The McIntire Family | Monument Valley Park Family Photo Session

Colorado Springs, CO


Brooke, Kellan, and Gunnar — I seriously don’t even know where to start. I adore this family so much, and photographing their family photos at Monument Valley Park in Colorado Springs was such a highlight for me.


Some families just feel like home the second you’re around them, and the McIntires are exactly that. Their energy, their kindness, and the way they genuinely enjoy each other’s company made this session feel more like hanging out with friends than a “photo shoot.”


How We All Met

We first became good friends with the McIntires back in the summer of 2021. My husband Isaac and Kellan were both working at Summit Ministries at the time, and we all spent six weeks together on a college campus in Phoenix. It was the middle of summer, SWELTERING hot, and we were doing life together day in and day out (trauma bonding?!) — nothing really brings people close quite like that.


That summer gave us so many shared memories, inside jokes, and late-night talks that turned into a friendship I’m deeply grateful for. Even though Isaac and Kellan no longer work together, we’re lucky to live just a couple of miles from them and go to the same church, which has made keeping that friendship easy.

 

Family photos at Monument Valley Park in Colorado Springs with parents and toddler
Colorado Springs family photographer capturing candid moments at Monument Valley Park
Outdoor family photos with mom lifting young child at Monument Valley Park in Colorado Springs

 

Why Monument Valley Park Works So Well for Family Photos

Monument Valley Park is one of my favorite spots in Colorado Springs for family photos. It’s beautiful without being too dramatic, quiet without being totally isolated, and offers tons of natural light and space for kids to just, ya know, be kids.


For families like the McIntires, this park is perfect because:

  • There’s lots of open space for kids to move around and be themselves.
  • The natural light makes photos feel soft, warm, and timeless.
  • It’s relaxed, so families can really focus on enjoying the moment instead of stressing about the perfect pose.


Family photos shouldn’t feel like a chore. Monument Valley Park makes it easy to slow down, be present, and capture real interactions.


Capturing Real Family Moments

One of my favorite things about photographing families is capturing genuine connection — not stiff poses or forced smiles. Brooke and Kellan are such thoughtful, intentional parents, and it showed in every frame.

And then there’s Gunnar — honestly, those blue eyes. I could have spent the whole session just photographing him. But the best part is how he interacts with his parents. You can see how much he adores them and how tight they are, and I LOVE that.


Sessions like this at Monument Valley Park are all about letting kids be kids and families be themselves. When families relax, laugh, and move around naturally, that’s when the photos come to life.

 

Family session with toddler at Monument Valley Park in Colorado Springs
Natural light family photos in Monument Valley Park, Colorado Springs

 

Why Family Photos Matter

Family photos aren’t just about documenting how everyone looks at a particular moment — they’re about remembering how life felt right then. It's remembering the huge grin your toddler gave you whenever you looked at him. It's remembering the way he loved to be lifted into the air by mom and dad. It's remembering your child's unique curiosity in that particular season to go wander into the grass and spin through it.


For the McIntires, this session captured a season of life rooted in friendship, family, and the small moments that often go unnoticed. Photos like these become more than just images — they become memories of a season that you never want to forget.


A Session That Felt Like Quality Time

Honestly, this session basically just felt like we were hanging out. We walked around the park, laughed, chatted, and my camera was just clicking along the way. I believe that is what family photography should feel like — fun, relaxed, and real.


Monument Valley Park makes that easy. It’s got everything you need for an easygoing session: open space, tall grass and long trails, and a calm vibe that keeps everyone comfortable.


Grateful for This Friendship

Spending time with Brooke, Kellan, and Gunnar reminded me why I love photographing families. It’s about more than just pictures — it’s about documenting the people you care about and the relationships that shape your life.


McIntires, thank you for trusting me to capture this moment in your lives. Your family is beautiful, your kiddo is adorable, and this season of life is one worth remembering.

 

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