Would you guess looking at these beautiful family session photos that this family had NEVER taken photos before?!


Yeah, me either! Mind. Blown. They were total PROS. I credit that to mom Deanna's diligence in asking questions, utilizing my style guide and client closet, and trusting me to bring her vision to life! She also clearly prepared her kids really well for this session. Even her three year old daughter was absolutely amazing the whole session. And this family know show to have FUN together! Deanna described her family as close-knit, affectionate, and intentional, and it showed the entire session. From tickle fights to playing little games together to snuggling up close to ward off the early evening chill, every moment was infused with love and laughter.


Deanna heard about me from my dear friend Ellen, whose family photos I have done a couple of times now. She told me she was drawn to my light photography style in beautiful locations, and most of all the natural and emotion-filled moments she saw on my website, with so many photos focused on real moments and not just looking at the camera and smiling. I knew then that we would be a great fit for each other! Since winter here can be quite volatile, Deanna and I worked together to coordinate calendars, being as flexible as possible as we looked for one of our warmer winter days, and we could not have asked for a more stunning evening! The family drove all the way down from Denver and despite nasty traffic arrived early and ready to go. As we waited for the sun to dip just below the mountains - a magical moment that creates beautiful light - we utilized the different background choices that Mesa Overlook has to offer. Once the sun had just set, we worked quickly to take advantage of those stunning views of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods for the majority of their session, including breakout photos of the kids together and individually, and mom and dad together.


I love how Deanna chose to incorporate her kids' current interests into their photos! While I took photos of her son with his current favorite book, The Hobbit (this kid is only 7!!!), she changed her sweet three year old daughter into her current favorite princess costume. She was intentional about gently directing the kids into poses or movements that they naturally do in their day to day life - things I could not have known. Deanna choosing to do this ensured that her photos truly captured these precious moments in her kids' lives!


Deanna, thank you for placing your full trust in me to capture these memories with you and your family. I am so happy you love how they turned out and that we could work closely together to bring your vision to life! I absolutely cannot wait to have y'all in front of my camera again!

Parents snuggle and smile down at their two young children at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Close up of two young children standing with their parents smiling at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs
Parents kiss while their two children smile at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Parents and their two young children sit and interact at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Parents hold their young kids on their laps and smile at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Young boy and girl run around their parents while they are kissing at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs
Parents walk with their two young children as the sun sets at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Parents walk with their two young children as the sun sets at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Parents watch the sun set over Pikes Peak while their kids smile at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Parents tickle their young son and daughter at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Parents and their two young children snuggle up together at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Parents smile at each other with their two kids by their side at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Young boy laughs as his little sister smiles at him at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Young brother and sister hold hands and run as they giggle at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Little sister kisses her brother's cheek at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Young brother and sister hold parents hands and pull them forward at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Young boy sits on a rock reading his favorite book at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Little girl in princess costume smiles and touches her tiara at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Brother hugs his little sister from behind and they smile at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Young boy hugs his favorite book to his chest at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Little boy holds out his favorite book at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Little boy reading a book on a rock smiles over his shoulder at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Little girl in princess costume cups face in her hands and smiles at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Little girl in princess costume twirls around at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Little girl in princess costume touches shoulder and smiles down at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Husband and wife hold hands facing Pikes Peak and kiss at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Husband hugs wife from behind and kisses her as she laughs at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Husband and wife stand facing each other snuggled up close at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Husband gently touches nose to wife's temple at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Husband hugs his wife from behind as they laugh at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.
Husband and wife walk together smiling at each other at family photos at Mesa Overlook in Colorado Springs.