Driving to the Sawtooths for a Stanley Idaho Family Session is always a dream. I think I have said it a million times on my blog, but taking photos in the Sawtooths in the spring is my favorite. Wild flowers, snowy mountains, and green sage. It doesn't get better.
I met this sweet family when a friend of theirs gifted them a newborn session with me. It was the early days of Covid. Typically, I like to meet in person before a newborn session or create a connection first. However, because of covid, it just wasn't possible. I knew before I walked through their door that this was a unique situation. Allowing a complete stranger to walk into their house to take family photos days after giving birth... during a pandemic!? I felt honored to be there and privileged that they let me into their home.
After that, I pretty much decided I adored Rissa and Cole and they would have to hire me to shoot their family forever ;). Truly, though. This family is incredible. They have supported every fundraiser I have put together. I've even been lucky enough to have my hair done by the incredible Rissa.
For years we have talked about taking family photos in the mountains. A Stanley Idaho Family Session was the dream ever since Lola was a baby. On her third birthday, we decided to celebrate by driving to the Sawtooths from Boise. They rented a darling cabin in the Sawtooth Mountains for the weekend to celebrate three years with Lola. I met them at their cabin. Immediately, Rissa and Cole offered me wine. I hopped in their car and we went for a drive.
We began our session at Stanley Lake. I've photographed many couples and elopements here. Stanley Lake can get busy in the summer, but taking photos in front of the gorgeous peaks at the lake was a necessity for their Stanley Idaho Family Session. It was crowded, but we spent a few minutes throwing rocks in the water and playing with the wildflowers. If I know one thing, it's that kids love water. Lola warmed up quickly to me as we started slowly taking photos at Stanley Lake.
After spending a bit of time at the lake, I knew I wanted to take them to a meadow. Spring is my favorite season in the Sawtooths because of the abundance of wildflowers and vibrant colors. When the sunset hits, boy does it hit.
Sure enough, when we got to one of my favorite meadows, the sunset was just starting. I love this meadow because it is on a back road and most tourists don't know about it. It also has a gorgeous old ranch fence running along the meadow.
Lola was happily warmed up at this point. We ran around the meadow chasing the sunset. There is nothing better than watching a toddler in a sun dress and boots jump up and down in a field of purple wildflowers. Watching this darling family interact and just be together felt surreal. My favorite moments as a lifestyle family photographer usually happen when they forget a camera is even there and I can capture them just as they are. We had so many of those moments as the sun went down.
I'll never forget this amazing Stanley Idaho Family Session. I can't wait for next year already.
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