Colorado Springs Photographer Blog

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The Importance of Extended Family Photography Sessions

This family traveled to Colorado Springs on vacation and met with me to have an extended family session. To get everyone together and document was so lovely and important. They take a vacation each year and decided that Colorado Springs would be perfect for them this time around.

I wish that when I was a kid and my family and I got together, that we did an extended family session like this. My mom has five sisters and I have 14 cousins. Each year when I was a little girl, most of us would travel to my aunt’s home in Ohio each year for Thanksgiving. I have a bunch of home photos but I can’t remember a time when we ever did a professional session like this.

These sweet humans traveled to Colorado Springs on vacation and met with me to have an extended family session. To get everyone together and document was so lovely and important. They take a vacation each year and decided that Colorado Springs would be perfect for them this time around.

I wish that when I was a kid and my family got together, we did an extended family session like this. My mom has five sisters and I have 14 cousins. Each year when I was a little girl, most of us would travel to my aunt’s home in Ohio for Thanksgiving. I have a bunch of home photos but I can’t remember a time when we ever did a professional session like this.

Looking back, I love those home taken photos but I think that there is just something extra special about everyone being in the frame at once. Enjoying each other’s company to the fullest and having someone else there to capture the authentic happiness a family has.

Sara, thank you for choosing me to show you your sweet family love. Thank you for trusting me with these heirloom images that your children will be able to look back on with joy when they are older. Thank you for reaching out and sharing your vision with m. Thank you for letting me bring it to life. I really appreciate you.

Friend, if you are here reading this and want to chat about your own extended family session, reach out. I am happy to help you craft a time together with me that will truly reflect the authentic nature of your family. Cousins laughing and playing. Mom/Dad (Grandma/Grandpa) watching over everything they created and you bridging that gap in between. Check out my family session information below. It talks a little about my process and what types of family collections I offer. See you soon!

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Deployment Family Photography Session at Ute Valley Park

Clients book family sessions for a variety of reasons. To document birthdays, to celebrate other milestones, yearly updates to portraits for grandparents and family too. Living in a military town brings another reason to schedule a family session; deployment.

Vanessa’s husband is due to deploy soon and she wanted to document the authentic love their family shares one more time before he left for a few months. Documenting the love a family shares is so important, especially when you know you won’t see each other for an extended period of time. To have those images to look at while your loved one is far away, I can think of nothing more precious to hold in your hand.

Clients book family sessions for a variety of reasons. To document birthdays, to celebrate other milestones, yearly updates to portraits for grandparents and family too. Living in a military town brings another reason to schedule a family session; deployment.

Vanessa’s husband is due to deploy soon and she wanted to document the authentic love their family shares one more time before he left for a few months. Documenting the love a family shares is so important, especially when you know you won’t see each other for an extended period of time. To have those images to look at while your loved one is far away, I can think of nothing more precious to hold in your hand.

To prepare for their time with me, Vanessa and her sweet daughter took a trip to my home to try on some of the clothing that I have in my client closet. She also brought over clothing for the rest of her family and I helped her create a color and texture palette that worked well for the location they picked and time of year. Needless to say, they looked so good during their session! Clothing doesn’t always make or break a session but it certainly helps to create a vibe that fits the family perfectly.

Do you think it would be helpful for me to help you and your family create the perfect wardrobe for your time with me? Everyone who books with me gets exclusive access to not only my online wardrobe styling service through Style and Select, they also get to browse through the boho styled clothing I have in my client closet. I have dresses for mama and her sweet girls, rompers, and overalls for the boys, and a little bit of everything in between for styling the whole fam bam. Let’s connect and let me help ease the stress of what to wear!

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Downtown Colorado Springs Siblings Photography Session

Emily and Eli, you two are the sweetest humans and I am so glad that you picked me to document your sibling love. Eli is my daughter, Emma’s best friend. Eli is so special to me, like my own child. Can I be your surrogate mama? You can’t say no. These two peeps have got this siblinghood thing down. I mean, you cannot look through this gallery and tell me that they don’t like each other. More smiling and laughs than going to the damn amusement park.

