Fall 2022 Small Sessions in Colorado Springs

2022 Fall Small Sessions will be held on September 6, 7, and 8 in the evenings during the time of lovely light.

To see available dates and times, check the calendar below. Small Sessions will take place in central Colorado Springs at the location pictured above. You will receive the exact location after booking.

To secure your small session, complete the calendar section and the form collecting your information linked via the button below. An invoice will populate for you after you submit your information. Don’t forget to click the “submit and finish” button on the final invoice screen after you have paid your invoice with the “pay now” button. Your session fee must be paid in full to officially hold your date and time.

You will get a follow-up email from me immediately. If you don’t, check your spam. If you still don’t see it please reach out as it is likely your request did not complete and I want to make sure we get you in babe! Don’t be shy!

---

The Details

15 Minute Small Session in Central Colorado Springs (see examples of location above)

5 Hand Edited Heirloom Digital Images

Curated Slideshow and Instagram Story Set

Access to Entire Gallery Online for Viewing with Option to Upgrade Your Gallery or Purchase Images Ala Carte

Personalized Wardrobe Styling Service Access to Help with Planning Your Session Clothing

Full Reprinting Rights with Professional Printing Options

Beautiful Session Guide

300.

---

Some things to note: Session fees for small sessions are non-refundable but are fully transferable to another date with a half or full collection session. In case of inclement weather, Wild Prairie Photography will make a final call on the day of your session and provide you with alternate dates to choose from if we are unable to meet due to weather. Small sessions are intended for immediate family members only and at the location shown above. If you are interested in choosing your own location and having access to my client closet along with a full gallery, consider booking a regular session, you can check them out here.

---

Come See me on Instagram? So many stories and love going on over there, friends!

Brainard Lake Motherhood Session

These two girls. These friends. These magnificent beings. KC and Saylor adventured at Brainard Lake, through the chilly water and silly bugs, to have a mother and daughter session with me. KC wanted a gallery that reflected the nature of her motherhood story. She wanted to feel this time in her life. Really feel it to her core. I’m here for it girl. Thank you for sharing yourself and your story with me. Your bond is one that needs no proof. But, because it’s what I do, here you go babes. Love you to the moon.

Pikes Peak View Connected Family Session

Connecting with your photographer is essential: Creating rapport and making the photo session experience time enjoyable helps you relax, resulting in candid images that tell stories. Building a relationship with your photographer prior to your session allows us to get to know each other, get to know each other's personalities, and will enable me to understand your needs more deeply. The more we know about what makes you tick, and what is important to you in your life, the easier it will be for me to authentically document your story. I want you to reflect on your photos and remember your gallery as a whole, not just the images, but your feelings, your soul.

When you have a good connection with your photographer, they will be able to understand and capture the highlights of your life. They should be able to create for you a gallery that reflects your personality, as well as your personality as a family. For me, the perfect gallery captures the physical details of our time together and the emotions and personalities of your children that you know and love. Finding someone you feel comfortable with and can trust to document your authentic love and connection is essential when looking for a photographer.

Life isn't about the number of experiences, but the quality of memories. Whoever you choose as your photographer, be it me or someone else, it's essential that you feel a sense of connection. Find a photographer who gets you and turns your story from words and big smiles into instances in time that live forever. I promise that making that human connection is key when we spend time with you in front of our lens. Then, we can see your soul, and the more context we have, the more beautiful it will become.

Will you tell me your stories? Will you share your love with me?

Black Forest Family Session

The Talluto family and I have hung out before. The last time, it was freezing, snowy, and wet, and miserable. This time, it was golden and warm and wooded and all the things for their family session in Black Forest. I love the galleries from both sessions but they are very different. Not only different in location and colors but these kids have grown! In body and in mind. Their family endured long-distance living so the kids could get the best education they each deserved. It was an experience they all loved but they are stoked to be back together as a unit again, especially because the family dog gets to be loved by all now and the kids are excited about that!

Doing what I do, I connect with all different types and styles of families both in size, nature, and inner workings. I mean, that makes sense. Everyone is unique, and I like it that way. I love this part of the “job”. Getting to know the passions and quirks and lives of the people I am spending time with. Personalities are the best to see evolve, especially over the years when photographing families again and again. I love seeing parts of my children in the children I photograph. It makes it feel super personal and for those moments, I feel what they feel it seems. Empathy can be heavy but it can also be the best thing in the world to be able to pick up on feelings and navigate those strange seas with direction.

