Family photos so meaningful, they stop you mid-hallway

(laundry basket and all).

FORT COLLINS FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

That’s why I help you turn your images into custom albums and heirloom artwork—so this chapter doesn’t just live in your memory, but in your hands.

They’re meant to be held.
Passed down.
Lingered over.

your photos aren't meant to DISSAPEAR into a folder labeled “Important – Don’t Delete.”

sound familiar?

✔️ capture real connection (not forced smiles or stiff poses) because your photographer knows when to gently guide—and when to step back

✔️ feel like home every time you pass them on the wall (even during the witching hour)

✔️ document this season honestly—messy, tender, joyful, fleeting—and somehow still look timeless

✔️ are designed with custom artwork in mind, not left to die in a forgotten camera roll

✔️ grow more meaningful with every passing year

✔️ make you think, “I am so glad we did this.”

YOU WANT THE KIND OF FAMILY PHOTOS THAT:

PSSST! HERE’S THE SECRET:

I have never been happier with my family photos.

Shelley is the best!! I have never been happier with my family photos. She captured all of our personalities perfectly and finds the most beautiful locations. She is thoughtful and detail oriented. She is an artist and has an amazing eye! Not to mention she is kind and fun! So grateful I found her!

-jessica

Because you deserve to celebrate and document this incredible life you’re building together.
(and time won’t stop. I asked.)

one day you’re living in the chaos, and the next you’re crying over a photo of those same sticky fingers and crooked smiles—because it turns out, that was the good stuff. 

Fort collins photographer

Not your average “smile-for-the-camera-and-hope-for-the-best” session.

Family sessions with me are intentional, guided, and thoughtfully designed—from what you wear, to how you’re photographed, to how your images will live in your home.


This is about more than photos.
It’s about creating heirloom artwork that reflects your family’s connection, personality, and love—beautifully preserved for the long haul.

Because this season deserves more than digital dust.

Family Sessions 

shelley schaffer photography

This is the session I’m best known for — the full Shelley Schaffer Photography experience from start to finish. From the moment you book, I guide you through the entire process so everything feels easy, thoughtful, and beautifully taken care of.

You’ll receive personalized styling support from me,
 plus access to a professional wardrobe stylist who will help plan outfits for the whole family,
so everyone looks and feels amazing in front of the camera (without you having to stress about what to wear).

After your session, I’ll help you select your favorite images and design custom artwork for your home — the kind of heirloom pieces that turn these fleeting seasons into something you can see, hold, and treasure every day.

Fine Art Prints start at 300 & Custom Framed Artwork begins at 700
all artwork includes digital images
packages that include all the digitals are available

475

Signature Family Session

*Print products and digital images are sold separately*

About 7–10 days after your session, we’ll meet for your ordering appointment. You’ll see your portraits for the first time, choose your favorites, and decide which images you’d love as digitals and which ones deserve a spot on your walls as heirloom artwork. The best part?
You only invest in what you truly love.

Choose Your Images & Artwork

Step Two

You can book your session instantly online, or we can start with a quick consultation call so I can learn about you and hear what you’re envisioning. Either way, we’ll connect to chat through the details and start planning your session. A session fee secures your date on my calendar and makes it official.

Secure your session

Step One

Professional photos, simple process.

Pre-Session Design Consultation (yes, artwork is part of the plan)

Styling guidance + wardrobe support

Portrait Prep Guide so you feel prepared, not panicked

Session in studio or on location

A relaxed, child-led approach (no forced smiles here)

15+ years of professional experience you can trust

Hand-edited images with a timeless, fine-art finish

In-person reveal + ordering appointment

Custom artwork: heirloom albums, framed prints, and wall art designed specifically for your home

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR family  SESSION 

Family photos for when you don’t want perfection—

you want meaning.

Your images aren’t meant to live on a hard drive.

They’re meant to live with you.


Beautiful photos.
Thoughtful process.
Zero chaos.



FORT COLLINS FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

- starla bork

She highlights each person's personality, and the way she captures their eyes is so soulful. We have been lucky enough to have her shoot my family a few times and images are so precious to us! The shoots are so fun, she makes my girls feel comfortable and always kept them laughing.”

my CLIENTS HAVE THE SWEETEST THINGS TO SAY

“Shelley has such a gift!

- EMILY BAKER

Shelley was so sweet and wonderful to work with, edited our photos much faster than I expected, and the outcome was BEAUTIFUL. We will cherish these photos of our little girl for the rest of our lives. Cannot recommend her enough!”

my CLIENTS HAVE THE SWEETEST THINGS TO SAY

“If I could give more than 5 stars I would!

- ADELE MOREHEAD

Her style is timeless and so well crafted. She was very patient and kind with my kiddos who both kept her movin’! I am so grateful to have run across her page. Shelley is such a talented artist and photographer and I can’t wait to work with her again!!! Thank you for the beautiful photos that my family will treasure forever!!”

“Shelley was so amazing to work with!

(Because what feels ordinary today becomes everything tomorrow.)

You deserve intentional, connection-driven images that reflect your family as you are right now, created with care and meant to be lived with.

