"Why I love outdoor Photography"
As a child raised in Wyoming most of my favorite childhood memories happened outside usually in the Black Hills and Plains of Wyoming and South Dakota. Running around barefoot with a sunburn, swimming in the streams or lakes and playing until sunset. My childhood was happiest and most at peace out in nature. Where the noise of life gets very quiet and interacting with nature connects us to our historic heritage here in the Wild West. Maybe that's why Wyoming has my heart. There's something about this wide-open land, - the golden sunsets, the silent fields, the sense of peace - that invites us all to slow down and breathe a little deeper.
That same sense of wild freedom and wonder is what I love capturing for the families I photograph today. I truly believe the best photos aren't perfectly posed and stiffly planned - they're the ones that feel like you. Often times the most authentic, joy - filled moments always happen outdoors surrounded by Wyoming's wild beauty where kids can be kids and families can be real.
"The Magic of Nature in Photography"
When kids are outside something truly beautiful happens. The pressure to "smile for the camera" disappears, instead of the forced sarcastic smiles their natural curiosity takes over. They start to play, explore and smile without focusing on "being good for the camera" - and that is where the real magic starts to reveal itself.
Nature offers children the space needed to be themselves. Whether it be collecting shiny rocks by the water, spinning until they are dizzy or playing run away from Mom and Dad, being outdoors encourages real emotion and authentic movement. The result? Photographs that radiate personality and connection showing us who they actually are.
Beyond that, Wyoming's diverse lighting and landscapes create a unique, organic beauty that no backdrop or studio can match. The warm glow of golden hour in an open field, the dramatic shadows near a mountain trail, a storm building in the sky over a quiet stream - it all adds depth and feeling to every frame.
"Why These Photos Feel So Timeless"
There is a nostalgic feeling to photos taken outdoors. Maybe it's the way the wind catches a child's hair, or the look of joy when they find a wildflower or the perfect stick for a staff or magic wand. These small moments remind us of our own childhood adventures - the sunburns, the dirty faces, the endless days spent exploring.
I love creating memories that transport families back to those fleeting years of innocence and wonder. Because one day your child will be taller, busier, and off chasing new dreams - but when you look at these photos, you'll remember exactly who they were in that moment: curious, wild and completely themselves.
That's what I hope my photos do - freeze a feeling in time.
"What to Expect at an Outdoor Family Session"
When we plan your session, I'll help you choose a location that feels relaxed and meaningful - maybe a favorite park, a field of wildflowers, or a quiet wooded trail. My sessions are unhurried and playful. I'll encourage you to interact naturally with your kids- laugh, explore, cuddle and just be together.
Don't worry if your children don't sit still or follow every instruction - I actually hope they don't! Some of the most beautiful moments happen between the "poses" - a loving glance a silly giggle, or dirty hands holding yours.
I want your photos to feel like your family - imperfect, connected, full of life.
"Capturing the Heart of Family Life"
Family life moves fast. One day you're chasing toddlers through the park, and the next you're wondering when they got so grown up. Photographs help you hit pause and help you hold on to that moment in time.
When you look at your gallery, I want you to feel the warmth of the Wyoming sun, hear the laughter echoing through the trees, and see your child's personality shining through every image. These are the moments you will treasure years from now - the simple, real, everyday kind of perfection.
If you love the idea of capturing your family's story outdoors surrounded by Wyoming's natural beauty - in motion, and full of heart - I'd be honored to create those memories with you.