Emily had been wanting to schedule something with Eli for a while and my daughter finally sent me a “business inquiry” for Emily, haha. I was totally down and we made it happen. I don’t typically shoot downtown Colorado Springs but this really fits them and their personalities to a T. It was perfect, just like them. Thanks for sharing your rawness with me. Your joy with me. Yourselves with me. I love you both with all my heart.

Emily and Eli, you two are the sweetest humans and I am so glad that you picked me to document your sibling love. Eli is my daughter, Emma’s best friend. Eli is so special to me, like my own child. Can I be your surrogate mama? You can’t say no. These two peeps have got this siblinghood thing down. I mean, you cannot look through this gallery and tell me that they don’t like each other. More smiling and laughs than going to the damn amusement park.

Emily had been wanting to schedule something with Eli for a while and my daughter finally sent me a “business inquiry” for Emily, haha. I was totally down and we made it happen. I don’t typically shoot downtown Colorado Springs but this really fits them and their personalities to a T. It was perfect, just like them. Thanks for sharing your rawness with me. Your joy with me. Yourselves with me. I love you both with all my heart.

Thinking of booking a photographer to document the love you have for your sibling(s)? I am your girl! I want to take you on an adventure that allows you to open up and be yourself. I want to document the authentic bond you share and give you a gallery that you can look at for the rest of your lives and know that it was true. Send me a message? Click the button below to drop me a line. Let’s chat and connect and make all the things happen!

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Extended Family Photography Session at Garden of the Gods

Steven, Brandon, and Brandon’s family came down from Denver to spend an afternoon with me at Garden of the Gods for an extended family photography session near Christmas time. This session was super important to Steven and Brandon for multiple reasons.

Brandon’s grandfather had passed away and he did not have many photos with him, so capturing images with his grandmother was special and important to him. Steven and Brandon were also celebrating their 5 year wedding anniversary as well as being together for 10 years. I was so honored to be chosen to be the one who got to take this journey with them.

Steven, Brandon, and Brandon’s family came down from Denver to spend an afternoon with me at Garden of the Gods for an extended family photography session near Christmas time. This session was super important to Steven and Brandon for multiple reasons.

Brandon’s grandfather had passed away and he did not have many photos with him, so capturing images with his grandmother was special and important to him. Steven and Brandon were also celebrating their 5 year wedding anniversary as well as being together for 10 years. I was so honored to be chosen to be the one who got to take this journey with them.

Their family was so full of love and grace and laughter. At one moment during their session, while admiring Brandon’s hair, I asked what the line in his haircut was called….he looked me dead in the eye and said, “a part?” I died. Haha. I laughed…and felt a tad embarrassed. Steven and Brandon were so lovely to me and I am thankful for their love. Guys, thank you for letting me be the one to show you the love you have. It means the world to me.

Do you have an anniversary coming up? Engaged? Just want to get some updated photos with your sweet love? Let me help? You can get couples and engagement session info via the button below. Looking for a family session or something else? Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the button there. I can’t wait to hear from you!

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Extended Family Mountain View Session in Colorado Springs

Extended family sessions are something special. To see parents with their babies and them with their babies, generations in the making, it’s the sweetest thing you can imagine. I got to meet up with Lori and her bunch during their December vacation to Colorado Springs and we got to play in the mountains and explore the beauty that is Colorado.

To be honest, this is the second time I got to meet Lori and her crew. On their scheduled session date, we met up and the wind was super chilly. We walked up to where we were going to start their session and looked at each other and I knew that it wasn’t going to work. They have twin newborn babes and a tiny sweet girl and with those kiddos in tow, we just couldn’t make it work and have everyone happy.

Extended family sessions are something special. To see parents with their babies and them with their babies, generations in the making, it’s the sweetest thing you can imagine. I got to meet up with Lori and her bunch during their December vacation to Colorado Springs and we got to play in the mountains and explore the beauty that is Colorado.

To be honest, this is the second time I got to meet Lori and her crew. On their scheduled session date, we met up and the wind was super chilly. We walked up to where we were going to start their session and looked at each other and I knew that it wasn’t going to work. They have twin newborn babes and a tiny sweet girl and with those kiddos in tow, we just couldn’t make it work and have everyone happy.

No worries! I try my best to be flexible when it comes to our crazy Colorado weather. Most often, we can make a session still work regardless of weather, but I do try hard to take into consideration tiny babes and how they will feel during our time together. Adults can tough it out but those sweet tiny friends of mine just don’t have the capacity to “tough it out”, and that’s okay! I would love to take you and your family under my wing and give you a session experience that you will love.

