One of the greatest gifts of being a photographer for nearly two decades is watching families grow up in front of my camera.
I’ve been photographing Ashley and Randy’s family for 16 or 17 years. Their oldest daughter, Caitlyn, was about a year old at our first session—and somehow, she is now beginning her senior year of high school.
My connection to their family began through Ashley’s cousin Zach, whom I met at a student yearbook camp while working for Walsworth Publishing Company. I taught photography and graphic design, and Zach went on to lead the yearbooks at both Pueblo West High School and Wake Forest University. I later spent three years consulting with his Wake Forest staff. That connection eventually led me to Ashley and Randy—and to the incredible privilege of documenting their growing family all these years.
This summer, we put their session on the calendar not once, not twice, but three times. Intense winds surrounding the Aspen Acres Fire, followed by smoke from the fire itself, caused us to reschedule twice. Thankfully, our third attempt brought the kind of golden light photographers dream about. The sun moved in and out of the clouds all evening, giving us a beautiful mix of bright, glowing portraits and softer, overcast moments.
When the family arrived, I thought they had brought a friend along.
Or so I thought.
It was their middle daughter, Phoenix! She was 10 the last time I photographed her, and now she’s 14. I hardly recognized her! These kids have grown into such beautiful young people.
With Caitlyn beginning her senior year, we also created a few senior portraits for her. There was something especially meaningful about photographing the same girl I first met as a toddler as she prepares for graduation and whatever comes next.
This is why I believe so deeply in continuing to photograph your family. One day, the one-year-old in front of my camera becomes a high school senior.
And everything we hope to never forget is preserved in a photograph.
Randy and Ashley, thank you for trusting me once again with these heirlooms. These are some of my favorite portraits of your family yet!
With love & joy,
René
Looking for family portraits in Colorado Springs or Pueblo or Cañon City this summer? Whether your children are little or suddenly teenagers, now is the time to preserve this season. I still have weekday availability through the end of summer and would love to create beautiful portraits and heirlooms your family will treasure for generations. Reach out to begin planning your session!
Had to share a couple photos from the past, 2010 and 2014:
