“The Session That Reminded Me Why Photos Matter So Much”

“When Photos Become Legacy: Chex, Comanche, and the Power of Intentional Sessions”

There are some sessions that change the way you see your work forever.

Recently, I had the honor of photographing a client with her two horses, Chex and Comanche. It was more than just a photoshoot—it was a chance to capture love, loyalty, and a lifetime of memories before saying goodbye.

Both horses had been faithful companions for years. They carried her through seasons of life, through long rides, quiet mornings, and countless little moments that often go unseen. And now, it was time to honor them one last time—with photos that would forever tell their story.

As a photographer, these are the moments that humble me the most. There’s something sacred about holding space for both love and loss, about pressing the shutter knowing this exact moment will never happen again.

I’ve had a few sessions like this in my career—sessions where we all knew one of the family members wouldn’t be here next time. And every time, I’m reminded that photography is so much more than smiles and poses. It’s legacy. It’s memory. It’s the tangible reminder of God’s goodness even in the hardest goodbyes.

That’s why I want to encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to your own photos. Family photos don’t have to fit the mold. They can look like a sunset ride with your horse, baking in the kitchen with your kids, or simply sitting on the porch with the people (or animals) who make your world feel like home.

When I look back at sessions like this one, I’m reminded of how deeply photos can speak. They hold laughter, connection, even the ache of goodbye—and somehow, they remind us that love doesn’t end just because a chapter closes.

Chex and Comanche’s session wasn’t just about loss. It was about gratitude. It was about celebrating a bond that had shaped a life. That’s what intentional photography is all about—not just freezing time, but honoring it.

If there’s something or someone in your life that means the world to you—don’t wait. Celebrate it now. Capture it now. You don’t need a “perfect” season or a special occasion. You just need a story that matters to you.

And when you look back on those images one day, I hope they remind you of God’s gentle presence in every season—the joyful ones, and the tender ones too.

Let’s create something real. Something lasting. Something that tells your story with heart, honesty, and grace.

Top 10 Questions I Get Asked as a Family & Lifestyle Photographer in Steamboat Springs, CO

Top 10 Questions I Get Asked as a Family & Lifestyle Photographer in Steamboat Springs, CO

Photography isn’t just about snapping a picture — it’s about telling a story. Your story. And whether I’m photographing a giggly family, a just-engaged couple, or a high school senior getting ready to take on the world, one thing always comes up: questions!

And I love questions. Because behind every “What should we wear?” or “What if it rains?” is a person who cares deeply about capturing something meaningful.

So here it is — the 10 questions I get asked all the time as a family and lifestyle photographer here in Steamboat Springs, CO… along with my honest, helpful answers!

1. What should we wear for our photo session?

Let’s be real: picking outfits can feel like a lot of pressure. But it doesn’t have to be stressful! My biggest tip? Coordinate — don’t match. Choose a palette of 2–3 complementary colors, add some texture (think knits, denim, cotton), and avoid bold logos or super busy patterns that distract from your faces.

Neutrals always photograph beautifully here in Steamboat — especially with the mountain light — and you can layer in a pop of color with accessories or statement pieces. I also send every client a custom style guide to help you feel confident and prepared.

Pro tip: Seniors — bring 2–3 outfits to mix it up. From cozy mountain casual to something a little more dressy, let’s show off all sides of your personality.

2. What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Mountain weather? Unpredictable. That’s part of the charm — and part of the challenge. If we’re dealing with full-on rain, extreme wind, or freezing temps, we’ll absolutely reschedule. Your comfort (and safety) comes first.

But a little mist? A sprinkle of snow? Some cloud cover? Those can actually create super dreamy photos. Some of my favorite sessions have happened in unexpected conditions — they add a sense of adventure and authenticity you just can’t plan for.

I always keep an eye on the forecast and will check in with you the day before your shoot if anything looks questionable.

3. Can we bring our dog (or other pets)?

YES PLEASE. I’m 100% on Team Bring-The-Dog. (Or cat. Or goat. True story.)