Have you been thinking about a family or extended family session during your vacation to Colorado Springs? Let me help! I know all the great spots and clients even get exclusive access to my location catalog to choose their location from a list of my favorite spots around the area. Let’s chat and get something set up for you on my calendar while you are here. See you soon!

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Fountain Creek Ranch: A Beautiful Colorado Wedding Venue

The Fountain Creek Ranch is a historic wedding venue located just south of Colorado Springs. They are a new venue that launched during one of the hardest years we have had in a long time. They are still here though and I wanted to share their lovely space with you!

Alex, Daniel, their kiddos + I explored the house and grounds at the Fountain Creek Ranch on a fall day. The house was built as the Frost Family home and was lived and worked in by the Frost Family for some time. The ranch has decided to open its doors and land to host authentic Colorado weddings, lucky you!

I enjoyed the time I spent watching and hearing the kids play in the rooms and hallways. Each room holds different vibes and possibilities. The grounds of the ranch has its own flower garden which, when in full bloom, takes your breath away. The land is on the Fountain Creek as well so there are chanced to explore the creek area along with the large cottonwood trees that inhabit the land.

The Fountain Creek Ranch is a historic wedding venue located just south of Colorado Springs. They are a new venue that launched during one of the hardest years we have had in a long time. They are still here though and I wanted to share their lovely space with you!

Alex, Daniel, their kiddos + I explored the house and grounds at the Fountain Creek Ranch on a fall day. The house was built as the Frost Family home and was lived and worked in by the Frost Family for some time. The ranch has decided to open its doors and land to host authentic Colorado weddings, lucky you!

I enjoyed the time I spent watching and hearing the kids play in the rooms and hallways. Each room holds different vibes and possibilities. The grounds of the ranch has its own flower garden which, when in full bloom, takes your breath away. The land is on the Fountain Creek as well so there are chanced to explore the creek area along with the large cottonwood trees that inhabit the land.

The Fountain Creek Ranch is hands down one of the most diverse, authentic, and beautiful wedding venues I have had the chance to hang out on in Colorado. When you visit, there could be workers tending to crops or animals. There is nothing quite like the sights of a working ranch.

If you have been thinking about having a larger destination wedding in Colorado, I recommend checking out the Fountain Creek Ranch. Matt, the event coordinator at the ranch will take care of all your wedding planning, venue and setup needs while I take care of your timeline and photography coverage. Stree free friends. That’s how your wedding should be.

Can I help you plan your day? Even if you aren’t using the Fountain Creek Ranch or a venue at all, I would love to chat with you to see what I can help you create. Be it a full-blown wedding with 6 attendants on each side or a mountain elopement with just the three of us. Let me capture the authentic love between you and your partner. Send me a message by clicking the button below.

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Mountain View Elopement in Garden of the Gods

Elopements were the word for 2020 and 2021 is looking to be just as elopement heavy. So many couples have opted to elope instead of having a large wedding due to all of the reasons you could think of for 2020. Personally, I only take on elopements are smaller/less formal weddings as a rule of thumb. I love hanging out with my couples and document their love in an authentic and natural way.

Jennifer + Jay eloped with me in Colorado Springs at the end of 2020. They drove down from their home in Woodland Park with her in the backseat with a blanket between them so he couldn’t see her! It was pretty much the cutest thing ever. He pulled up and I was like, “where is Jennifer?”, I could hear her from behind the blanket saying hello to me. I die. hahaha

Elopements were the word for 2020 and 2021 is looking to be just as elopement heavy. So many couples have opted to elope instead of having a large wedding due to all of the reasons you could think of for 2020. Personally, I only take on elopements are smaller/less formal weddings as a rule of thumb. I love hanging out with my couples and document their love in an authentic and natural way.

Jennifer + Jay eloped with me in Colorado Springs at the end of 2020. They drove down from their home in Woodland Park with her in the backseat with a blanket between them so he couldn’t see her! It was pretty much the cutest thing ever. He pulled up and I was like, “where is Jennifer?”, I could hear her from behind the blanket saying hello to me. I die. hahaha

I took Jay up to the spot where he would wait for Jennifer. We chatted on our way and got to know him a little bit more. I went back to the car and got Jennifer and took her up to meet him. They wanted to do a traditional reveal and they got it! It was perfect.

