Family Sandy Patterson Family Sandy Patterson

Adoption in Colorado Springs Family 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 imageβ€”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 imageβ€”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 tearsβ€”oh, the tears!β€”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.

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First Birthday Session at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

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.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space First Birthday Family Session

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.

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Maternity, Couples Sandy Patterson Maternity, Couples Sandy Patterson

Maternity Session at Red Rock Canyon in Colorado Springs

Jess and I met when I did some consulting work for the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado. She sat in a desk area near mine and would help me proofread my important emails, haha. She is great at grammar and is a saint truth be told. I am so thankful that she asked me to help her document her first pregnancy with a maternity session.

I remember seeing their pregnancy announcement on social media. She and Andrew posted a photo of both of them eating all the things out of the fridge to illustrate the joys of becoming a mother and father, haha. It was pretty fun. In the back of my mind, I was sending them vibes to reach out to me because I wanted to document that bump when she got bigger. Yes!!

Colorado Springs Red Rock Canyon Maternity Session

Jess and I met when I did some consulting work for the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado. She sat in a desk area near mine and would help me proofread my important emails, haha. She is great at grammar and is a saint truth be told. I am so thankful that she asked me to help her document her first pregnancy with a maternity session.

I remember seeing their pregnancy announcement on social media. She and Andrew posted a photo of both of them eating all the things out of the fridge to illustrate the joys of becoming a mother and father, haha. It was pretty fun. In the back of my mind, I was sending them vibes to reach out to me because I wanted to document that bump when she got bigger. Yes!!

Andrew and Jess let me hang out with them over at Red Rock Canyon Open Space. There are several areas at this Colorado Springs Open Space but this specific one is one of my favorites. Jess said she liked the red rocks too so it was a great fit! Andrew and Jess, thank you for spending time with me! I cannot wait to meet your sweet babe!

Friend, are you having a sweet babe soon and want to hang out with me too? I would love to look over locations with you and find the perfect spot to document this amazing time in your life. You can check out information on my Maternity Sessions via the button below. Talk soon!

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Colorado Springs Family Session in the Red Rocks

Living in Colorado Springs is certainly an adventure. Not only because we have the BEST views IMO but also because the turnover rate for folks coming and going is super high. We are a military town at our core. I have met so many families who end up leaving for their next duty station and it’s always such a sad thing for me. Thank goodness for social media and the ability to follow along with them, even though they aren’t here.

Being a military town also means that there are a ton of photographers who also come and go along with their families and military moves. While it is true that my husband retired from the Army a few years back, we have decided to stay here and keep living that Colorado dream.

Red Rocks Family Photography Session in Colorado Springs

I have got to hang out with Lindsey and her family for several years now. First, with tiny Craig when he was just a babe. Then to document the arrival of sweet miss Darby and now, for the last time before they moved away from our beautiful state.

Living in Colorado Springs is certainly an adventure. Not only because we have the BEST views IMO but also because the turnover rate for folks coming and going is super high. We are a military town at our core. I have met so many families who end up leaving for their next duty station and it’s always such a sad thing for me. Thank goodness for social media and the ability to follow along with them, even though they aren’t here.

Being a military town also means that there are a ton of photographers who also come and go along with their families and military moves. While it is true that my husband retired from the Army a few years back, we have decided to stay here and keep living that Colorado dream.

That means that I get to continue to grow this little business of mine into something truly robust and authentic. When you book your session with me, you can rest knowing that I truly know the β€œSprings” and all that it has to offer. I continually scout locations to find the best places to hang out with you and yours. I get to know our area and LOVE it with my whole heart.

Have you been thinking of booking a session with someone who truly knows the area they shoot in? I’m the person for you. Let me work with you to find the PERFECT spot for you and your family. The perfect spot for the ages of your kiddos. To let them explore and stay safe. Let me take you on a hike and explore an area that you didn’t know existed. Let me know you the beauty that often hides in plain sight. Let’s play! You can read info on my family session via the button below. Let’s connect!

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Family 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.

Front Range Colorado Family Session

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!

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