Garden of the Gods Rainy Elopement in Colorado Springs

When Megan reached out, asking me to photographer her elopement to Dylan, I could feel the excitement. I could also feel her desire to finally get married to the man so loves so dearly. Megan and Dylan faced so many hurtles while trying to plan their ceremony. Failed plans in Hawaii, and failed plans in the states both. Totally not fair. They needed this. They needed to finally be able to do this.

They traveled to me from Missouri. Getting here was no easy feat either. Some extra TSA agents at the airport made Megan’s trip not so pleasant. Car rental troubles (whyyyy do they give people under 25 so many rules??) and then, RAIN. Oh, the rain. It rained during their entire elopement but, you know what? They did it anyway. Megan and Dylan didn’t care. They wanted this to happen so badly that they went with the flow. I was there to capture it.

I will admit, shooting in the rain is not ideal, not at all, but hey, we go with it, especially when they were only in town for a short while and my calendar was full for the rest of their stay. It is supposed to be good luck when it rains on your wedding day, and lucky we got. As they were exchanging rings, lightning stuck by the mountains, and we got it in frame. That hardly ever happens and it feels so fun.

I am proud of these images. I am so happy to be delivering this gallery of love. A gallery that incorporates things important to them. Namely, Grandma and Grandpas tokens of love. A way for them to be present during these intimate moments. A broach and a hankie. Perfect for the day. Megan and Dylan also read letters they wrote to one another while sitting in the rain. It was magnificent and so genuine.

Thank you so much for including me in your day. I truly appreciate you both and wish you nothing but a lifetime of happiness, kindness, grace, and love for one another.

Are you here reading about their elopement and wondering if it is something you might want to do? The answer is yes. Do it. Take that leap of faith and have me along for the ride. Thinking about planning your Colorado Elopement? After seeing these images, of course you are! Let’s connect!

Family Photography Session While on Vacation in Colorado

Did you know that about 35% of the sessions I have each year are for families and couples that are vacationing in our beautiful state? This beautiful family came in from Oklahoma. LeAnna reached out to me about scheduling a session during their stay up the mountain from Colorado Springs. She was able to take a look at my booking calendar and see what dates aligned with their vacation dates.

LeAnna and her family adventured to this new location I found while hiking last month. I was floored as I had never been here before. So dang beautiful. It was the perfect backdrop for LeAnna’s “Colorado Feel” request for what their location looks like. I love incorporating the environment into every session I have and this location proved to provide just that.

When we had our pre-session video call, I got to meet LeAnna and her husband, Mike. We chatted about what their session would look like and why they are choosing to document their family during their vacation. They said that they had not had any professional pictures taken, they loved the beautiful scenery in Colorado, and they felt most connected when they were on vacation in their special place here.

I mean, that makes total sense. When you take a vacation in Colorado, you are surrounded by the natural beauty that our mountains, foothills, and prairies hold. You are also with the ones you love in a generally stress-free environment. No work. No school. Just lovely times in our lovely mountains. I would love to document you and your loves during your adventure here. Let me take you on a journey to see our beautiful mountains and open spaces.

LeAnna, Mike, and all those sweet babes, I know you will love your gallery. I know it will bring you back to this place where you got to spend your time truly together. It will bring back the warm feeling of the Colorado sun on your skin and the happy in your heart that comes with seeing your family happy too.

Are you taking a vacation to Colorado? I would love to connect with you! Let me create a session for you that will make you swoon. Let me show you your love for each other. The tangible. The real.

Colorado Springs Family Maternity Session in Cheyenne Canyon

Stephanie reached out to me several months ago about booking both her maternity session and her newborn session with me. Guys, she bought this dress in January of this this year. I could tell that this day was important to her because of the forethought she had put in so I knew I had to make sure her gallery reflected the true nature of their love.