They brought some things along with them for me to create a “lay flat” image. It is an image that contains little items that are important to you and your wedding day. I gather them all up and “lay” them out “flat” for a sweet little detail shot. Jay and Jennifer brought something usual that I had never seen before, a geological marker from the first mountain they climbed together. It was pretty fun to work with and it was special to them which was even more beautiful.

I would LOVE to work with you and document your love authentically and soulfully. Bring the things that are special to you to Colorado, let me show you around.

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Lifestyle Newborn Session in Arkansas by Colorado Photographer

I was lucky enough to travel to Arkansas and spend time with this sweet family to document their new baby boy, Knight with an in-home newborn session. David and Shereka were so welcoming when I arrived at their home. They let me do my thing by finding great little pockets of light throughout their home and I think that the spots I found worked perfectly for this session.

Their home was quite dark with little natural light access. I found some light by their backdoor out of their bedroom and also in a bathroom by the window, a lovely spot in one of their older sons’ rooms that I could use, as well as a nice shaded area between their garage and house. I moved around some furniture and set it up for making use of the light that I had. It was perfect.

I was lucky enough to travel to Arkansas and spend time with this sweet family to document their new baby boy, Knight with an in-home newborn session. David and Shereka were so welcoming when I arrived at their home. They let me do my thing by finding great little pockets of light throughout their home and I think that the spots I found worked perfectly for this session.

Their home was quite dark with little natural light access. I found some light by their backdoor out of their bedroom and also in a bathroom by the window, a lovely spot in one of their older sons’ rooms that I could use, as well as a nice shaded area between their garage and house. I moved around some furniture and set it up for making use of the light that I had. It was perfect.

Why am I telling you all of this? I want you to see that even if you don’t feel that your home will do well for a newborn session, I can help find those sweet spots and have the end results look just as amazing as these images here. For those first few images, we are snuggled up against the backdoor you see if that slideshow image above this text. I used that natural light to highlight mama and babe and the bedroom in the background is turned into an afterthought with the dark lighting. We will make it work, no matter what we are working with. Promise.

Have you been pondering a newborn session? Don’t feel like you can’t have one because of your space or available light. Let me take care of that for you! Don’t worry about it and just let all that stress go and focus on letting me capture some of these beautiful moments that you’ll want to remember. Talk soon!

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Mountain Maternity Session Near Iconic Pikes Peak Views

When I get to work with a client for both their maternity AND their newborn session, I feel extra special. It is something special to trust someone to document not only one but two amazingly important times in their life. Laura is due in just a few days and I am so excited to get that message that their sweet babe has arrived.

I noticed something during my time together with Laura and David. David helped Laura along during our session. Making sure her every step was carefully taken and he was there to ensure she didn’t fall. It makes me think about how it might feel to be the dad in a pregnancy. I have been pregnant, but I am not a dad. To feel so much love for someone before you have ever met them, let alone felt their presence, in the unique way only a mother can. They protect and care for and love that sweet babe, right from the start. That is some powerful love.

When I get to work with a client for both their maternity AND their newborn session, I feel extra special. It is something special to trust someone to document not only one but two amazingly important times in their life. Laura is due in just a few days and I am so excited to get that message that their sweet babe has arrived.

I noticed something during my time together with Laura and David. David helped Laura along during our session. Making sure her every step was carefully taken and he was there to ensure she didn’t fall. It makes me think about how it might feel to be the dad in a pregnancy. I have been pregnant, but I am not a dad. To feel so much love for someone before you have ever met them, let alone felt their presence, in the unique way only a mother can. They protect and care for and love that sweet babe, right from the start. That is some powerful love.

Well, I am over here gearing up to go visit Laura, David and that fresh babe super soon! I cannot wait to share their newborn session too. If you are pregnant and have been thinking about booking, give me a call and let’s talk about what your sessions could look like. I can help with location and tips for styling and anything else you need. Let’s connect.

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North Colorado Springs Family Photography Session Memories

Comfortability and feeling safe. That is what I offer families during their time with me. I want you to feel like you can be whoever you are without judgments or faults. That your kiddos can enjoy the same feeling as well. In order for families to authentically connect with each other, you have to give them space to help them make those connections happen.

