South Mesa Trailhead Boulder, Colorado Family Photography

Gretchen reached out to me hoping to celebrate family time together with vibrant photos during this beautiful, yet fleeting time of year. Her previous photographer had to cancel, so she reached out to me and we made sure to schedule right away so we could enjoy the beautiful colors. We decided to meet at South Mesa Trailhead in Boulder, Colorado. One of my favorite Denver area locations for fall family photo sessions.

South Mesa is just a few minutes south of Boulder. It opens up into golden meadows, rustic fences, cottonwood trees, and those iconic Flatirons glowing in the distance. The trails here are really gentle, wide and well packed down-which is perfect for young children to run around and have room to roam. It’s easy access, with a large parking lot and has a great variety of backdrops from intimacy with the foliage and mountain stream to big sweeping western views of the mountains. It’s especially amazing at golden hour (sunrise and sunset).

Right when we met her kiddos were off and running. Gretchen told me her son recently broke his leg on the playground…and even though it was merely a month or so after his injury, he was already running wild and seemingly all healed up. Oh the joys of being a gumby kiddo.

The conditions were absoluetly perfect. A soft wind, crisp blue skies, the setting sun and an array of fall colors. Their outfit selection was also top tier! Take note if you’re looking for the perfect clothing for a fall family photo session. They nailed it! We spent an hour and a half moving around from place to place making sure to keep the kiddos engaged. Lots of impromptu silly moments, gentle poses and then just letting the fun times play out. We captured some really special images and cherished memories. Moreover, it was a great experience! Often, we simply think about the photos…but the experience is just as important! Presence and invaluable time together celebrating the simple joys. It’s really special.

If the photos in this gallery below remind you of your family, with a bit of wild and lots of love, then I’d love to chat and set up a relaxed, natural family photoshoot with you! I’m ready to book my family photos!