I am so lucky to be able to document them again when sweet babe is born. For them to trust me to create beautiful timeless galleries, that means the world to me. I cannot to snuggle your tiny squish Steph. It is going to be perfect chaos along with some tender quiet moments. You are going to love it.

If you are sitting there reading through this post, I am guessing that you either know Steph or you have thought about having a session with me. If you know Steph, welcome, isn’t she and her broad gorgeous? If you are here because you have been thinking about working with me, what is stopping you? Let’s make this magic happen and document your family’s love story.

At-Home Family Photography Session in Black Forest, Colorado

I remember the day I met Paul. I was working for the Quad Innovation Partnership and my client was the Better Business Bureau and the Colorado Institute for Social Impact. I had a desk in their office and Paul was the new guy. I remember him always being super kind and thoughtful. He was always smiling.

Fast forward a few months later and Paul and his then partner Dave reached out to me to photograph their wedding. It was amazing and full of love and family. At the time, Paul and Dave were trying to adopt. Shortly after their wedding, I found out that they were chosen to be the dads to a baby girl they named Amelia.

I have watched Amelia grow with her “dada’s” over the past year and I can tell you, she has the sweetest life. She is smart and kind and did I mention smart? She said my name during our session together several times, and each time, my heart was SO full.

I loved documenting this celebration of her first trip around the sun. I feel like family and I am thankful for that. When I get to work with families over the course of years, we grow together and it just feels so darn good. I cannot wait to watch Miss Amelia grow in an amazing person.

Interested in working with me to document your love? I would love to connect. Click the button below to check out family session information. Push play on the slideshow above to see what a session with me could look like and check out my favorites from their session below.

Family Photography Session at Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs

This location is one of my favorites. It used to be one I hated to go to, then I got creative. I had a few clients request that we use this space and it forced me to revisit it and look at the location through a new lens. I needed to re-find the beauty that I couldn’t see.

I came here a few months ago with my daughter to check it out again. I always see photographers shooting here, however, I hardly see them walking more than 100 feet from the parking lot. I want to adventure with my clients so naturally, I went deeper into the park. I found a beautiful rocky space that was hidden in the trees.

Adventure and soul are the things that drive me to create. When I thought about having a session here, I was excited again. I was renewed. Leslie and her family explored, adventured and loved on each other in the fields by the mountains and we had the best time as you can see from their gorgeous gallery and slideshow (push play on the image above this text).

Do you want to go on an adventure with your family and have me document your time together?

Can I capture your love?

2020 Graduation Session in Downtown Colorado Springs

Documenting the relationships we have with others is important. Caroline has spent the last several years of her life pursuing her BSN. Her son, Gabe, has been there with her every step of the way.

When Caroline reached out for a session to document her graduation from the UCCS BSN program, I naturally wanted Gabe to be part of the session. Not only was this day about her, it was also about their journey together and how important that was.

I know first hand what it’s like to go through college with your kiddos by your side. They are your biggest cheerleaders and they are the ones who keep you going when you feel like your head might explode.

I know that when they look back at these images, they will remember what they had to get through to get to where they are now. Non traditional college students hold a huge space in my heart. I see you. Let’s document it.

Did you just graduate from college? If you love the images below, let’s talk about how we can document your journey too. I would love to give you these tangible memories that you can hold on to.

Adventure Engagement Session in Cheyenne Wyoming

Shelby and her handsome rancher fiance Brady were put in contact with me through Breanna Rein of Rein Photography, she’s a Nebaska Family Photographer. Shelby was looking for a wedding photographer and our styles and vibe were similar, we were a match waiting to happen.

Shelby and I carefully planned out their Rocky Mountain National Park engagement session. Things didn’t go quite as planned when COVID-19 forced the park closed and for us to reevaluate our options to get them the engagement session they had waited so long for.

We made a new plan to meet in Cheyenne, Wyoming at a location that I can only say surprised me. It was beautiful, in the middle of nowhere, and all ours to explore.

