Standley Lake | Westminster, Colorado Family Photography | Ryan Kost 

Brian reached out to me hoping to capture some special memories of his family as a surprise gift for his wife Teresa. They were celebrating 10 years of marriage, and he wanted to cherish this special chapter of life together with their son Calvin and two beautiful dogs Winston and Frankie.

We decided to meet at Standley Lake in Westminster, Colorado for a golden hour evening fall session when that late September light is oh so crisp and beautiful. It was right near their home, and they had spent many evenings over the years walking the shores with their pups and son, so it held a special place in their hearts. When we first met up, their son Calvin was quite reserved. Naturally, he’s like who’s this stranger here talking to me and taking photos of me? He would put his hands over his eyes and hide behind his mom and dad’s legs. His mom Teresa, said “Give it a few minutes, and then once he opens up-you can’t keep him away!”

Sure enough-with a bit of playing around, lauging and encouragement, Blake opened up. Soon, he was running through the meadows, taking photos of me with his little camrea, playing limbo under the dog leash and splashing through the lake. I love that moment when kids begin trusting you. It’s a hard to describe feeling-but you know you’re doing something right when they start just having fun, calling you by your name and saying '“Hey watch this!”

We spent an hour and a half soaking up the golden light making our way to the shores of Standley Lake where we watched the sun set and the sky turn a beautiful pink and blue. Calvin took off for the water with the pups running wild. Teresa and Brian quipped, “He’s a feral child, what can we say?!’

“The best kind,” I responded. My wife and I were just two months away from welcoming our own baby boy into the world, and these moments hit home. I couldn’t wait to raise our own ‘wild child’ embracing curiosity, exploration and refusing to fully tame him.

Once we got back to the parking lot just at sunset, we realized the gates to the parking lot were closed. Oops! We were stuck. Brian and Teresa handled it in good form and laughed but also jumped into action. We all started calling local numbers to see who could come unlock us and let us out. Eventually, we got a hold of the Westminster rangers and they came to unlock it. They told us that they come every day right at sunset and to check our apps for the exact minute the sun sets because that’s when they’d be closing it. Good to know!

We said our farewells and Calvin from the backsear of his carseat yelled out “Hey, Ryan, I had so much fun!” That warmed my heart and fed my soul. A beautiful celebration with this family enjoying the simple joys in life not too far from home. I highly recommend Standley Lake for it’s big skies, great light, mountain views and water with plenty of room to roam for a natural, relaxed family photoshoot! Reach out today to book your session with me!