Your pets are part of your family, and they deserve a spot in the memories you’re capturing. Just give me a heads-up so I can help pick a location that’s safe and pet-friendly. I always come stocked with treats, squeaky toys, and a whole lot of patience to help get those perfect shots — even if your pup is a little wild.

Want to include your pet for just part of the session? We can totally plan for that too.

4. How long does a session usually last?

Most sessions run between 45-60 minutes, depending on the type. For seniors, we often go a little longer — especially if we’re doing outfit changes or exploring a couple of different locations.

My sessions are very relaxed — think of it more like hanging out together while I document those real, in-between moments. I never want you to feel rushed or overly posed. The magic happens when everyone has time to settle in, have fun, and just be themselves.

5. Do you help with posing? We’re kind of awkward...

Honestly? Everyone says this. And here’s the truth: you are not awkward — you’re just not used to having a camera on you (unless you’re a Kardashian).

My approach is super guided but also very natural. I’ll give you easy, playful prompts that get you moving, laughing, and interacting — no stiff poses or forced smiles. Think: walking together, sharing a secret, twirling your kiddo, or tossing snowballs.

It’s more about connection than perfection. I’m here to bring out the real stuff — the way your partner looks at you when you laugh, the way your senior beams when they talk about the future, the way your kid clings to your leg when they’re shy. That’s the good stuff.

6. Where do sessions usually take place?

Steamboat Springs is basically a photographer’s dreamland. From alpine meadows and aspen groves to riverside trails and cozy mountain overlooks, we’re spoiled for choice.

Some of my go-to spots include Fish Creek Falls, Spring Creek Trail, and some quiet hidden gems I’ve scouted over the years. Whether you're going for a rugged outdoor feel or something a little more intimate and scenic, I’ll help you choose a location that fits your style, story, and comfort level.

Have a place that’s meaningful to you? Let’s go there. I love personalizing each session to make it truly yours.

7. What time of day is best for photos?

The golden hour — that glowy time right after sunrise or just before sunset — is photographer heaven. The light is soft, warm, and oh-so-flattering. If your schedule allows, we’ll aim for that.

That said, I know families have little kids with nap schedules, and seniors are juggling school and sports. So if golden hour isn’t doable, don’t worry. I know how to work with all kinds of light to make you look your best — even in midday sun or overcast skies.

8. How far in advance should we book?

Steamboat has busy seasons, especially in summer and fall, so I recommend booking 4–6 weeks out, especially if you need a weekend. Senior sessions, in particular, fill up fast during back-to-school season and before yearbook deadlines.

For winter or spring sessions, you might have more flexibility, but earlier is always better — especially if you're hoping for peak fall colors or wildflowers. Need something sooner? Reach out anyway! I sometimes have last-minute openings.

9. How and when will we get our photos?

Within 2–3 weeks, you’ll get a private, beautifully curated online gallery where you can view, download, and share all your fully edited images. No watermarks, no limits.

You can also order professional prints, albums, or framed pieces right from your gallery — or I can help you create something custom. My editing style is timeless, clean, and true-to-color with just a hint of warmth. I want your photos to feel just as beautiful 10 years from now as they do today.

10. Do you travel outside of Steamboat Springs?

Yes! While I’m based in Steamboat, I love to travel for sessions — whether it’s a family ranch in Hayden, a lakeside shoot in Oak Creek, or a senior session up near Rabbit Ears Pass. If you're dreaming of a certain backdrop or planning a special getaway, let's talk.

Travel fees are minimal for most surrounding areas and totally worth it if it means capturing your story somewhere meaningful to you.

Ready to Plan Your Session?

If you’ve made it this far — yay! Hopefully this answered some of the questions you’ve been wondering about. And if not? Just shoot me a message. I’m here to help every step of the way.

Whether you're planning your first family session, your senior's big milestone, or just want to celebrate your love with an adventurous couples shoot — I’m all in.

Let’s make something beautiful together.

What to Wear for Your Photo Session: A Guide to Coordinating Outfits Without the Stress

One of the most common questions I get before a session is:
“What should we wear?”