My daughter and I drove up early the day of their session and scouted this new haven. So much to see and the day was so beautiful. I hiked over 8 miles that day looking for the perfect spots to take them. It was worth every aching muscle a few days after haha.

Shelby and Brady hiked with me, through the marsh, along the trails and explored barefoot by the water. It was the perfect day that sealed with the most amazing sun-soaked sunset. The light drenched us and it made my soul feel warm and happy.

Going on adventures with beautiful couples for their engagement session makes for days that I can be thankful for. Days that I can remember and that they can remember too. These are my favorite images from their engagement session in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Boho Family Mountain View Session in Colorado Springs

I have gotten to hang out with this family three times now, each time thinking “I will never top that” and each time being pleasantly surprised that it was more before than the time before. I have gotten to watch little Miss Annie and her sister Edith grow and their personalities change.

I love that part of this job. To be someone’s family photographer. To build and foster relationships with my clients. If you want a photographer that really knows you and your kids, I am your girl. I feel that when I get to know my family’s better, I can document their story better.

I send all of my clients a questionnaire before our time together to better understand their family dynamic and, more importantly, their why. Your why is the heart and soul of our time together and it creates a feeling of warmth and love, even though we just met.

Getting to know you helps me create a gallery that reflects who your family is and the love you share. These are my favorites from Mary Louisa’s family session. These images tell their story. Can I help you tell yours? Interesting in booking your family session with me? You can click the button below for more info.

First Birthday Session in Colorado Springs with Mountain Views

The Sloans and I met this past fall during a mini session. Their sweet girl had the biggest prettiest eyes ever. Getting to see Eleanor again, and to document her first birthday was such a special thing. Seeing families, again and again, makes for fast introductions and lots of time to explore, adventure, and play.

Eleanor is learning how to walk and we had great times letting her play in the grass. She wasn’t quite sure about the shoes, haha. I am sure all you mama’s can relate. It was such a lovely time in her life to document, and Jill, I know you will love this gallery so much. Eleanor’s personality just shines in the images. Happy Sweet Birthday to her, your baby girl. Thank you for letting me tag along for your adventure with her.

COVID-19 Strength and Rainbows in Colorado Springs

What strange and stressful times we are in the thick of right now. Each day brings news of more sickness and we are all praying for and end to this madness. We are lucky. We are not sick. We are not completely broke (yet) and we have our family to hold onto.

Neighborhood rainbow hunts are something communities across the world are doing in order to spread love and hope for all that pass by. Yesterday, we rolled up our sleeves to spread joy and happiness. Our twins (I am a bonus mama to them, did you know that?), Emma and Jack painted their own versions of happiness with rainbows. Here is their love for you during this COVID-19 mess.

Colorado Self-Love Mountain Session

I first met Celi during an extended family session back in December of last year. She and her family gathered together for short 15 minutes on a chilly day and we made magic near the mountains. Celi reached out to me shortly after, sharing with me that she wanted to work with me on a project where she would be the main subject. She was interested in doing a “non-traditional headshot” session for her blog and her real estate business.

When a client schedules a session with me, we also schedule a time to talk about their session, a pre-session meeting. Sometimes clients prefer to do these over video chat and not so often, in person. Celi wanted to meet in person and I am so glad we did.

During our hour long conversation at Loyal Coffee in Downtown Colorado Springs (my favorite place to meet clients), Celi and I talked about her “why”. Why did she want this session? What did it mean to her? This conversation was an especially important one to have as I normally photograph families and this session was quite different.

Celi started talking about her life when I asked her about her why. She has been a caregiver in one form or another her whole life. She spoke lovingly of the people she cared for. Her parents, siblings, children. I could tell that she genuinely enjoyed that time, and now, now, she was reaching a time now that will allow her to focus more on herself. A time that will allow her to reinvent herself. Re-find herself. Discover herself all over again. That was her why and it gave me the fuel to make our time together exactly what she needed.

