It’s no secret that I love, love, love shooting family portraits.  Maybe it’s because I love connection, and joy, and togetherness, or maybe it’s because I have a big family and I happen to adore them.  Whatever the reason, it’s my passion and a calendar full of family sessions is my idea of bliss.

So when Jessica of Jessica Vallia Photography approached me about having a workshop geared towards families, especially since it would be in Colorado, I jumped at the opportunity.  I mean, families – check.  Mountains – check.  Wanderlust satisfied – check.  Home run!  We had a big day, starting out in the very chilly but very gorgeous Garden of the Gods, followed by some indoor learning time featuring two amazing people who really know their stuff, Shannon Squires Photography and Moriah Riona (branding genius!).  That evening we hit Bear Creek to photograph two adorable, perfect families during the golden hour.

The first family, even while having two very young kids, ROCKED their freezing cold morning session.  They hung close to mom and dad, which, obviously, is what I wanted anyway. 😉  The mist hanging over the rocks was delicious, and the little glimpse of sun we got at the end was the icing on our cake, not to mention a nice way of warming up!  This Texas girl wasn’t quite ready for 40 degrees in September!

The two families in the afternoon were just as amazing.  Jessica and I split up and took turns with the families.  The first was a big family (with one on the way!) and they were full of laughs and love, cracking jokes all the way and hamming it up for the camera.  Families are always apologizing for their goofball members, but I always assure them that it’s just the way I like it.  The more goofball, the better, I say.

The second family – can they get any more beautiful?  They were up for anything and everything, including laying in the grass getting tickled with flowers mercilessly!  We saw a really gorgeous spider too, and the Dad even borrowed my camera for a few macro shots.  Good thing I’m not very scared of spiders (unless they are crawling on me in my sleep haha).

While I was in Colorado Jessica let me photograph her daughters in another awe-inspiring spot, and even though it was cold, they put on their best smiles for me and let me indulge a little since I knew there wouldn’t be anything remotely resembling Fall for a while still in Texas.

Since I discovered Colorado is an easy (and drop-dead gorgeous) drive from Texas, you better believe I will return.  Want me to photograph your family there??