Make Your Family Photography Session an Adventure in Colorado Springs

How to Make Your Family Session Feel Like an Adventure

Capturing authentic, adventurous family moments is at the heart of what I do as a Colorado Springs photographer. Family photography doesn’t have to feel stiff, posed, or stressful. In fact, the best sessions feel more like an adventure, where you and your kids get to explore, play, and just be. That’s when the magic happens. That’s when we capture the giggles, the wind in your hair, the way your child’s tiny hand fits in yours.

If the idea of a “photo session” makes you think of forced smiles and rigid poses, let me show you another way. Here’s how we can turn your family photos into an unforgettable experience.

Choose a Location That Sparks Joy

The backdrop for your session sets the tone, so let’s pick a place that feels like you. Love hiking as a family? Let’s wander a forest trail. Prefer barefoot beach days? Let’s chase the waves. Love cozy, at-home moments? We’ll turn your living room into the perfect storytelling space.

Pro tip: Choose a spot where your kids can run, explore, or interact naturally, it keeps the energy high and the stress low!

The backdrop of your session plays a pivotal role in setting the mood. As a seasoned Colorado family photographer, I've had the privilege of photographing all over the Front Range and into our beautiful mountains.

• Garden of the Gods: Majestic red rock formations that provide a dramatic setting.

• Palmer Park: Capture your family's essence against the backdrop of towering peaks.

• Downtown Colorado Springs: Blend urban charm with family warmth.

• “Up the Mountain”: Epic views and all the adventure you can handle.

Embrace Movement and Play

Adventure sessions work best when we lean into the real moments, the ones where your kids are twirling, running into your arms, or laughing at something silly. Instead of standing stiffly, we’ll play games, have tickle fights, or even play games.

Ideas to try during your session:
Running hand-in-hand through a field
Swinging your little one in the air
Exploring a creek or climbing over rocks
A piggyback ride that ends in a fit of giggles

Engage in Activities That Bring Out Genuine Emotions

Adventure sessions thrive on movement and authenticity. Whether it's:

• Hiking the Foothills: Experience nature trails hand-in-hand.

• Picnicking in Memorial Park: Relish simple joys amidst greenery.

• Exploring Old Colorado City: Discover local art and history together (and maybe get an ice cream at OCC Creamery).

  These activities foster natural interactions, leading to heartfelt photographs.

Dress Comfortably & Authentically

Forget the perfectly matched outfits and stiff collars, this is about feeling good. Flowy dresses, barefoot toes, cozy sweaters in the fall, your wardrobe should move with you and fit the adventure we’re creating. Earthy tones, soft fabrics, and layers always photograph beautifully.

Pro tip: Think about what you’d wear for a fun day outdoors, then elevate it just a little.

Your attire should complement the adventure and setting. Opt for:

• Layered Clothing: Adapt to Colorado's varying climates.

• Comfortable Footwear: Essential for exploring diverse terrains.

• Neutral Tones with Pops of Color: Harmonize with natural surroundings.

Let Go of Perfection (The Best Moments Are Unscripted)

Your toddler may refuse to sit still. Your kid might have wild, messy hair from running through the wind. And guess what? That’s perfect. The best family photos aren’t about looking flawless, they’re about looking real. Some of the most breathtaking images come from the unexpected moments:

Your child wrapping their arms around you mid-run

Laughing so hard you forget the camera is there

A quiet moment between you and your partner, completely unposed

When you let go of the idea of the “perfect” photo, that’s when we capture the ones that make you feel.

The most memorable moments often arise spontaneously. As your dedicated Colorado Springs photographer, I've witnessed:

Children's Unfiltered Joy: Genuine laughter during unexpected antics.

Candid Family Interactions: Unposed embraces and shared glances.

Natural Environmental Portraits: Families immersed in the beauty of Colorado's landscapes.

These unplanned instances encapsulate your family's true essence.

Soak in the Moment, It’s More Than Just Photos

At the end of the day, this is about more than getting pictures, it’s about creating memories. Your session is a time to slow down, connect, and see your family through a new lens (literally!). I want you to leave feeling closer, more in love, and grateful for the people who mean the most to you.

Pro tip: Think of this as a family date, not a photoshoot. Bring a blanket for cuddles, pack some snacks, and enjoy the experience.

The essence of adventure photography lies in the journey, not just the images. Engage in:

• Storytelling Sessions: Share tales during a family hike.

• Interactive Games: Foster bonding and genuine expressions.

• Mindful Moments: Pause to appreciate Colorado's serene vistas together.

This approach transforms the session into a cherished family memory.

Ready for an Adventure?

As a Colorado Springs photographer, I'm committed to crafting sessions the result in family photos that feel like you, full of warmth, love, and movement. Whether we’re chasing golden light in the mountains or cozying up at home, I’ll make sure you walk away with images that feel as magical as the moments themselves.

Let’s make it happen, reach out to book your family adventure session today!

Cheyenne Mountain State Park Newborn Photography Session

The family session that was two years in the making. That’s what you are seeing here. Gerald and his family had seen my work long ago, when Gerald’s son Lucas and his mama, Soraya, would hang out with me each year. They lived in the midwest and being so, we didn’t quite get the chance to connect. A few years back Soraya, purchased a gift certificate (yes, I have those!) for Lucas’ dad. Fast forward a few years, they moved here AND had a sweet baby girl. It was fate that our paths did not cross until this very moment. Getting to this moment was like a careful dance. Reschedules dues to COVID, colds, and the weather. It was meant to be on this day. Perfectly beautiful in all the ways. The universe provides.

This is the first time I have worked with a blended family like this. Seeing my little friend, Lucas with his mom and now with his dad, it’s a beautiful thing to take part in. To see the people that sculpt his mind into one that is always curious, inquisitive, respectful, and kind. Co-parenting at its finest, friends. You can see the love that Kayla (his bonus mama) has for Lucas and it reminds me of the love I have for my husband’s children. The kind of love that is so big it hurts in a good way. Kayla and I were chatting about date nights and she said the only person she feels okay with leaving baby girl with right now is Lucas’ mama. How sweet is that? Soraya, I see what happens when you aren’t there mama, trust me when I say, he’s in the best hands.

I cannot wait to see your family grow Gerald and, Soraya, Lucas sure looks a lot like you in these photos. Thank you for trusting me all these years to provide you with tangible proof that you were there, in the thick of motherhood. Gerald, I am forever grateful that you have placed your trust in me too. No longer an “admirer from afar”, I got to hold your baby and I still can’t get over how sweet she is. Eeee!! It’s secretly my favorite part of newborn sessions. I’m like, “this is how we do the couples portraits” but really I just want to snuggle the babe. Ya’ll looked cute though so it works. ha.

I can feel that summer is trying to peek through the clouds and cold days friends. I cannot wait for everything it has in store. I have so many new and seasoned families and couples on the books this year already and I am stoked to get to hang out with them all. I do still have limited availability for summer sessions so it’s been on your mind, be sure to reach out soon so we can start our journey together. I want to be the person that you can rely on to document the messy, the love, the real real.

Rocky Mountain Pregnancy Reveal Family Photography Session

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!

Towards the end of their time with me, Janine whispered in her sweet boy’s ear that she was pregnant, he whispered it to his brother, and then they told their daddy. It was a first for me and such a great moment to be a part of. Can I do this all day every day? Okay, mama’s, give me a call when you want to surprise your bae, I’ll be right there, haha. But seriously, let’s chat!