Have you ever dreaded scheduling a family photography session? I am guessing that you are concerned about what to wear, where to take the photos, and the fact that your kiddos might act less than perfect is making you sweat. I got you boo. I have a client closet and online service to help you with choosing your clothing, I have a client exclusive location catalog for you to browse through all the best locations and I LOVE kids, truly, so if they are acting crazy, it is probably going to be an amazing day for me!

Comfortability and feeling safe. That is what I offer families during their time with me. I want you to feel like you can be whoever you are without judgments or faults. That your kiddos can enjoy the same feeling as well. In order for families to authentically connect with each other, you have to give them space to help them make those connections happen.

Have you ever dreaded scheduling a family photography session? I am guessing that you are concerned about what to wear, where to take the photos, and the fact that your kiddos might act less than perfect is making you sweat. I got you boo. I have a client closet and online service to help you with choosing your clothing, I have a client exclusive location catalog for you to browse through all the best locations and I LOVE kids, truly, so if they are acting crazy, it is probably going to be an amazing day for me!

Honestly, when I share that I want to journey with you and the people you love in our beautiful mountains, it means that I want to take a hike and have you tell me all about the things you love. Play with your kids. Jump off rocks. Look at the beauty around you. Let’s be friends.

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Rocky Mountain Winter Elopement: A Snowy Love Story

Madison and Brandon are high school sweethearts. Madison reached out to me because they had a dream of eloping in the Rocky Mountains. They wanted to proclaim their love to one another in our beautiful Colorado landscape and I had just the spot for their private ceremony together.

I met this lovely couple at one of my favorite locations, in fact, I also eloped here. Each time I go here, I relive my own time with my sweet husband and it revives the romantic parts of me. It’s almost like a gift to myself to take these beautiful couples to this spot of mine. To have them laugh and love in the same space that I gave my forever love to Daniel.

Madison and Brandon are high school sweethearts. Madison reached out to me because they had a dream of eloping in the Rocky Mountains. They wanted to proclaim their love to one another in our beautiful Colorado landscape and I had just the spot for their private ceremony together.

I met this lovely couple at one of my favorite locations, in fact, I also eloped here. Each time I go here, I relive my own time with my sweet husband and it revives the romantic parts of me. It’s almost like a gift to myself to take these beautiful couples to this spot of mine. To have them laugh and love in the same space that I gave my forever love to Daniel.

Madison and Brandon braved the extreme cold with me to say their sweet nothings to each other high upon the mountain with nothing around except us and the crisp mountain air. To witness two people who have loved each other for what seems like right from the start, to put trust in one another, to proclaim their forever to one another, it is such a big deal to me. I am thankful they picked me to take this journey with them.

Are you looking to elope in our Colorado mountains? I know with COVID, getting married seems like an impossibility however, it’s not. I promise. I can work with you to create a day that you will look back on just as fondly, if not more so, than you would if you had a big party. Do it. Elope. Have that party later. You will thank yourself when you get to look into your partners eyes and see that pure love looking back in the quiet mountain air.

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Marriage Celebration Couples Session at Garden of the Gods

Erin lives in another state and they both have jobs that make travel hard with the restrictions in place. Erin was lucky enough to get some time during the holidays to make the trip to Colorado to spend some much needed time with Bobby. Erin and Bobby had only seen each other a handful of times when we met for their session at the end of 2020 because of the COVID pandemic. It was so lovely to see their love on fire for one another during our time together.

Erin lives in another state and they both have jobs that make travel hard with the restrictions in place. Erin was lucky enough to get some time during the holidays to make the trip to Colorado to spend some much needed time with Bobby. Erin and Bobby had only seen each other a handful of times when we met for their session at the end of 2020 because of the COVID pandemic. It was so lovely to see their love on fire for one another during our time together.

Erin and Bobby are pretty classic and wanted images that showcase their love in an authentic way. A Garden of the Gods location I use offers a private space to really enjoy each other without a lot of others around and allowed for them to really relax and be themselves.

During our time together, I noticed they both had wedding rings on. These two sweethearts got married during the pandemic and didn’t have a celebration. Right then and there I pivoted my thoughts for their session and made sure to include some images to highlight their new marriage and vows to one another. It was a sweet evening.

