My second year photographing this family was incredible!

I first met the Blanquies last winter at Garden of the Gods and had SO much fun getting to know them. They are the kindest, funniest, most thoughtful people and the kind of people I DREAM of having as clients!

With their son about to deploy with the Air Force (following in Dad's footsteps!) it was especially important to mom to get these photos done in the short window they were together during the holidays, since he also lives out of state for his duty station. Even though my holiday season schedule was more busy than usual this year, we found a date that worked, and for this family, it's always worth it!

Hilarity ensued yet again and it didn't take long! We caught up as we walked the 10 minutes to the beautiful Black Forest meadow where they had decided to do their photos this year. It was a bit chilly but no one complained and the snow on the ground made for a beautiful wintry scene the day after Christmas! Knowing this family as I do now, I was careful not to over-pose them - I knew that great photos were going to happen without too much interference, and the first few proved that! Within seconds these family members had each other busting up, being silly, being weird, being awkward, being All Of The Things that make for wonderful, interactive family photos that will have them laughing again years down the road as they look back and reminisce.

One of my favorite moments was when I was getting shots of mom and dad and they told me to look at the kids behind me, who were making their parents laugh, and their daughter Kacey had her mom's coat on, backwards, and was wandering about in the snow like a lost blind creature, and she fell down, and her siblings had to help her get back up... it's my favorite set of photos from the session, be sure to check them out below. :)

As a family photographer I absolutely delight in capturing you all looking at the camera, looking your best and smiling. But it's the in-between moments where you truly shine, where your personalities show and I see the love and laughter you share and try to document that. Just enjoy your loved ones and leave the rest to me!