There’s space in the middle.
That’s where the good stuff lives.
Families want photos that feel real—but they’re offered extremes instead:
• Over-styled images that don’t reflect real connection, or
• Unstructured chaos with no intention behind it.
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.
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.”
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!
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.
*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.
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.
Step One
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.
- 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.”
- 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!”
- 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!!”
That’s why I photograph families the way I do.
Not perfectly.
But honestly, beautifully, and with intention.
-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.
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.
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.
the free guide
5 simple steps to a smooth, fun, stress-free photo session
(straight from the best Fort Collins photographer)
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