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.
