I could not have been more excited when Abby, a sweet return client, messaged me wanting to do a cozy, campfire themed family photo session in the mountains.

As a photographer, sometimes sessions begin to feel ... well... very similar. I always try to throw creative flair into each and every session I do. Every session should be as unique as the people making the memories. Buuuut I DO get a little extra excited when I get to do something TOTALLY different, and I'd been dreaming of doing a session like this for years!

The session was not without its challenges - Manitou Lake switched to winter hours prior to our session date, and we had less time than originally planned before they would close the gate. Any session involving little kids takes extra energy - add in fire, and double the diligence is required! The sun was VERY bright that day as well, and we were limited to the available fire pits, so we had to get creative. Abby and I wandered near the lake with the girls getting some photos while her husband worked on getting the fire going - did I mention it was also pretty windy that day?

Abby and her crew were TOTALLY up to the challenges we faced on this October evening! The girls enjoyed roasting some marshmallows, drinking some hot chocolate, and running around on the dock and the lake shore. We captured some absolutely precious family moments for them, and managed to get quite a few photos of just mom and dad too! I always prioritize photos of mom and dad - they are how the family started, after all! We got the girls to hang in there for some additional shots of them together by singing Baby Shark. (IYKYK.) Biggest smiles!!! Despite the wind creating some haze, we were fortunate that the gorgeous views of Pikes Peak's north face were still good from the dock.

Abby, I am so blessed that you always trust me with your family memories. You guys are SO much fun, and the love and life you live out every day and bring to your photo sessions is incredible. I can't wait to see what we come up with next!