Summer Mountain Photoshoot with an Evergreen, CO Photographer

Every now and then, a photo session comes along that feels less like a scheduled appointment and more like a collaborative art project. This was absolutely the case for a recent summer mountain session with a wonderful family who had just moved to Evergreen, Colorado. What made it so special? Well, it all started even before I picked up my camera.

The Genesis of a Dream Photo

The initial message from Mom set the stage. She explained that as a parting gift, a dear friend had commissioned a painting of their family in a beautiful mountain scene. Her goal was to recreate that painting through my lens. She showed me the painting during our initial consultation, and I was immediately captivated. As someone who thrives on bringing clients' unique desires to life, I was instantly excited by the visual challenge.

Our consultation process is always thorough, but this one felt particularly exciting. We delved into the specifics of the painting – the poses, the scenery, the overall mood. It was clear that this wasn't just about taking a pretty picture; it was about honoring a cherished gift and making it a tangible reality for them in their new Evergreen, Colorado home.

Finding the Perfect Canvas: Location, Location, Location

Next came the location consultation. This is where my knowledge of the local landscape & being a Colorado native truly comes into play. With the painting fresh in my mind, a particular spot immediately sprang to mind. I told her, with complete confidence, "I know the perfect spot to bring the painting to life." The excitement was palpable on both ends of the phone call. We were both brimming with anticipation for the day of the shoot.

Furry Friends and Filtered Sunlight: The Session Begins

The day of the session arrived, bathed in the warm glow of a Colorado summer afternoon. We met at our chosen location, a place that offered a breathtaking variety of backdrops. Our session began with an immediate burst of personality: the family dog, clearly Dad's beloved "baby," joined us for a few initial shots. She was a natural, her wagging tail a testament to her joy.

Then there was the rambunctious little toddler. As any parent of a young child knows, toddlers have their own agenda, and this little guy was no exception! After capturing some adorable moments with their furry companion, we decided it was best for the dog to relax in the car, ensuring she was comfortable and safe while we focused on the human members of the family.

We then ventured into a beautiful wooded area. As the sun began its descent, filtering through the dense canopy of trees, it painted the scene in a magical golden light. This was the perfect setting for some playful, candid shots. We captured Mom and Dad joyfully swinging their toddler, their laughter echoing softly through the woods. The silhouette of the trees against the vibrant sunset created a truly ethereal backdrop, moments that perfectly encapsulated the innocence and joy of childhood. Those are still some of my favorite images to this day.

Chasing Joy: Toddler Antics and Candid Moments

Our adventure continued as we made our way towards a sprawling field. This is where the little guy truly came alive. He kept me on my toes the entire session! I spent most of our time chasing after him, my camera ready to capture his mischievous smiles as he frolicked through the tall grasses. There was a moment I remember vividly, a slight sting as I brushed against a branch while running to keep up with him – a small price to pay for the perfect shot!

To truly capture the essence of their family dynamics, I encouraged Mom and Dad to join in the fun. The result? A series of beautiful, candid shots of them playing chase with their sweet little boy. These are the moments that truly tell a family's story – the unscripted joy, the genuine connections, the boundless energy of youth.

The Painting Comes to Life: A Dream brought to life

And then, the moment we had all been waiting for: it was time to recreate the painting. I carefully directed them into the field, meticulously positioning each family member to match the artistry of the original image. Getting the little guy into the exact pose from the painting required some gentle coaxing and a good dose of patience, while I simultaneously guided Mom on how to subtly sway her dress, ensuring it flowed just as gracefully as in the handcrafted artwork.

It was a delicate dance of direction and patience, but finally, we got it. We captured the shot. We had done it! The painted image had truly come to life.

Stolen Moments and Artistic Enhancements

Just as we thought we were ready to pack up, I knew there was one more crucial element to capture. In the beautiful chaos of parenting a busy toddler, it's so easy to forget the tender, sweet, stolen moments between Mom and Dad. These early years fly by, and preserving the love and connection between parents is just as important as documenting the family as a whole. I made sure to capture some of these intimate exchanges, quiet glances, and gentle embraces – moments that will undoubtedly become even more cherished as time goes on.

Once I was back in my studio, the editing process was pure joy. This was where I could truly add the magical finishing touches that brought the painted image even further to life. There were little details that we couldn't quite perfectly coordinate in real life, but which I knew would make all the difference. I enhanced the sky, adding depth and drama, and then, with a touch of digital artistry, I added in some delicate birds soaring gracefully and a few more wildflowers to truly fill out the foreground and make the scene even more vibrant and whimsical.

The final image was everything we had hoped for and more. It came out beautifully, a perfect fusion of their cherished painting and the real-life joy of their family. And the best part? Mom absolutely loved it. It was a true testament to the power of a shared vision and the magic that happens when artistry and heart collide.

looking for the best family photographer in evergreen, co?

Well that's super subjective. But what I can be is the best photographer for YOU! That's why I have a consultation call with each of my clients. This helps both of us to collaborate on your session and ensure I'm the one you can entrust to capture your precious memories and bring your vision to life. Ready to capture your own family's unique story amidst the stunning Colorado landscape? Whether you have a specific vision in mind, like recreating a beloved piece of art, or simply want beautiful, authentic images of your loved ones, I'm here to help. Let's chat about your dream photo session and create memories you'll cherish for a lifetime. Reach out today to book your summer mountain family photo session!