Can I hang out with you and your crew and dive into the connections of your family and show you some authentic love and happiness? Pretty please? Let’s connect!

The Fruits of a Long Marriage: A Heartfelt Session

Where to begin? Dana and Tom, this is what 30 years together looks like, friends. Take a moment and soak it all in. Thirty years of laughter, all-nighters, frustration, blissful times, sad times, downright hellish times. I am sure that you two have seen it all with so much tread worn in your journey. When you connect so deeply that you don’t know how else to feel or think. What a world to live in. A world where you are each other’s anchor. Rooted in the ground so firmly that nothing can disturb the solid foundation.

Maybe those are just wild dreams? What if love isn’t any of that? What if love is simply the choice to keep choosing each day to do what moves you. To keep with the vibe until the vibe isn’t what you want anymore? I know that people say that relationships are hard. Damn fact, friends.

These two have it figured out and being so, they have a lifetime of memories between them to share. I invited Dana and Tom to bring along with them tokens of their 30-year marriage to remember all of the choices they made and keep on making with each other. I love this part of our time together. Going through all the beautiful and important items you’ve brought along. Their daughter, Kayla brought along a sweet surprise. She had collected letters from those close to her parents that share stories about how Dana and Tom influenced their own relationships and lives. I’m not crying. You're crying. Okay, Kayla, Dana, and Tom are crying. It was pretty damn beautiful and I appreciate the vulnerability they had sharing that moment with me.

Sunrise Elopement at Brainard Lake: A Breathtaking Wedding

Emily and Chase reached out to me shortly before they began their cross-country van trip from the east coast. They had decided they wanted to forgo the big wedding idea and elope during their time in Colorado while on the trip. When they had first reached out, they were interested in eloping at Garden of the Gods, which is a beautiful place! It is close to me and I visit there often. Emily and I had our video call shortly after she reached out and I could tell they wanted this elopement to be something epic (duh, as you SHOULD!). I suggested that she look at some other locations I have listed in my Location Catalog and she fell in love with Brainard Lake.

I had shot at Brainard Lake several times last year and I loved the space so much, I was excited to be going back again. Emily and Chase needed a sunrise elopement because they had plans that evening and it would work better for their schedule. I had never shot at sunrise at Brainard Lake but damn, I was down for it. From my side, this elopement coverage required some special planning. The location is about 3 hours from my home and sunrise was at 5:30 am that day, you do the math. Sleepover! I turned this sunrise elopement into a travel date with my kids and we had the best time visiting RMNP and sleeping someplace new. Best thing about it? I didn’t have to get up extra early and worry about fighting traffic or missing sunrise because I was less than an hour away in Estes Park. I won that day. For sure.

I almost like a sunrise over sunset at Brainard Lake, albeit an extremely early wakeup call, the alpine glow is something of magic as you can see for yourself. That soft orange glow is alluring and mystical and all the things of fairy tales for an elopement in the mountains with your bae. Each couple is special and holds a space in my soul because each brings to the table uniqueness in their love and their story. I am so thankful that Emily and Chase let me help guide them to a location that could tell that story best for them. Creating a space for your love is important to me when helping you plan your elopement.

Planning your own elopement? Let’s do that together? I would love to connect.

Castlewood Canyon Newborn Creek Session in Colorado

Ashley and her crew were so beautiful to hang out with during this newborn session to celebrate baby Drew (and Ashley!) in the creek at Castlewood Canyon. If you venture just a little bit farther downstream there is a beautiful part of the creek that is perfect for splashing and exploring, without feeling too overwhelmed with littles in/near the water. Easy enough to get to for this new mama while carrying her newborn and her small boys. This is just the second time I have used this location and I can already tell it will be one I will travel to often in the years to come. I’m okay with that.

Baby Drew was a few weeks old during our time together. Colorado weather kept doing its thing and we had to change our date a few times. By the time we met, Ashely and her crew were in a beautiful groove with their new family member. The dance of being a new parent is one I think we quickly forget. It is a mesmerizing flow of love and trust, sacrifice and selflessness, empathy and humility. It is a gift to be able to watch families grow and transform from their small nests, to place roots like trees in the ground and become sturdy forms, strong in the winds of the world. Growing those little babes into strong, just, tolerant people is hard work. Ashley and Bryan you guys are doing it right.

