I’ve lived in Colorado many years, and I shoot outdoor sessions all the time, but the magnificence of the mountains and the brilliance of the sky never ceases to take my breath away. I love standing in the foothills and valleys—with snow spread out far as the eye can see—and look up at the mountain peaks. They seem unconquerable from so far away.

A Stunning Sunrise Session

All of that to say, I love when families ask for unique, picturesque portraits with the mountains as the backdrop. I shot this session even before the sun peeked over the mountain tops in the wee hours of the morning in Dillon, Colorado! I’m amazed that their little girl handled this early-morning session so well, but there’s nothing like a Colorado chill to get you going! To say it was cold is an understatement. Brrrr! But the scenery was so amazing and worth it. Plus, we didn’t need to stay out very long to capture the beauty of it all and get these phenomenal family photos.

We bundled everyone up and shot on the frozen banks of Lake Dillon. The lake itself had a full layer of ice; however, it made some very unsettling noises when we walked on it (just in the shallow parts) so we decided the shore seemed safer!!! You wouldn't even know everything was coated in snow! I really love the shot with the moon still up high in the sky over the soft pink glow of the sunrise.

I loved being out there with the sweet family, and I’m so glad they asked me to come out there and capture this special session for them!