And I totally get it—choosing outfits for your whole crew can feel overwhelming. You want everyone to look great, but not too matchy, and you’re trying to strike that perfect balance between timeless and stylish.

Good news? It doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple tips, you can pull together a look that feels cohesive, comfortable, and beautiful on camera.

Here’s my go-to guide for coordinating outfits that photograph beautifully. I just had to do this for my own little family when we had our photos taken….here is how I coordinated my family:

1. Start with a Color Palette (3–4 Colors is the Sweet Spot)

Rather than matching everyone in the exact same color, choose a color palette of 3–4 complementary tones. This creates a more natural, balanced look and allows each person’s personality to shine through.

A great formula:

• 1 main/neutral color (like cream, tan, gray, soft denim)

• 1–2 accent colors (muted greens, soft blush, rust, navy, mustard)

• 1 deeper or bolder tone (to ground the look—like charcoal, olive, or burgundy)

✨ Pro Tip: Start with one outfit you love (like mom’s dress or baby’s romper) and build the rest of the looks around those colors.

2. Mix Patterns and Solids

Patterns can bring texture and interest to your photos, but the key is balance.

• Try one or two people in a patterned piece (like florals, subtle plaids, or stripes).

• Everyone else can wear solids pulled from the color palette.

• Avoid large logos, neon colors, or busy prints that distract from your faces.

Patterns are perfect for dresses, tops, or even a statement skirt. Just keep the scale soft and simple so it doesn’t overwhelm the photo.

3. Layering Adds Depth and Interest

Layers are your secret weapon for elevating a simple outfit. They add texture, movement, and that cozy, effortless look.

Ideas for layering:

• Cardigans or denim jackets

• Vests or scarves in cooler months

• Layered jewelry or hats (if that fits your vibe)

• Rolled sleeves, knotted hems, or a belt to give structure

Layers also make it easy to change things up mid-session without a full outfit swap.

4. Dress for the Season – and the Location

Think about where and when your session is taking place. Is it a breezy beach session? A golden fall field? An in-home newborn session?

Each setting works best with certain textures and tones:

• Spring: Light fabrics, pastels, florals, soft greens and blush tones

• Summer: Breezy neutrals, chambray, creams, soft blues

• Fall: Earthy tones like mustard, rust, olive, deep burgundy, cozy knits

• Winter: Jewel tones, deep greens/navy, layered textures like wool or corduroy

• In-home: Comfy knits, barefoot, warm neutrals, soft textures (think cozy, lived-in feel)

5. Comfort > Perfection

Yes, we want your outfits to look great—but if you're not comfortable, it’ll show. Make sure everyone can move, sit, and snuggle easily in what they’re wearing.

• Choose pieces that fit well (not too tight or too loose).

• Skip anything itchy, stiff, or restrictive—especially for little ones.

• Flowy dresses, joggers, linen shirts, soft knits—yes please.

Bonus: if you feel good in what you're wearing, you're going to look amazing in your photos.

6. Lay It All Out First

Once you’ve picked your outfits, lay everything out together (including shoes, accessories, etc.) and take a photo. Seeing it all together helps you spot anything that doesn’t quite fit—and ensures the palette looks cohesive across the board.

You can also send me a photo—I’m always happy to help tweak things!

Quick Outfit Checklist ✅

• ✔ Choose 3–4 colors to build your palette

• ✔ Mix solids and 1–2 subtle patterns

• ✔ Layer for texture and depth

• ✔ Dress for the season and setting

• ✔ Prioritize comfort and confidence

• ✔ Avoid neon, logos, or anything overly trendy

Need Some Inspiration?

I keep a curated Pinterest board full of outfit ideas for families, couples, maternity, and more. Just ask, and I’ll send you the link!

Final Thoughts

Your photo session is about capturing connection, love, and real life—not perfection. When you feel confident, your joy and personality will come through in every frame.

So wear something that makes you feel you, let the kids be kids, and I’ll take care of the rest. 💛

Why Golden Hour is Worth the Wait (and Maybe Even a Few Bribes!)