She danced to mariachi music swirling around a sarape, she wore clothes that brought her back to her Mexican roots and she incorporated her sisters' pashmina for a session that truly reflected the beauty that she most certainly is. Towards the end of our session, I asked Celi to sit quietly and reflect on the things that she hopes for herself this year and the why behind those things.

She chose to share one of those thoughts with me. She told me that, to her, our lives do not exist merely for ourselves and what we want out of life. Instead, we exist to be able to intersect with others. To share our experiences and our journeys so that we might be able to feel like one big interwoven society of human beings. That is some powerful stuff. She cried, I cried.

Celi, I am so thankful for your heart. Your selfless and kind heart. You make me want to sing and dance and share the love I have and the journey I have been on with others. I know you are going to do amazing things this year and beyond. I cannot wait to see where you go.

Here are some of my favorites from our time together, before the state stay at home order. Before the chaos really hit home. This was my last official session before we were told we can’t anymore. I am hoping that this will all be over soon and our loved ones will be with us and we can hug tight those who we haven’t been able to in so long. Until then. Here is Celi in her beauty.

Colorado Family Photographer Mentorship Session

Alex and her family were so sweet to model for a shoot along mentorship session with a budding photographer here in Colorado Springs. The process for my family shoot along mentorships involves choosing a family together. From creating the model call graphic and posts to the final selection, mentees are with me every step of the process. There were so many beautiful families that reached out. We ultimately chose the Miller family because they had 3 children, a boy and two girls. Their family was what my mentee was looking for, big with lots of opportunity for interaction and play. They were also perfect for what I look for to capture and teach during the mentorship.

My family session shoot along mentorships focus on harnessing connection, authenticity, and adventure within families. We worked together to help our client style clothing with the use of Style & Select’s online wardrobe styling services (pssst…if you use this code, WILDPRAIRIE10, you’ll get 10% off your first year, hoorah!) and reviewed clothing choices together to help our client look their best. Alex was so super sweet and flexible when it came to clothing and I appreciated her willingness to create a session of my mentee’s dreams. Their family is gorgeous and their clothing choice created a classic and timeless look for their final gallery as you can see in the slideshow above and a handful of my favorites from their session below.

If you have been wondering what a mentorship with me looks like, please reach out. I am happy to explain the process and work with you to create the session of your dreams with a family that shows their love in authentic ways for you and your camera. Come hang out with me. Let’s eat dinner together and talk about your fears and strengths. Let’s explore your portfolio. Let me help you understand white balance and metering light. Let’s work together to uncover your potential. I want to help. You can get started by clicking on the button below to read a little bit about mentorship inclusions and pricing. I would love to journey along with you and see you shine. xo

Cheyenne Canyon Couples Session in Colorado Springs

I first met Yulia during my time working for the Quad Innovation Partnership at Colorado College. While working for the Quad, I spent a lot of my time in the basement of Loyal Coffee in downtown Colorado Springs, where the Quad hosts its student-lead programs. Yulia was always so extra sweet to me and I felt drawn to her vibe, if that’s even a thing. She also makes the BEST toast. Ask my daughter, Emma, she will agree.

Yulia and I got to chatting and she told me that she was engaged. I love to give back to those who make me feel extra special so I offered her a no strings attached engagement session for her and her love. Partly because it feels wonderful to be able to give back to those who deserve it and partly because there is something special about “shooting for yourself”. Creative freedom is something that I want to keep alive in my soul and Yulia was so sweet and let me run with their session.

I always meet clients prior to their session (yes, ALL of my clients save mini sessions) and during that meeting, Yulia said something I will carry with me always. When I asked her what she loved most about her relationship with Logan, she didn’t take much time to ponder and told me that she loves how each day is like a new high for her. Some relationships start off high and you are continually trying to get that feeling back. For Yulia and Logan, their relationship started slowly and continues to build, one day upon the next, getting better with each breath. I can’t top that. Wow. What a love.

