When I landed in Colorado for what I lovingly call my little “great Colorado adventure,” I had no idea how quickly this place would steal my heart. On day two, I drove out to South Valley Park to meet a sweet family of three who had booked me for their outdoor Colorado family photoshoot. The moment I stepped into that landscape, with its red rock formations, golden grass, and crisp air, I understood why they love calling this place home.

We spent the afternoon chasing light, laughter, and the sweet curiosity of their baby girl, who kept us on our toes as she collected rocks and explored every corner of the trail. She was all giggles, sparkles, and determination: she was my little energy coach for the day.

What I loved most was how natural and effortless everything felt. Nothing was staged or stiff. They held hands, swung their little one between them, cuddled, wandered, and simply existed in the moment. Their joy radiated through every frame. Cuddles and playtime is the kind of posing coaching I deliver for my family sessions.

How We Landed on South Valley Park

The process of choosing the location became part of the story. We exchanged a list of favorite places and bucketlist visits: Evergreen Lake, Roxborough Park, Chatfield Park, and Chautauqua Park. All of them are gorgeous options but some require advance permits or special commercial approvals, and autumn was already in full swing. We needed something realistic and flexible, which turned this part of the planning into our little puzzle.

Having secured a Boulder permit for Kamila and Brian, we felt optimistic about our prospects. But then Gabriela mentioned South Valley Park, a place just minutes from her home with red rocks, trails, colorful trees, and even small lakes.

I went online to check it out and immediately thought:
“Is this real life? How do you live in a place this beautiful?”

It was the perfect choice. Stunning scenery, an easy $25 dollar permit, and no long wait times. Once they visited again and confirmed how the canyon light played through the afternoon, the decision was made. South Valley Park would be the winner.

Golden Hour… Maybe

Choosing the time of day became another adventure. Between canyon light, early winter sunsets, and the unpredictability of shadows between rock walls, we agreed to meet earlier than a typical golden hour session. Gabriela wanted to avoid losing light too quickly, especially with their baby girl needing time to feel comfortable around me.

By the time we started, the sun was high enough to brighten the trails but low enough to soften the fall colors. It gave us that dreamy mix of daylight glow with a hint of afternoon warmth, which worked beautifully with the scenery around us.

Their Session Felt Like a Gift

From beginning to end, it felt like we were sharing a pocket of magic. They are the type of family that makes my work feel like play: present, easygoing, expressive, and so clearly in love with their little one and with this season of their lives in Colorado.

Almost a decade ago, I dreamed of a time when my great loves would come together: traveling, the great outdoors, and photography. Watching it all unfold during sessions like this one, becoming an occasional traveling photographer, and being trusted by families all around the world is something I treasure deeply.

I hope these images bring them back to this moment in time, when everything felt tender, simple, and full of possibility. And I hope they bring you joy as well.

xo,

Cami