Did you get married and not have a ceremony or celebrate in 2020? I bet you are wanting to document that sweet love this year. I can help! Send me a message. Let’s chat and let me help you show your love authentically in 2021.

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Mama and Daughter Colorado Springs Mountain View Session

Maria wanted to adventure with her sweet girl Charli and have me document their mother/daughter relationship. We met in Cheyenne Canyon and let Charli lead our time together. She is an adventurous little girl and I had so much fun following her lead as we journeyed through the area.

Sessions that focus on motherhood are special to me. I have five children in this blended family of mine. Each one of them is special in their own unique way and they all whole my heart. Maria wanted our session to focus on the love she has for Charli and the love Charli has for her. I wanted their clothing to be simple so we could really allow their connection to shine through. Charli is wearing a sweet little dress from my client closet and Maria was able to find the perfect dress for her using my online styling service.

Maria wanted to adventure with her sweet girl Charli and have me document their mother/daughter relationship. We met in Cheyenne Canyon and let Charli lead our time together. She is an adventurous little girl and I had so much fun following her lead as we journeyed through the area.

Sessions that focus on motherhood are special to me. I have five children in this blended family of mine. Each one of them is special in their own unique way and they all whole my heart. Maria wanted our session to focus on the love she has for Charli and the love Charli has for her. I wanted their clothing to be simple so we could really allow their connection to shine through. Charli is wearing a sweet little dress from my client closet and Maria was able to find the perfect dress for her using my online styling service.

During our time together, we spent time jumping on trails and rocks. Maria and Charli explored little fields of flowers and danced like no one was watching. Mama and daughter, enjoying their time together with me documenting along the way. It was the best way to spend my evening. Seeing their love bloom.

Are you thinking of a family or mama and daughter/son session? I would love to work with you and document this season of your life. Let’s connect!

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Engagement Session on Rampart Range in Colorado

Shaylyn and Taylor wanted something different for their engagement session with me. Lovers of the outdoors and all things nature, they really wanted to showcase the beauty of where we live near the mountains. This location immediately came to mind and just in time because if we would have waited just a few more weeks, this spot would have been inaccessible.

Shaylyn and Taylor wanted something different for their engagement session with me. Lovers of the outdoors and all things nature, they really wanted to showcase the beauty of where we live near the mountains. This location immediately came to mind and just in time because if we would have waited just a few more weeks, this spot would have been inaccessible.

Originally, we had planned to include Taylors restored Scout in the session but due to an unexpected event, the keys were MIA. Never fear, it allowed us to spend more time exploring this area and taking our time to get just the right light and allowed them to relax and feel comfortable with me.

Even though it was extremely cold during our time together, these two were kings and queens of keeping each other warm and letting the love flow. Shaylyn and Taylor, thank you so much for allowing me to hang out with you in the freezing mountain air and letting me show your love to the world. I appreciate that trust more than you could ever realize.

Are you looking into the idea of hiring a professional photographer to document your engagement, anniversary, or couples session? I would LOVE to be part of those conversations and help you bring those ideas to fruition. Let’s chat!

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Front Range Couples Session with Pikes Peak Views

I used to think that if you fought in your marriage, that you didn’t have a good one. This was because I wasn’t taught what marriage truly looked like. It has taken me YEARS (I am 34) to finally figure out that marriage is so much more than what I thought it was. It is respect and fighting with respect. It is love and fighting with love. It is agreeing and disagreeing and all the things in between. What makes a marriage is not perfection or bliss. It’s the desire to stay with the one that stole your heart and choosing them. Every. Single. Day.

This space is quickly becoming a new favorite. Those white rocks, beautiful field, and amazing mountain views are breathing life back into my soul. Shelley and Matt reached out to me to document their wedding anniversary. With this past year, they wanted to treat themselves to a well-deserved token of their love, and I was there for it.

Can we talk for a minute about how hard marriage is? I know that most people will lie straight to your face and tell you that “if you marry the right person, it’s easy”. I am here to tell you that they are just saying that so they don’t have to speak the truth. Marriage requires work, all of the time. The key to remaining in a relationship that you truly love and care about is communication.