Here are some of my favorites from their session. They show their authentic love. They show their soulful connection. These images highlight simple love. The best kind.

In-Home Newborn Lifestyle Session in Colorado Springs

I made a few goals at the beginning of the year. One of which was to photograph more in-home newborn sessions. Particularly ones with older siblings. 2020 opened right out of the gate with this beautifully crafted in-home session to celebrate the birth of Baby Mia. Big brothers Liam and Bro bro were clearly smitten with their new baby sister. One of my favorite images from our time together is one where Liam is looking at his little brother who is looking at their baby sister. You can see in Liams eyes and his smile that, even if he doesn’t know it or understand it yet, he is proud of his little brother. He finally gets to be a big brother too. So darn sweet.

Janine and her family were so kind to allow me to come into their home just days after sweet Mia was born. Their connection was palpable and their adventurous spirit was alive. Baby Mia will grow up in a home filled with genuine connection and love, there is nothing better that I can think of. Janine, thank you for trusting me to document this celebration of life with your baby girl. Girl, you guys are so beautiful.

Family Session at Pinnacle Mountain State Park with Colorado Photographer

My family and I recently visited Arkansas to celebrate my father-in-laws birthday. I had only met him once before and tickets were dirt cheap so it felt like the perfect opportunity to get to know him better. We enjoyed the time we spent and make some memories that I will be forever grateful for.

I started looking over my plans for this year, business-wise and realized that I am going to be doing quite a bit of traveling. Of course, that got my wheels turning and with the blessing of my sweet husband, I decided to offer a limited number of travel sessions during these trips. I just got back from my first one and WOW, all I can say is that it felt amazing to shoot in a place foreign to me. Abbie owns and operates Peace Love Photography - AR in Little Rock, Arkansas.

On the morning of her family session, I scouted out Pinnacle Mountain State Park and found twisted trees, a creek, texture, light and all the things I could have hoped for. Abbie and her boys met me that evening and we strolled as though we were old friends watching her boys play. It was magical and moving. Abbie has the heart of a boy mom, I can tell. They love her with all their might. Always someone holding her hand or asking for a kiss. Her oldest, Greyson, fell into the water a bit, she didn’t even flinch. She laughed it off and we carried on. Abbie, you are such a truly sweet soul.

Shooting in a new space made me feel alive. It made me feel growth and excitement. It made me feel happy. I am looking forward to all of the travel sessions that I have the honor of doing this year and all of the beautiful places I will get to see. Seeing the earth is such a gift. I hope I can always be able to do this beautiful thing that I love and reach for all that I could dream. Thank you, Abbie and boys, for allowing me to document this love you hold in your hearts. Much love mama. -S

Mountain View Family Session with Colorado Springs Photographer

When Diana said she wanted to have her fall family session take place at her house I will admit, I was quite skeptical. Little did I know that this mama knew what she was talking about. This space is located directly behind their home. Beautiful views of the Front Range and plenty of space to roam with her family of 5.

I met Diana last year when I photographed her daughter for her baptism. I feel so grateful when I get to meet families again and again. Documenting their growth as the years go by.

This time, the whole family joined in and I have to say, they were magnificent. They moved together through the landscape and played to their hearts content. These sessions fill me. To the brim.

Oceanside California Street Photography by Colorado Springs Photographer

In October, I was able to travel to Oceanside California due to another photography obligation. I had booked an Airbnb for my stay. A beyond cute little vintage RV (you can find it here). While there I took a full day to myself and walked down to the shoreline.

I took my shoes off and walked in the sand, the waves reaching my toes only every so often. Me keeping my distance from anything major that might pull me (I am not too fond of big waves, hence my overreaction, haha). Everyone with a camera stopped and chatted with me. If you have a camera while traveling, you have a friend. I really enjoyed the me time for reflection and solitude.

Here are some favorites from my time in Oceanside.

