Colorado Springs Photographer Blog
Generational Family Session at Red Rock Canyon Open Space
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.
There are just some families that feel like old friends. You know what I mean? The kind where you show up with your camera, and it feels less like work and more like catching up, with a little lens in between. That’s exactly how it is with Allison, Max, and now their sweet girl, Rylee.
From Just the Two of Them to a Family of Three
I met Allison and Max right after they tied the knot, and we did this dreamy little session tucked away in Cheyenne Canon, surrounded by the wild Colorado beauty that just fits them. It’s been such a gift watching their story unfold, especially when I got to document their journey into parenthood.
From their maternity session to those sweet, sleepy newborn days with Rylee, I’ve been lucky enough to freeze time for them. And now? Somehow, we’re already here. Celebrating Rylee’s second birthday. (I know. Don’t even get me started—time is a thief.)
Celebrating Rylee’s 2nd Birthday with Family at Red Rock Canyon Open Space
This session was extra special because it wasn’t just the three of them. Max’s parents, his dad and stepmom and his mom, all came into town to celebrate Rylee turning two. And y’all, what better way to mark the occasion than gathering everyone at Red Rock Canyon Open Space for a family session?
If you haven’t been, Red Rock Canyon is one of those spots that screams Colorado Springs, red rocks towering over winding trails, open skies, and mountain views that honestly never get old. It’s perfect for extended family photos because there’s room to roam (and let’s be real, toddlers need to roam).
Real Life Moments, Because Toddlers Are Gonna Toddler
Rylee showed up exactly how two-year-olds do, with all the big feelings. Being the center of attention with so many people around felt a little overwhelming at first. But honestly? That’s where the magic happens.
Instead of forcing anything, we let Rylee set the pace. We created space for her to explore, snuggle her mom and dad when she needed that safe spot, and slowly warm up to having everyone around. What we captured wasn’t just posed smiles, but the real moments. The way she clung to her mama. The way Max kept cracking jokes to pull a giggle out of her. The way everyone lit up just watching her be her wild, beautiful little self.
A Target Run, a Birthday Surprise, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Funny enough, I actually ran into Allison, Max, Rylee, and Max’s mom at Target just a few days before our session. (Because where else does all of Colorado Springs bump into each other, right?) It happened to be Rylee’s actual birthday, and they were headed to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, one of the absolute best spots in town for a birthday adventure.
If you’ve never been, that zoo is such a gem. Set right up against the mountains, it’s got views for days, and honestly, the giraffe feeding deck is reason enough to go. I ended up slipping Rylee five bucks to buy lettuce for those giraffes (because obviously feeding giraffes on your birthday is a rite of passage, right?).
Word on the street is they’re opening a new exhibit next year, so if you’re visiting or local, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Why Extended Family Sessions Matter
This session was such a good reminder of why I love extended family shoots. These moments don’t happen all the time, family flying in, grandparents seeing their grandbaby turn two, the whole crew gathered in one of the prettiest spots Colorado Springs has to offer.
Photographs like these? They’re heirlooms. They’re the kind of images that get pulled out years down the road, the kind Rylee will show her babies one day. And it’s such an honor to be the one to tell that story.
Ready to Book Your Own Family Session?
If you’re dreaming of capturing your own family’s story, whether it’s just your little crew or the whole extended family, I’d love to be the one behind the camera.
Whether we’re wandering through Red Rock Canyon Open Space, exploring the trails at Cheyenne Canyon, or chasing giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, let’s make some magic together.
Colorado Springs Adoption Family Photography Session
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 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 born. 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.
The courtroom was filled with the most important people in Kai’s life. His biological mom, Lexi, was there, standing in love for her son and for Chelsea and Alec. She has been a rock throughout this process, supporting the adoption wholeheartedly. Lexi’s love for Kai is immense, and her decision to stay a big part of his life is nothing short of incredible. She’s not stepping back; she’s staying close, loving him every step of the way.
Also the foster family who cared for Kai during his first five months was there. These unsung heroes Kai with a foundation of love and safety, and their presence at the adoption ceremony was a powerful reminder of the village it takes to raise a child. Their support was palpable, their smiles genuine, and their hearts full.
The judge’s voice filled the room, a few sniffles could be heard, and then those magic words were spoken. Kai was officially, legally, and forever the son of Chelsea and Alec. The room erupts in cheers, and the tears, oh, the tears!, are flowing freely. Kai, with his wide, curious eyes, is at the center of it all, cradled in the arms of his parents who have loved him fiercely from day one.
This day was a game-changer. It reaffirmed the faith in the power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the beauty of family in all its forms.
To Kai, who now has an even bigger circle of love around him. To his parents, who have fought tooth and nail for this moment. To Lexi, whose bravery and love have made this all possible. And to the foster family, whose early care set Kai on the path to this happy ending.
I feel so grateful for the time I got to spend with these friends on their momentous day. Lucky me.
Feeling inspired? If you’ve got a story to tell and memories to capture, hit me up. Let’s create something amazing together.
First Birthday Family Session at Red Rock Canyon
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.
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.
The moments that your children are truly themselves, that is what you want to remember, am I right? The curious look in their eyes when they look at insects or rocks on the ground. The contagious laughter that bounds out of their bellies when you adventure along with them in the mountains. Those are the authentic moments that really matter.
Do you want to document your authenticity? I do. Let’s chat and curate a session from start to finish that will allow you and your family to open up and connect.
Family Photography Session Along the Front Range in Colorado Springs
Leticia and her crew were as fun-loving and they were absolutely adorable. Her two sweet girls and her husband met me at one of my favorite new locations and we explored our hearts out. We adventured by the red rocks, on fallen cottonwood trees, snuggling up on blankets, hiking up paths, and secret staircases. It was like a fairytale.
Leticia and her crew were as fun-loving and they were absolutely adorable. Her two sweet girls and her husband met me at one of my favorite new locations and we explored our hearts out. We adventured by the red rocks, on fallen cottonwood trees, snuggling up on blankets, hiking up paths, and secret staircases. It was like a fairytale.
Fall is the busiest season for a photographer and, right on cue, this fall was my busiest season I have ever had during my photography career. I love it and am so thankful for Leticia and her fam bam along with all the other families I got to hang out with over the past few months.
I am looking forward to the winter months and the calm it brings with being an outdoor photographer. I know I will be booking less, so that makes me a tad sad, but I also know that Colorado weather is pretty awesome still in the winter so I am also looking forward to some amazing chilly weather sessions in the next few months!
Are you looking to book a winter session? I would love to hang with you and your family. Click the button below to check out my family session info and see if booking a session with me is right for you and yours! See you soon!