I loved our time together in the canyon. Ashley, her boys, and their sweet Golden, Sadie, put in the steps with me and we created a gallery they can cherish forever. I would love to connect with you and your family, in whatever stage that looks like, to document the moments that matter to you. Be it a quiet creek or a vast mountain side, I promise, I will be there, ready to make time stop and show you that love you hold in your hearts for each other.

GOG Family Session Prep Using Color Theory for Stunning Photos

Color Theory. What is it, how is it useful for your family session with me (or any other photographer), and how can I help you figure this whole thing out. That’s what I want to talk about today while bringing you this beautifully styled family session at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I am new to color theory, thanks to my friend, Stormy Solis who has her own epic photography and photography education business just north of me in Denver, Colorado. I enrolled in her course two years (or more) ago but haven’t really actually taken it yet, oops. That is okay, I’m in groups with amazing people from my connection with her and the AHA community and sometimes those people mention things I hadn’t really heard of before and I get curious. Color Theory was one of those topics and here we are, hi, hello!

Color Theory is essentially a roadmap for combining, manipulating, and mixing colors. I am sure everyone who had art in elementary school has heard of the color wheel and primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. If we dig a little deeper we will discover there are also complementary colors as well as analogous colors. Looking at the color wheel and all of these combinations can help us figure out what type of look you are going for and what will work best in the environment we will be shooting. For Lisa, she wanted neutrals that would help create a cohesive style that matched well with their location, Garden of the Gods. The subtle tones and colors she picked for her family worked well because the colors are similar in temperature and create harmony when paired together with the landscape.

Now, I want to clarify, you don’t have to know Color Theory in order to get amazing color results during your session like these, that’s why I am here! Lean on me. Lean on the tools I provide for you. My online wardrobe styling service is pretty dope when it comes to helping you choose colors that are going to be amazing for you. First, you should probably figure out your location. Green and trees and grey rocks are super different than a lake with red and orange or a space that is mostly white, like our beautiful Paint Mines just 40 minutes east of Colorado Springs. Once you have that location, and what it looks like during the season you will be visiting, then you can confidently start choosing your color palette and gathering ideas for what you want to wear.

Color Theory is a new idea in my brain so, of course, you can totally look good without knowing any of this stuff. A lot of the time we can tell if something looks amazing on its own and we are good to go. Looking snazzy and pretty swell. However, it’s when we want to reach for something a little bit extra with color that we can visit the color wheel and check out what different color theories we can apply to your particular location. Sounds a little intimidating but I am here to help you every step of the way. Reach out to me, talk to me about clothing, send me photos, help me, help you, babe! Together we will make this whole family session thing something you look forward to and as easy as breathing. Promise.

Castlewood Canyon Newborn Creek Session: A Natural Journey

This creek family session in the center of Castlewood Canyon was made possible by this kick ass mama and some location scouting by me a few weeks ago. In Colorado, we have crazy weather where sometimes it will be lovely and warm and sunny and then, we will have a snowstorm (like this weekend, and it’s nearly June!). I have sincere love for scouting new locations, even better when I can do it with my family. My boys and I headed out on a beautiful Saturday morning for a hike someplace new. I had been to Castlewood Canyon, but not down on the trails at the bottom. Wow, that’s all I can say. Certainly, a longer hike than most all of my other locations (save a few) but, the crystal clear creek and golden light are absolutely worth the trek down to this amazing spot.

Olivia and her crew met up with me this past fall for family photos and I was over the moon to get a chance to hang out with her and her babes again. This time, with mama along too! Olivia showed up at the park with their “session clothes” in tow as the hike down to the canyon bottom is a bit dirty and you need to have on hiking shoes. Ready to go, we took off down the trail. With each step, the kids were getting more and more excited to play in the water, which made me super excited too! We were all giddy to get in and play, especially Blake. That girl LIVES for the water and we have the proof right here in this gallery.

When you book a session with me, you get access to my client exclusive location catalog. This catalog hosts a wide variety of locations in and around Colorado Springs. On occasion, I will find a new spot like this and if it’s good enough, I will add it to the catalog, which is super exciting! I am constantly on the lookout for new spaces that show off the beauty of our state AND ones that are off the beaten path. I don’t really like crowds and I definitely don’t like taking turns to take a photo in a certain spot. Sessions just don’t flow well that way and I want everyone to feel pressure free. Anyway, let’s hang in a new spot, maybe this one? Hit a girl up.

