenderness and connection.

Amidst her journey through breast cancer treatment, Carolyn chose to create images that celebrate how much her family loves, laughs, and supports one another. This blog shares a glimpse into their story and the gentle, resilient spirit they radiate.

Watching a family grow through the seasons of life is one of the greatest honors of this work. In this sunny Denver park session, I got to reconnect with a family I’ve photographed since their maternity days, and this time, we were celebrating Remi’s second birthday.

It was full of light, laughter, and the kind of real connection that makes my photographer heart melt. If you’re into heartfelt storytelling, wildflower toddlers, and golden hour goodness, you’re gonna want to click through.

Family photo sessions don’t have to feel stiff or forced. Imagine hiking through the stunning foothills of Colorado Springs, laughing, and connecting with your loved ones while I capture it all. This blog is all about turning your photography session into a true adventure, something that feels as natural as it looks.

I’ll share how you can choose the perfect spot, get your kids engaged in fun activities, and even let go of any expectations to simply enjoy the moment. It’s about more than just pictures; it’s about making memories that feel as real as the mountains around us. Curious? Keep reading to learn how we can turn your family session into a true adventure.

I’ve had the privilege of photographing Allison and Max’s family through some major milestones, from their wedding to welcoming their daughter, Rylee. This session, though, was extra special as we celebrated Rylee’s second birthday with her grandparents visiting from out of town. Red Rock Canyon Open Space set the perfect backdrop for capturing these sweet family moments, as Rylee explored and shared love with her parents and grandparents.

There’s something magical about multi-generational sessions, and this one was full of beautiful memories. From seeing the family grow over the years to witnessing Rylee’s sweet connection with her family, every moment was filled with love and joy. Keep reading to see how we created a space for Rylee to shine, even when she was feeling a little overwhelmed by so many loved ones around.

Some sessions leave a permanent imprint on my soul, and Caitlin’s was one of them. After returning from life-changing journeys in the Amazon and California, I was met with a request that touched my heart in ways I could never have anticipated. Caitlin was coming to Crested Butte to honor her late husband, Jaimie, and the life they had built together. With her dog, Ruger, by her side and mementos of Jaimie’s love surrounding her, she entrusted me to capture these sacred, raw moments. What started as a simple session became something far deeper—a journey through love, loss, and remembrance. To witness Caitlin’s connection to Jaimie and Ruger was an honor, and the images we created became a lasting tribute to their bond. Click through to read the full story, and see how love and loss can transform into a powerful, timeless memory.

Family, friends, and the people who have truly been with you through thick and thin, they’re the ones who leave the most lasting impact. And for me, this incredible family has been all that and more. I’ve had the privilege of knowing them for years, watching their beautiful journey unfold, and documenting their milestones through my lens.

It feels like just yesterday when I photographed Cayden for his first birthday, and now, here I am, capturing moments with not one, not two, but three of their wonderful children: Cayden, Rylen, and Parker. Watching them grow up has been such an honor, and it’s not just the kids I’ve seen grow, it’s the love between mom and dad, and their unwavering support for me that has blossomed into something truly special.

The bond we share goes beyond photography; it's about real life, real connections, and real love. It’s also about tattoos. Yes, you heard that right! This amazing dad has been the talented artist behind the ink on my arms, a gift that’s tied our families even closer. Every session we do feels like we’re capturing more than just photos; it feels like we're documenting pieces of my own story intertwined with theirs.

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.

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?