Folks, communication can be a hard thing to master, if you ever do it at all. I will tell you this though, give yourself grace, and know, just because someone else’s marriage looks peachy on the outside, we all have our moments. I will also tell you that those moments don’t lessen the love you share with the keeper of your soul.

I used to think that if you fought in your marriage, that you didn’t have a good one. This was because I wasn’t taught what marriage truly looked like. It has taken me YEARS (I am 34) to finally figure out that marriage is so much more than what I thought it was. It is respect and fighting with respect. It is love and fighting with love. It is agreeing and disagreeing and all the things in between. What makes a marriage is not perfection or bliss. It’s the desire to stay with the one that stole your heart and choosing them. Every. Single. Day.

Whew, that was a bit deeper than I thought I was going to get tonight but I think that I needed to say those words. For all the couples that made it through the dumpster fire of 2020, give yourself a giant pat on the back, kiss your sweetheart with passion, and go buy yourself something nice. You earned it.

Speaking of buying yourself something nice, wanna get together and document that steamy love you share with your babe? I wanna take your picture in 2021 (and 2022 and 2023 and allll the times after that!). Hit me up! Drop a note to say hi and let’s journey together. I want to document your authenticity and show you that love tangibly. Click that button below for booking info. See ya!

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Newborn Photography Session at Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs

Have you ever met someone you didn’t know that just made your heart soar? This family does that to me. Sweetness to the core. Tiffany reached out to have her sweet boy Liam and her family documented. Liam had a hard landing into life and Tiff and Cam wanted to celebrate their sweet boy by documenting their first family photos.

Tiff is wearing one of my client closet dresses, my favorite one in fact. It allows the freedom of the wind to blow and create movement and feminine grace in her images with her son. Shortly into our time together, sweet Liam wanted to nurse. It was so enjoyable for me to spend time with Tiff, Cam, and Liam as Tiff gave the tiny human she held in her arms nourishment from her own body. How amazing are women that we can not only grow a person but an entirely new organ and THEN keep them alive, well-fed, with nothing more than what we already have?

Have you ever met someone you didn’t know that just made your heart soar? This family does that to me. Sweetness to the core. Tiffany reached out to have her sweet boy Liam and her family documented. Liam had a hard landing into life and Tiff and Cam wanted to celebrate their sweet boy by documenting their first family photos.

Tiff is wearing one of my client closet dresses, my favorite one in fact. It allows the freedom of the wind to blow and create movement and feminine grace in her images with her son. Shortly into our time together, sweet Liam wanted to nurse. It was so enjoyable for me to spend time with Tiff, Cam, and Liam as Tiff gave the tiny human she held in her arms nourishment from her own body. How amazing are women that we can not only grow a person, but an entirely new organ and THEN keep them alive, well fed, with nothing more than what we already have.

This was the first outdoor newborn session that I have ever done and I will say, I truly enjoyed it. The freeness and authenticity of the mountains and air. It was magnificent and I look forward to creating more with newborns and their families in our beautiful Colorado spaces. Are you pregnant and looking for that perfect photographer to share your babes first moments with? Let’s chat about how I can make these memories last a lifetime and beyond.

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Sandy Patterson Sandy Patterson

Black Forest Colorado Backyard Wedding Photography Session

What a wedding date to be had. Christa and Kevin chose to marry each other on October 10th, 2020 in a small backyard wedding at her parent’s home in Black Forest, Colorado. It was perfect. From the small details to the larger ones. It was all on point. Those flowers even! To die for. Christa and Kevin, thank you so much for allowing me to take part in your beautiful day. Your authentic love really shines through.

You can see all of my favorites from their Wedding day below. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom to see some super fun dancing ones. These few images really spell out who Christa and Kevin are at heart. Silly, authentic, true to themselves and each other. Lovers to the bone.

10.10.2020

What a wedding date to be had. Christa and Kevin chose to marry each other on October 10th, 2020 in a small backyard wedding at her parent’s home in Black Forest, Colorado. It was perfect. From the small details to the larger ones. It was all on point. Those flowers even! To die for. Christa and Kevin, thank you so much for allowing me to take part in your beautiful day. Your authentic love really shines through.

You can see all of my favorites from their Wedding day below. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom to see some super fun dancing ones. These few images really spell out who Christa and Kevin are at heart. Silly, authentic, true to themselves and each other. Lovers to the bone.