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.

Garden of the Gods Family Session: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Sometimes, the best memories are made when you take a chance—when you step outside your comfort zone and just do the thing. I learned that firsthand during this incredible family session with a friend of the family who came to visit my then-husband and me here in Colorado Springs.

When they first arrived, they weren’t entirely sold on the idea of doing a family session. It wasn’t their thing, and they were feeling a little hesitant. But after a bit of convincing—and some help from the beautiful landscape of Garden of the Gods—they took the leap. And let me tell you, it was SO worth it.

They trusted me, and together we set out on an adventure, all while soaking in the stunning backdrop of Garden of the Gods. The gorgeous red rocks, the expansive sky, and the crisp Colorado air—it was the perfect setting for a family session that was about so much more than just photos.

One of the highlights of the day was the mom’s dress, which she borrowed from my collection. It was a beautiful piece from Reclamation Designs, a Canadian brand that’s known for its timeless, bohemian style. The moment she slipped into that dress, she radiated elegance and confidence, and it instantly made the session feel like something magical. The dress flowed so beautifully against the red rocks, and the photos captured her in a way I’m sure she never expected.

But this session wasn’t just about the dress—it was about the experience. It was about showing up, embracing the unknown, and letting go of the doubt. As we wandered through the park, I watched this family’s energy shift. They went from being unsure to fully immersed in the moment, and the photos reflect that shift perfectly. There’s something special about letting go of your insecurities and just being present, and it made for some of the most beautiful, authentic moments.

What I love most about this session is that it shows the power of taking chances. These photos weren’t just about having a few nice pictures for the wall. They were about stepping outside of comfort zones and making memories that will last a lifetime. It's so easy to talk yourself out of doing something that feels intimidating or out of the ordinary, but this family showed up—and by doing so, they created a set of photos that will remind them of this adventurous day forever.

So, if you're on the fence about a family session or feeling a little hesitant, I encourage you to just do it. Take that step, take that chance, and let the magic unfold. I promise you, you'll never regret capturing your family’s moments of joy, love, and connection.

If you’re ready to take the leap and create unforgettable memories with your family, reach out today. Let’s step outside of the ordinary and capture the magic that’s waiting for you. I can’t wait to be part of your journey!

Wyoming Family Photography Session in Colorado Springs

Kris and her family met with me in Cheyenne Canyon for their family session. Kris and I hit it off straight away when we had our video call and I just knew that I was going to enjoy her company during our time together. I was right. Plenty of laughter and exploration was had the evening we got to meet up. This was the first time Kris and Mike had taken photos since Lachlan was born so it was extra special that they traveled down to see me from Wyoming.

Getting ready for a family session with me involves a few things that I feel are imperative to us having the best time possible. One of those things is completing a questionnaire that I have curated to get to know you and your family a bit better. In this questionnaire, Kris expressed to me that she wanted their gallery to focus on authentic interactions and she was worried about looking “off” in photos. I am so glad when a client shares with me their doubts and worries, this gives us space to talk about them before it’s too late. Kris and I visited about her worries and concerns during our video call and I was able to pay extra attention to those specific things for her and deliver a gallery that she is in love with. I will call that win.

What’s more, I got to spend this past weekend exploring some pretty amazing outdoor spaces with Kris and Lachlan in Wyoming, where they hang their hats. I love when relationships with my clients blossom into something beautiful like this. It’s really what makes me the happiest. Connections with good people. You can’t go wrong. Our hike at Vedauwoo quickly turned into boulder and rock scrambling across flats, water, and a scattering of snow. Nearly 8 miles later, we had made it back to the car with everyone’s limbs intact. #winning. Kris had these amazing Skippy peanut butter balls along with juice and it was like the world had laid its jewels at my feet. So. Good. Thank you, friend.

Making connections with the people I work with makes sense. After all, we are connecting over the thing that moves us most, our authentic connections with the ones we love. It takes a special heart to seek authenticity AND to show it. Believe me, when I say, you’ve come to the right place. My heart is (sometimes) painfully open and ready to love on yours. I want to know your story and I want to know your why. I feel so lucky to be able to contribute to the world in the way that I do. Showing that there is love and I can prove it. I can’t think of anything else I would rather be doing with my life.

