Golden Hour Family Session at Brainard Lake

There are some locations that just steal your heart every single time, and Brainard Lake is one of them. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park, this spot is pure magic—especially at golden hour when the light spills over the peaks, the lake turns to glass, and the whole landscape glows. It’s the kind of place that feels straight out of a dream, and honestly? It’s one of my absolute favorite locations for family sessions in Colorado.

This sweet family has been in front of my camera more times than I can count, and every time, it’s a little different. From cozy newborn sessions at home to crisp fall mini sessions, they always bring so much love and adventure to our time together. And this time? This time we went all in with a stunning mountain session at Brainard Lake during golden hour.

Why Brainard Lake is the Perfect Family Photo Location

If you’re looking for a Colorado family session location that’s both accessible and breathtaking, let me introduce you to Brainard Lake:

Easily walkable – No strenuous hiking required! Perfect for little kids, grandparents, and families who want effortless beauty. Stunning mountain views – The Indian Peaks Wilderness creates a jaw-dropping backdrop in every direction. Golden hour magic – The light here? It’s next level. Warm, dreamy, cinematic. Wildlife sightings – Moose are known to wander through (from a safe distance, of course!). Adventure optional – If you want to level up, there are nearby trails for families who want to add a little hike into their session.

And the best part? This location is great for my clients visiting from out of state because you get those epic Rocky Mountain views without a long trek. Brainard Lake is truly a versatile location—whether you want a relaxed, easy-going session by the water or a more adventurous feel, this spot delivers.

A Family Full of Love, Connection & Adventure

Every time I photograph this family, it feels like catching up with old friends. They are so deeply connected, full of warmth, and always up for an adventure. It seems like every time we meet, there’s a new sweet addition to their crew, and watching their family grow has been such an honor.

For this session, we took our time exploring different areas of Brainard Lake. The kids ran through the trails and trees, twirled by the water, and snuggled into their parents as the sun set behind the mountains. There were so many sweet little in-between moments—tiny hands gripping mom’s dress, a soft hug by all, the boys making each other laugh as they tossed pebbles into the water. These are the moments that make family photography so special. Real moments. Real connection.

Making Your Family Session Effortless & Fun

I get it—family photos can feel overwhelming. What do we wear? What if the kids won’t cooperate? How do we make it feel natural? But here’s the thing: you don’t have to worry about a thing.

I’ll send you a prep guide to help with outfits, timing, and making sure you feel totally ready.

I’ll guide you through natural, fun prompts that bring out genuine moments.

I create a relaxed, easygoing space where your family can just be yourselves.

If little ones need breaks? Totally fine. We’ll go at their pace.

The result? A gallery full of images that truly feel like YOU.

My goal is to create a space where you can show up, be present, love on your people, and let me take care of the rest.

Ready for Your Own Mountain Family Session?

Golden hour isn’t just a photographer’s buzzword—it’s the best time of day for light that is soft, warm, and completely flattering. At Brainard Lake, the sun dips behind the mountains in the most breathtaking way, giving everything a dreamy glow. This is when the magic happens.

Imagine your family wrapped in the golden light, the sky painted in soft pinks and oranges, and the mountains standing tall in the background. It’s pure Colorado magic at its finest.

If you’ve been dreaming of a golden hour family session in the mountains, Brainard Lake might just be the perfect spot for you. Whether you’re local to Colorado or visiting from out of state, let’s create something magical together.

Generational Family Session at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

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.

A Sun-Soaked Maternity Session in the Colorado Mountains

A Growing Love Story: Laura, David & Liv

Some families just feel like home. That’s exactly how it feels every time I step into a session with Laura and David. We’ve been on this journey together since they were expecting their daughter, Liv, and now, years later, we’re celebrating the arrival of their newest little love—a baby boy, due any day now.

From their first maternity session at Garden of the Gods to their sun-drenched family session last year in the mountains, each moment has been filled with so much warmth and connection. This most recent maternity session, once again up in the mountains near their home, was no exception. It was golden, peaceful, and filled with the kind of love that makes you slow down and soak it all in.

Following Families As They Grow

There’s something incredibly special about documenting a family’s story over the years. I’ve watched Laura and David step into parenthood with such grace, capturing Liv’s newborn session in the comfort of their home and later seeing her grow into the most joyful, adventurous little girl. Now, as they prepare to welcome their son, I can’t help but feel honored to be part of this next chapter.

Maternity sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. They’re not just about the baby bump; they’re about the journey—the deep love between partners, the excitement of a sibling waiting to meet their baby brother, and the quiet, tender moments before life changes in the most beautiful way.

An Invitation Into a Family’s Most Sacred Space

One of the greatest honors in my work is being invited into a family’s home during those early newborn days. I’ll be photographing Laura and David’s in-home newborn session soon, and I already know it’s going to be filled with all the sweetness that comes with welcoming a new baby.

Laura and I had an instant connection from the beginning, but I knew we were kindred spirits when I noticed a beautiful piece of art in their home during Liv’s newborn session. When I commented on it, she told me she had found it on the side of the road in New York—my kind of gal! Those little moments, the things that make each family uniquely them, are what make these sessions so incredibly meaningful.

Ready to Document Your Family’s Journey?

If you’re expecting a little one and want more than just a maternity session—if you want to document your growing family in a way that feels natural, connected, and deeply personal—I would love to be the one to tell your story. Whether it’s a sun-soaked maternity session, a cozy in-home newborn session, or capturing your family’s milestones as the years pass, I’m here for all of it.

Let’s create something beautiful together. Reach out to book your Colorado maternity or newborn session today!

Adventure Family Photography Session at Eleven Mile State Park

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.

Want to come long on an adventure with me? Soon, I will be adding some “bucket list” locations to my location catalog. These are locations that I have scouted but not yet photographed in. I get so excited for new spaces and I can promise you that it will be a wild and worthwhile ride. Let’s connect?