Are you planning a 2021 wedding? Want me to take part too? Reach out, say hello and let’s chat about how we can craft your wedding day too. xo

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Sandy Patterson Sandy Patterson

Couples Anniversary Session in Cheyenne Canyon, Colorado

Whew! I am coming out of the woods guys. My October was insanely busy with sessions this year! I had 22 sessions in 30 days, which is insane. I wanted to get everyone in and I did it, even if gallery delivery times had to be extended a bit to accommodate everyone. When I deliver a gallery like this, I know that, just like the painful waiting of closing on a house, or having a baby, when you get your final product, you forget all about the waiting. You are just so happy with the end result that you focus on that goodness. Madeline, I know you have been waiting for this gallery for longer than you expected but I know that you are going to love it!

Whew! I am coming out of the woods guys. My October was insanely busy with sessions this year! I had 22 sessions in 30 days, which is insane. I wanted to get everyone in and I did it, even if gallery delivery times had to be extended a bit to accommodate everyone. When I deliver a gallery like this, I know that, just like the painful waiting of closing on a house, or having a baby, when you get your final product, you forget all about the waiting. You are just so happy with the end result that you focus on that goodness. Madeline, I know you have been waiting for this gallery for longer than you expected but I know that you are going to love it!

2020 has been a year of unexpected successes for my business. I thought this year was going to be tough, a struggle. I don’t know what finally clicked but something did and I can confidently say that I am looking forward to 2021 and even though this year was amazing, next year is going to be even better. Are you thinking of booking your own couples or family session with me for 2021? I would love to connect with you and craft a session in a location that you love. All the way from session prep that includes wardrobe and location help, to clear communication about what to expect and when to expect it to sneak peeks and a beautiful gallery delivery, let me take your photography experience to the next level.

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Sandy Patterson Sandy Patterson

Couples Anniversary Session with Mountain Views in Colorado

Anniversary Sessions. They are the best. Paula reached out to plan a surprise session for her and her husband of one year, Jake during their vacation to Colorado Springs. Paula and I worked to coordinate what would work best for them and their time here.

In the end, she couldn’t keep the secret from Jake any longer so he knew about the session when they showed up at our location for the evening but it was still super fun planning this surprise and it added to the dynamic of the night!

Anniversary Sessions. They are the best. Paula reached out to plan a surprise session for her and her husband of one year, Jake during their vacation to Colorado Springs. Paula and I worked to coordinate what would work best for them and their time here.

In the end, she couldn’t keep the secret from Jake any longer so he knew about the session when they showed up at our location for the evening but it was still super fun planning this surprise and it added to the dynamic of the night!

You don’t get much better than fall colors here in Colorado. That scrub oak gives off the best array of reds and oranges and does not disappoint. Paula and Jake, thank you so much for trusting in me to document the celebration of your first year of marriage. During COVID nonetheless! So much love to you!

Planning a trip to Colorado? Want to get photos done while you are here? I am your girl! Hit me up and let’s plan something special together!

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Sandy Patterson Sandy Patterson

Colorado Springs In-Home Newborn Photography Session

I got to work with Lauran and Colt for their maternity session. We traveled up a crazy rough dirt road to get to an amazing spot. We got to adventure in the mountains together. When River was born, they invited me in their home to spend time with them in their element. Their home was quiet and inviting. Such sweet humans, I could feel the vibe. Calm, ever so in love with this girl they created.

This sweet girl was ten years on the making. Lauran and Colt finally got their little girl in October and she is everything they could have dreamed of. Their authentic love for Miss River makes my heart tug in all the good place. Thank you, mama, for allowing me to follow your pregnancy journey and then meet this beautiful daughter of yours.

I got to work with Lauran and Colt for their maternity session. We traveled up a crazy rough dirt road to get to an amazing spot. We got to adventure in the mountains together. When River was born, they invited me in their home to spend time with them in their element. Their home was quiet and inviting. Such sweet humans, I could feel the vibe. Calm, ever so in love with this girl they created.

Here are some of my favorites from my time in their home. I cannot wait to watch River grow into a lovely young lady and Lauran and Colt growing as parents.

Interested in having me come into your home and document the first few days of your child’s life? You can see information on my newborn session via the button below. Let’s chat.

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