Engagement Photography at Garden of the Gods

A Garden of the Gods engagement session in Colorado Springs featuring sweeping views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range. I took Jordyn and Matt to my secret spot over at Garden of the Gods. Not too many people hang out over where I like to go and I like it that way. This engagement session was extra special because Jordyn is the niece of one of my favorite people in the world. I swear, their genes run strong because Jordyn and her Aunt Courtney look so much alike. So beautiful in all the ways.

Jordyn and Matt are extra special people for yet another reason. They are pediatric nurses. Matt is diabetic and he didn’t say it but I am sure that his profession probably has something to do with his experiences as a child and wanting to help those babes who need all the love and understanding they can get while in his care. Navigating whatever new thing has come their way is super scary and having someone on your side is the absolute best. What they do is amazing work and I love that I got to witness their love firsthand.

When I got finally got to go through their gallery, COVID, I am looking at you, not. my. friend, I was in love with the authentic moments that I was able to document for them. They had never had photos done before and I could tell they were both super nervous and “didn’t know what to do with their hands”. Well, Jordyn, Matt, as you can see, ya’ll did amazing. Look at your love. You are ENGAGED and the world knows! Ahhh!!!!

Babes. Congratulations on your engagement and a HUGE thank you for waiting to take your photos until you visited Colorado! I feel super grateful for you and know that your wedding will also be something that dreams are made of. Can I come too? xo

First Birthday Family Photography Tips and Inspiration

This family session at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs commemorating Arthur’s first birthday was perfect in all the ways. I was hoping to document all of his personality and I think it’s safe to say, I succeeded. Arthur was shy at first but quickly warmed up with some shy bouts in between. Which was totally cool with me. I want kiddos (and their parents) to feel relaxed during their time with me so we can get to all the sweet moments that your babe is bound to throw your way. Sometimes it takes time, but we get there, promise.

So, how do we keep babe happy and the session a successful one? I have a few tips to keep them smiling and you stress-free. Bring along a few of your child’s favorite things to help them feel comfortable. Arthur brought his pacifier holder, Walton and also brought along one of his favorite stuffies, Star Bunny. Relax and let your child explore – the best shots will be the candid ones! Notice that some of the shots I included are of Arthur exploring his environment. I bet you a dollar his mama is going to treasure those. Oh, and I can’t forget Snaaaaacks. Bring them. You will thank me later.

Location is something else to think about when planning your time with me and it was an important factor for this birthday family session. I wanted a location that would be safe for Arthur and his family. I have been to this location often and it was perfect for Arthur’s mobility (he is not quite walking yet) because I knew he would be safe in his mama’s arms. It was also important to make sure the location had good lighting and wasn’t crowded. Babes tend to get distracted; you know they do. So, I try to make it so we are able to really soak it all in together, without outside distractions.

Last tip for a successful first birthday session with me (or any photographer). No matter your style, it's important to create a cohesive look for your shoot. This can be done by considering the location, outfit choices, and colors to include in your session. Jess and Arthur came over and tried on several outfits before they found “the ones” that looked the best in the location Jess wanted. After we had their clothing picked out, Jess picked a complementary color for Andy and the proof is in the gallery. Check out the pretty tones in their images below. Riiiiight? Arthur’s hair has a mind of his own but I am not mad about it one bit.

Think you are ready to hang out and document your babe’s first birthday with a family session like this one? Super laid back, stress-free, and photos you can hold in your hand at the end of it all. Worth it mama. Worth it.

Support Your Community with Small Photography Sessions

We can hang out at Cultivate Studios in Old Colorado City snuggling up on your babes during the day or…..

We can hang out at an urban creek around sunset getting dirty (and looking pretty). You pick, friend. I’ll be there.

Not only will you be there too, you’ll also be supporting the Success Collective in Colorado Springs’ endeavor to provide feminine hygiene products and undergarments for homeless women in need when you book your small session.

For EVERY small session booked, Wild Prairie Photography will donate $50 to the Success Collective of Colorado Springs to help them reach their goal of 100,000 items this year, which will fully supply our local Colorado Springs homeless women friends with the products they need to keep clean and comfortable for one year. Pretty rad, right?

You can learn more about the Colorado Springs chapter of the Success Collective on their Facebook Page and also check out the organization as a whole on their website.

