My clients are dear to me. We often become friends, especially as they return to me for their family sessions here in Colorado Springs year after year.

This sweet family is no exception and have become so so special to me. As a photographer-business owner and mama, I am very protective of my calendar, especially around the holidays. I make very rare exceptions to those rules and this is one family for whom I've done this year after year, because their oldest son Raiden serves in the USAF and is usually only home with his family for the holidays. But what a JOY these sessions are! These parents and their teens + adult son Raiden are an absolute blast to hang out with and photograph. They are sweet, yes, but also I never know what's about to happen and it's usually something hilarious! Tammy has received a lot of very candid photos from me over the years - and she LOVES them! They showcase what her family is really like.

For this year's session we ventured into the snowy woods of Black Forest and were blessed with dreamy golden hour light to create a truly magical setting for their family memories! The whole family came equipped with hand and feet warmers which kept them comfortable for our entire shooting time - I always recommend these in the winter - game changer! Tammy styled everyone so well including their warm outdoor layers! When doing sessions in the colder months, it's always important to factor in the gear you'll want to wear on top of your clothes, because you also want this gear to have the same style and be timeless and nice-looking and in colors that match your outfits and setting! This is something I go over with all of my clients in detail in my Style & Planning Guide sent after booking, so no guesswork is needed! There was lots of playing, because, snow, and snow may or may not have become airborne in the creation of these photos. :) We took advantage of beautiful glowing grasses and the magical light created as the sun just sets behind the mountains, along with the towering trees above us.

I particularly enjoy photographing Tammy and her husband Nate. They have been married a long time, but are truly best friends. Getting them to play together, be silly, and laugh is easy because it's what they do together every day! With their teen girls I never need to over-pose. As with most teens I work with, I give a little guidance and then capture whatever happens and again, there's usually a lot of laughter involved with these young ladies. Be sure to look out for Naphtali's guillotine earrings! Even the most subtle details can clue you in to the personality of the wonderful people in these photos. Extra special this year is Kasey's senior year! She actually graduated EARLY (and her sister will be too!) and will walk with her class in the spring. These young people are all so driven and so uniquely themselves and that's what I love about them.

Thank you for trusting me again and again to tell your family's story, Tammy! I love you guys to the moon and back and even though you'll be moving away in the future, I'm just going to have to follow y'all to keep telling your story and hanging out because y'all are the BEST. I'm so blessed to have y'all as clients and friends!!