Click Magazine for Female Photographers: Why I Love It

Are you looking for a publication that supports female artists, encourages growth and success, publishes meaningful articles written by female leaders in the photography industry as well as keeps you up on the latest with gear reviews? Click magazine delivers all of this and more to your mailbox (digital subscriptions too) on a bi monthly basis. 

Click mag is a different kind of photography magazine. One that will inspire you to create, to take chances and to bring out your inner “you can do it” voice. 

Reasons why I love Click:

• Innovative. Articles are written about a variety of topics that are not run of the mill. That is refreshing.

• Personal. I often see the names of my photog friends when reading through the magazine which is so cooool.

• Relevant. Because it is written by women, Click approaches their publication from a women’s point of view. Full of power, love and strength.

• Beautiful. Can we just talk about the images in the mag for a sec? Wow. Drop dead gorgeous. Click is curated magnificently.

• Affordable. At only $22. a year, it’s just a good deal.

• Click is one of a kind and brought to you by a team of amazingly talented female photographers. 

Want to subscribe? Click this link to get going! https://subscribe.pcspublink.com/sub/subscribe.aspx?guid=33584d6d-7014-4bc0-afea-75521bba88bf

ARE YOU STILL READING? GOOD! BECAUSE I AM GIVING AWAY A ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO CLICK MAGAZINE! HEAD OVER TO THE POST ABOUT CLICK ON MY INSTAGRAM @WILD_PRAIRIE_PHOTOGRAPHY OR FACEBOOK PAGE AND TAG A FRIEND TO ENTER! ENTRIES CLOSE MAY 30TH. WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL.

My cat and I love Click and I know you will too!

Colorado Springs Newborn Photographer: Williams Family Welcomes Baby K

On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.

It was just a few short days after Colorado Springs endured a blizzard and the side roads were still partly covered in ice that I made my way to the cozy home of Kristen and Mark to meet their sweet baby, Mr. K. Born at St. Francis Medical Center the week prior, the family was settling into their new routine. I was invited to document the love that was abound. Upon arriving, Kristens dad, Grandpa Dean, welcomed me inside and I could tell this session would be one for the books. Lovely light, lovely family and the sweetest, most perfect boy. The Williams’ home was warm and full of the kind of love you look for in story books. Calmly, Kristen and Mark cradled their sweet son and you could just see the love radiate from their souls. Moose, their ever so much loved cat, was never too far behind as we moved from room to room in their home. She was curious who this person was taking photos of her boy. Ever watchful and protective.

I was so excited to get back home and edit the images of the love I witnessed. Eager to share with them what I see when I look at them. Overjoyed with love and peace, I said a goodbye to the family and made the journey back to my computer to bring their story to life. The story of a beautiful and perfect baby boy.

Colorado Springs Branding Video Model Call for Families

Hello everyone!! I am pleased to announce that I am having a brand film made for Wild Prairie Photography!! The purpose of the model call is to find a family that would love to model for me for this film! The filming will take place on June 20th, 2018 between 6 and 8ish, possibly later. I am looking for a family of four. Any combination of parents is fine (we are inclusive over here!) and two kiddos whose ages range from 3-6 (but feel free to reach out if your kiddos are slightly older or younger) is the ideal model family for this project. This application will stay up for a week or two and then I will review all of the families who would like to do the model call! 

The session will take place in Colorado Springs and have mountain views. To thank the model family for their time, I will be giving them their entire gallery as well as access to the brand film to share and a photomontage of their session with me for free. Thank you, thank you!

It is important to me that the model family chosen is open to allowing me to style their wardrobe. This could involve using clothing you already have if you fit the style I am looking for, or purchasing clothing for the session. I will be there every step of the way with your clothing choices to make sure your look is flawless and the film is amazing!

To let me know you are interested in your family modeling for me, please fill out the form below. Thank you so much to everyone and much love!! <3

-Sandy

P.S. Applications for this model call are now closed. Look for the video coming soon!