The Location Details

---

Indoor Studio Spring Small Sessions are held at Cultivate Studios in Old Colorado City. Their new street-level studio is open and wow, is it pretty. There are plants galore, a soft squishy bed to lounge (or jump on), several couches and chairs we can utilize (including a beautiful wicker egg chair), and plenty of space for you and your loves to relax.

Think authentic connection in a temperature-controlled environment, perfect for those new babes, small babes, or friends who just aren’t into going outside quite yet with the weather.

---

Outdoor Creek Small Sessions are held at an urban creek in south Colorado Springs. This location is one I have been seeking since I moved to Colorado and when I found it, I jumped around like a kid (ask my son, he was with me). Location scouting is something that I love to do and when it pays off, it’s amazing. This location is a guarantee to get wet as we cross a low stream to get to the prime spots.

Full details and tips to make the most of this location are shared prior to your session.

---

Investment and Inclusions

15 Minute Spring Small Session either at the studio or the creek

5 Hand Edited Heirloom Digital Images

Curated Slideshow and Instagram Story Set

Access to Entire Gallery Online with Option to Upgrade Your Gallery or Purchase Images Ala Carte

Personalized Wardrobe Styling Service Access + Client Closet Access

Full Reprinting Rights with Professional Printing Options

Beautiful Session Guide

300.

Don’t forget, with each small session booked, Wild Prairie Photography will donate $50 to the Colorado Springs Chapter of the Success Collective to help them reach their goal of providing 100,000 feminine hygiene products for local homeless women in need. That’s something to feel good about, friends!

---

Dates + Times

April 29th + April 30th

April 29th Sunset Creek Sessions

April 30th Studio + Creek Sessions. Studio Sessions take place between 12 NOON and 2:40 PM in Old Colorado City. Creek Sessions take place at sunset.

Please see the calendar below for available times for each date. Please note, Creek Sessions are ONLY booked in the evening time slots.

---

A Few Important Things to Note

Rain dates for Creek Sessions are May 2nd and May 5th. I will make the call the day of the sessions if this is needed.

To book your date + time, select from the calendar below and complete the form that populates. Your invoice will show automatically. Invoices must be paid in full to reserve your date + time.

These sessions can include your entire family (not just mamas and their babes).

I love doggos but being that these are small sessions, so sorry, we just don’t have enough time to include them. You can always reach out to book a full session and bring puppers along! You can check out info on my regular sessions here.

All small sessions are non-refundable but are transferable to a full or half collection session on an alternate date.

---

Helpful Tips for Documenting Your Growing Family

AnneMarie and her crew have changed so much over the years. Their family has grown and I am thankful to have been there for the changes. When I first met them, their youngest boy was only two or three at the most and now they have a baby sister to hang out with too! As a mama to five babes, I completely get that documenting your family as it grows can be a daunting task. I will tell you friend, it is so worth it. To help ease the stress I have some suggestions on the best way to get started (and some reasons for a session, so you don’t have to find your own, haha!)

Decide what story you want to tell. Do you want to document every year of your children's lives? Or do you want to focus on specific milestones? Knowing what story you want to tell will help you narrow down which photos are most important to document and that will help guide your decisions around photography and professional sessions versus home photos. Some clients love to meet up with me every few years to document their children’s growth. Some meet up during pregnancy and birth and then when babe is a bit older. This family met with me when they were a family of four, then when mama was pregnant, and now they are a fam bam of five! There are so many reasons to jump in front of the lens. They are all valid and you are worthy of having your family’s love documented in an authentic way.

Find a style that works for you. Whether it's traditional posed photos or more candid shots, find a style that you're comfortable with and that captures your family's personality. If you are looking for a more candid, photojournalist feel, I am your girl! Get everyone in the frame. As your family grows, it can be harder to get everyone together for a photo. But it's worth it to try to include everyone, even if it means getting a little creative with your framing orrrrrr working with a photographer. Mama, you deserve to be IN the frame, not just taking the photo. Promise. As a parent, it is natural to want to document and remember every moment of your child’s life. However, it is important to have realistic expectations when it comes to documenting your family. It is not possible to capture every moment, and that is okay. Be patient. Kids (and adults!) can be unpredictable, so don't expect every photo to be perfect and you will most likely find you love the unplanned “in-between” shots the most. I do!