If you've ever seen those dreamy, glowing family photos with warm tones and soft light, chances are they were taken during golden hour — that magical time shortly after sunrise or just before sunset when the sun casts its most flattering light. As a photographer, I’ve structured my entire outdoor session schedule around this short window of perfection. And yes, it’s absolutely worth it — even if it means keeping the kids up a little later or bringing some extra snacks and bribes.

So, What Is Golden Hour?

Golden hour is that brief period when the sun is low in the sky, creating a soft, warm, golden glow. It’s nature’s filter — no harsh shadows, no squinting eyes, just beautifully lit skin tones and backgrounds that seem to glow from within.

This lighting does more than just flatter — it transforms. Golden hour can take an ordinary moment and make it look magical. It adds depth, warmth, and richness to your photos in a way that midday light simply can’t compete with.

Why I Only Book One Client Per Evening

Because golden hour is so short (typically only about an hour), I only book one family or client per night. Here’s why that matters:

• You get my full attention. There’s no rushing through poses or watching the clock. You’re not squeezed into a time slot — this is your time.

• We follow the light. Every evening is a little different, and I want the freedom to adapt to the changing light and capture the absolute best moments.

• It’s about quality, not quantity. I’d rather give one family 100% of my effort and creativity in the best light than book multiple sessions and compromise on the results.

This intentional approach means that your session is truly customized to that evening’s light, your family’s energy, and the setting we’ve chosen. It’s a formula for photos you’ll treasure forever.

That’s why I only book one family per night — because golden hour is short, and everyone deserves the best light. It wouldn’t be fair for one family to get that dreamy glow while another, paying the same premium price, ends up with harsher light just because they were scheduled earlier or later. When you invest in golden hour, you deserve the full experience — not to share it with another session or settle for "close enough."

“But My Kids Usually Go to Bed Early…”

I get it — golden hour in the summer often starts around 7:30 or 8 PM, which is prime wind-down time for little ones. But here’s what I tell all my families: it’s worth it. Every. Single. Time.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Plan a later nap that day. A little schedule adjustment goes a long way.

• Bring snacks or favorite treats. Yes, this is one of the few times I highly recommend bribery!

• Make it an adventure. When kids sense that something special is happening, they’re often more cooperative and excited.

• Trust me. I’ve photographed a lot of tired toddlers and wiggly preschoolers — and we still get beautiful, joy-filled photos. I’ll guide you every step of the way.

Plus, it’s not just about pretty light — it’s about capturing your family at your best. When we shoot during golden hour, the lighting complements your natural interactions. It lets your love, connection, and personality shine through in a way that feels effortless.

The Bottom Line: Why Golden Hour is Truly Worth It

Golden hour isn’t just a pretty time of day — it’s the difference between good photos and photos that stop you in your tracks.

This light wraps your family in warmth. It smooths skin tones, adds depth to colors, and creates the kind of soft, glowing background you simply can’t fake with editing or artificial lighting. It turns a simple field or park into a storybook setting.

But even more important than the look of golden hour is the feeling it creates.

There’s something calming and peaceful about the way the light shifts in the evening. Everything slows down just a little. The kids are excited for a fun adventure. You’re outside, unplugged, with your people. And the photos we create together during this time? They don’t just look beautiful — they feel real.

And that’s why I only book one session per evening. Not just because the light is fleeting, but because your story deserves my full attention, the best light, and the time to unfold naturally. I never want you to feel rushed or squeezed into a tight schedule. This is an experience we’re creating — not just a photo shoot.

So yes, golden hour sessions might run a little past bedtime. They might require a bit of flexibility and a snack stash in your bag. But here’s what you get in return:

• Stunning, natural light that makes you and your family look your absolute best.

• A calm, slow-paced session where we can focus on genuine connection — not just posed smiles.

• Photographs full of emotion, glow, and connection — the kind you’ll be proud to hang on your walls for years to come.

Because years from now, you won’t remember what time your kids went to bed that night.
But you will remember how it felt to twirl barefoot in a golden field, to snuggle your little ones as the sun dipped behind the trees, and to see yourself — really see yourself — in photos that feel like magic.

XOXO,

Whitney