There’s no universal version of family life—
and there shouldn’t be a universal look to family photography.

fort collins family photographer

WHAT SSP FAMILY SESSIONS ARE:

✔️ Connection-driven, fine-art family photographs that feel honest and timeless

✔️ Images that reflect your family as you are right now—personalities, relationships, and all

✔️ Thoughtfully planned with intention, while staying flexible and child-led

✔️ Calm, guided sessions where you’re never left wondering what to do

✔️ Focused on real moments over forced smiles or perfect poses

✔️ Designed to become custom artwork—heirloom prints, framing, and albums for your home

WHAT SSP NEWBORN SESSIONS AREN’T:

✖️ Rushed, chaotic, or stressful experiences

✖️ Over-posed, overly styled, or “everyone smile at once” setups

✖️ Trend-driven looks that won’t age beautifully

✖️ Cold, cookie-cutter, or transactional sessions

✖️ Awkward “stand here and grin” moments

✖️ Images that get lost in your camera roll instead of living on your walls

Still not sure if SSP Family Sessions are perfect for you?

Long story short? 
YOU + ME = HEART-SMILING HEIRLOOMS.

That’s why I photograph families the way I do.

Not perfectly.

But honestly, beautifully, and with intention.

I know how fast this goes.
How the tiny hands grow.
How the voices change.
How one day you look up and realize the season shifted—quietly.

Hey, I’m Shelley.
Fine art photographer,
mama-heart human, and professional moment-catcher.

MEET YOUR family PHOTOGRAPHER

I take on a limited number of family sessions each month so every client gets the care (and planning) they deserve.

If this season matters to you—
now is the time.




P.S. don't wait too long

I’m often booked in advance.

-Megan

Shelley’s style is SO unique! Her photographs are truly stunning, and she captured so many precious moments and details that we will cherish forever! I still tear up every time I look at our gallery…it instantly brings back ALL of the emotions during this precious season of life.

my CLIENTS HAVE THE SWEETEST THINGS TO SAY

“We loved everything about our session with Shelley! 

FREQUENTLY
asked
QUESTIONS

How long does a family session last?

Most family sessions last about 1 to 2 hours.

That gives us plenty of time for relaxed moments, movement, snuggles, and natural interactions without anyone feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Sessions move at a comfortable pace so your family can just settle in and enjoy the experience.

What time of day are sessions scheduled?

For outdoor sessions, we typically photograph about 60–90 minutes before sunset.

That’s when the light is soft, glowing, and downright magical.

I promise it’s worth the slightly later bedtime that night.

What should we wear?

Don’t worry — you won’t be figuring that out alone.

Every family I work with receives personal wardrobe guidance from a stylist based in Denver, and you’ll also have access to my client wardrobe with beautiful pieces for moms and little ones. I’ll help coordinate colors, textures, and overall style so everything feels cohesive without looking overly “matchy.”

The goal is clothing that photographs beautifully while still feeling like you.

Where will our session take place?

Most family sessions happen outdoors in some of my favorite Fort Collins and Northern Colorado locations — think open fields, soft evening light, and space for kids to move freely.

I also offer studio sessions if you prefer a timeless indoor look.

Once you book, I’ll help choose the location that fits your family’s style and the overall vibe you love.

Short answer: they don’t have to.

Kids are wonderfully unpredictable, and honestly, that’s where the magic lives. I’ve photographed hundreds of families over the past 15+ years, so I know how to gently guide moments without forcing anything. We’ll play, move, chat, and give everyone space to settle in.

The goal isn’t stiff “say cheese” smiles. The goal is connection.

And trust me — the real moments are always the best ones.

What if my kids don’t cooperate?

What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Colorado likes to keep us on our toes.

If weather isn’t cooperating, we’ll simply reschedule for the next available date. I always leave room in my calendar for weather adjustments so no one feels stressed.

When will we see our photos?

About 7–10 days after your session, we’ll meet for your image reveal and ordering appointment.

This is honestly one of my favorite parts.

You’ll see your images for the first time, choose your favorites, and I’ll help you design any artwork or albums you’d love to have in your home.

Do you offer digital images?

Yes! Digital collections are available.

Most families choose a combination of digital files and heirloom artwork like framed portraits or albums. My goal is to help you create pieces that actually live in your home (instead of disappearing into your camera roll forever).

Do you help with wall art and albums?

Absolutely.

In fact, it’s one of my favorite parts of the process.

I’ll guide you through selecting images and designing custom framed artwork, gallery walls, and heirloom albums that are made to last for generations.

These portraits deserve more than a hard drive.

How far in advance should we book?

Most families book 4–8 weeks in advance, especially during the busy fall season.

If you’re hoping for a specific time of year, it’s always best to reach out early.

Can extended family join the session?

Yes and No.

Grandparents are always welcome. Besides including grandparents, I do not shoot extended families.

I feel awkward in photos… help?

You’re in excellent company.

Almost every parent tells me this before their session. My job is to guide you through the entire experience so you never feel like you’re left wondering what to do.

I’ll gently direct you while keeping everything natural and relaxed.

Within about 10 minutes, you’ll forget the camera is even there.

Connection-first family photography, thoughtfully preserved.

BOOK YOUR fort collins family photographer

the free guide

5 simple steps to a smooth, fun, stress-free photo session
(straight from the best Fort Collins photographer)

Sound like something you need? Thought so.

The freebie
your sanity has been looking for.

Hello, it's me

VIP List:
First Access to Limited Events