As your family grows, it becomes more and more important to document your life together. Here are some ways you can utilize technology and printing services to keep your memories at your fingertips. Keep a family photo album. This is a great way to keep all of your photos in one place and to have them organized. This can either be a pre-printed book, like the ones I include in my half collections or photos you print out and then paste or insert into a photo album. I personally use and love Artifact Uprising. Check them out! Use a photo sharing service. This can be a great way to share photos with family and friends who live far away. You can upload to Facebook and Instagram of course, but you can also use photo sharing services like Google Photos, Dropbox and PhotoCircle, all available as phone apps and online with your computer. You can also use these services as a tool to back up your photos. Super important!

I want to help you with this task babe. Let me worry about the details and you just show up with that sweet fam of yours. Don’t stress. I got you boo.

Why Connecting With Your Photographer Matters

Having a connection with your photographer is important, friends. Creating rapport and a comfort level that feels good is something that should be strived for. This helps me, your photographer, document your authentic moments, naturally. Connecting with your photographer also allows them to understand your vision for the session and what’s important to you. I truly believe that the more you get to know the person documenting your heart, the better experience overall you are likely to have. I want to document your essence and tell your story through your gallery. Period.

When you have a connection with your photographer, they will be able to understand what you are trying to highlight and will be able to provide you with a gallery that reflects that. For me, the perfect gallery should be able to not only capture the physical details of our time together but also the emotions and personalities of your children that you know and love so well. When looking for a photographer, it is important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and can trust to create with you and document your authentic love and connection.

Enter me, Hello! I want to be a part of your life. I want to come to birthday parties and celebrations for your kids. I want to cheer you on as you finish your degree. I want to go out and have a drink when you accomplish something amazing in your life. Hit. Me. Up. Courtney, Jeremey, Cayden, Rylen, and Parker are some of my favorite people in the world. I met them when Cayden was just one and I have had the opportunity to follow along with their lives and growing family. Court, your babies are absolutely the sweetest part of life, my friend. I love and am thankful that you continue to include me in your yearly photos and that I get to experience your friendship outside of “work life”. Love you girl!

Anyway, enough of that mush stuff. The point I am trying to make is that whoever you choose as your photographer, be it me or someone else, connect with them. Make sure your photographer values you as a person and listens to your stories and experiences. I promise it is handy when we get to spend time with you in front of our lens. We can see your soul and the more context we have, the more beautiful it can become. So, can I get to know you and your family? Will you share your stories with me?

Wintery Garden of the Gods Anniversary Session

This is the second time I got to connect with Madeline and Nick, this time for an anniversary session in Garden of the Gods. Super special friends. Thank you for letting me part of your trip once again up from Arkansas. One day we will get to hang out on your turf and you can show me all the cool places around where you live. Let’s plan a date!

One of the many things that I love about this photography gig is that no two sessions are ever the same. Every couple is unique and brings their own personality to our time together. While every season has its own benefits, I have to say, I love winter sessions, they are a close second to fall. There's just something so beautiful about snow during a couples session. It adds a layer of magic and romance to the photos. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to bundle up in cozy clothes and snuggle close to your bae. If you're considering booking a session, don’t let the fact that it’s winter stop you. Photographing couples in the snow can be a challenge, but with a little bit of effort, you can create some beautiful images.

We know that in most cases, when the weather forecast predicts snow, people either cancel their photo session or reschedule to a later date. However, if you have a travel photography session scheduled like Madeline and Nick did with me, don't let a little snow stop you from getting great images! Just be sure to dress appropriately and take along a few extra blankets and snacks in case you get stuck somewhere because snacks are life and your car can run a surprisingly long time at idle with a full tank of fuel.

When you're heading out for a photography session, there are a few things you can do to help keep the shoot going even when there's snow on the ground. One thing to keep in mind is that photographing in winter weather can be challenging, but with a bit of prepping you can make the most of the situation. Here are a few tips for keeping your session going without you (or your photographer) freezing their tushies off:

- Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. Layers are key, as you'll want to be able to adjust your clothing as needed.
- Pack extra warm clothes and accessories, just in case you get cold. A hat, scarf, and gloves are all essential items to have on hand.
- Hand and toe warmers are not something to scoff at friends. They work and they work well. Bring them along or ask your photographer if they have a few extra handy.

P.S. Photographer friends, make sure your gear is sealed (body and lens) because trust me, you don’t want to find out later that they weren’t. Insert sad face here.
Extra Tip: If you're traveling to a location with harsh winter weather, especially here in Colorado, be sure you check road and traffic conditions before you head out and be aware of any road closures and tire chain up/ 4x4 requirements.

So, are you finding yourself traveling to Colorado in the winter/early springtime or just during that random ass day in April where it snows two feet? I got you. Let’s make magic together, regardless of the weather. See you soon, friends.

Why Book a Maternity and Newborn Session Bundle?

Erin and Bobby met with me for both their maternity and their newborn sessions. We explored Cheyenne Canyon for their maternity session and then snuggled up in their home for my time with baby Sawyer. I love working with clients through their life stories. Engagement, wedding, maternity, newborn, family, and then back through the cycle with each new babe. Seeing their family change and grow. From being madly in love to seeing how amazing your partner is at growing a whole person (and an organ, thank you), to holding that babe in your arms, to chasing them around on the mountainside, I want to be there for it all. I want to build that relationship with you. It’s not just about photography. It’s about your heart (and mine).

Let me tell you a story about this girl. This sweet mama here. She booked her newborn session with me and I was so excited to see babe when they arrived. Fast forward to a few months after she booked the newborn session, her husband, Bobby, reached out to me. Turns out Erin tried to take her own maternity photos and it just wasn’t what she envisioned. Bobby wanted to know if I could sneak them in last minute. Yasssssssss is almost always my answer when its past clients (I also did their couples photos) AND babies are involved because I love them so.

Bobby let me know that he wanted to surprise Erin with this session and we met up at a Starbucks and he picked up a gift card. Fast forward to our session, Erin got to wear a beautiful dress I had just picked up from Reclamation Design and she wore it like a damn queen with that mama's belly and her gorgeous hair (I am just a tad jealous). It was nice to catch up with them both during this time together and also via their video call to prepare to come to their home for their newborn session. All of the extra time together just made it that much more special and natural for me when sweet Sawyer arrived.

Okay, I did say I would give ya’ll three reasons you should book your maternity and newborn session together….here they are:

1. You get to foster a relationship with someone who is going to be getting pretty intimate with you during your newborn session. It is so nice to be able to get to know them beforehand (it’s nice for me to get to know you too!!)

2. You can be confident that you will get the same quality of service and the same style of images from your photographer. Hello, super pretty wall art spreads!

3. You get a discount! When you book your sessions together, the photographer most likely will offer you a discount (I do, you can request a proposal below to check out the details).

Super easy list of some things you might not think matter but I promise, connecting with the person who is documenting your connection is the best way to get those “feel good” images that evoke emotion and depth in your soul. I would love to work through your life journey with you. Want to share those moments with me so I can give them back to you in a gallery you will love? Let’s connect!

Authentic Play in Family Photography Sessions

This family session at Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs was extra special. I rarely get inquiries from single dads to take photos with their kids. Being so, I wanted to break that weirdness of dudes getting photos with their babes! I asked Matt and his boys if they wanted to hang out with me and they said yes (obviously!).

On their way to meet with me, Matt sent me a message that they were running a little bit late and that one of the guys was less than happy (he had a bad day at school). Friends, I want to take a moment to let you know that this scenario is one that happens. It happens to the most prepared, well-rested, loves the camera and outside kids. It happens no matter what sometimes because one kid (I have one myself) doesn’t want to leave the house. They would rather dieeeeeee than go anywhere.

So, I am thinking, I need to tell you something else. Sometimes the road to get someplace can be rocky but I promise, when you get to where you are going with me, it’s going to hit different for those small ones. The look in their eyes when they are allowed to jump in the grass and climb on top of a rock is something you couldn’t have asked for them to do, it just happens. Creating space for organic play and authentic connection is where my heart always is and kids can feel it, I just know they can.

Here is what’s up. What happened with Matt and his boys has happened before to you or you are afraid that it will, this bit of writing was for you. Don’t be scared. It will all work out. Soon, they will forget why they were mad or unhappy AND it also helps if they have treats to look forward to after our time together (or during a break during our time together too!). Don’t hold back on scheduling your family session. Bring the kids, let’s get images like the ones Matt has to hold (scroll below and check out the slideshow above). I can’t wait to hang with you and your crew!