This Crystal Lake Session is going to forever by one my very favorite’s. It was my first time at this location and I can honestly say, it was worth the scary drive! Crystal Lake is a gorgeous little spot right off of Red Mountain Pass. It is roughly about 12-15 minutes up the pass when you are coming from Ouray.

I was first contacted by Emily in the summer of 2022. Her family was having a reunion in Ouray this year in the summer and wanted to get family photos scheduled while they were all together. I was more than excited when she sent me her color palette! It’s not an east feat to coordinate 10 people including 2 babies, but they executed it perfectly! And I do mean perfectly! As in, I will be using them as an example for years to come! Here are some quick tips on coordinating for your next session.

This family was so easy and fun to work with too! They were all about helping to get the two little boys smiling and happy and succeeded! One thing that I don’t mention often enough is how helpful it is when families work with me to get their little ones smiling and laughing. As a mom of 5, I know the struggle. Sometimes, as soon as the camera comes out it’s like they turn into different people! If you are the- mom, aunt, grandfather, whoever you are to them- you know them best- chances are, you will have better luck getting them to smile than some stranger they just met. So, please- if you can– help your photographer get your sweet babies to smile, whether it’s a silly song they love, peek-a-boo, or pretending to fall over. It will be worth the final result. Promise.

If you are on the fence about taking family photos, I get it. It’s a decent amount of work to coordinate schedules, outfits, and make it happen. It’s like a work-out- it’s not always the easiest to choose to do, but you never regret it afterwards. Check out my blog on some reasons you may not have thought of on why to do family photos.

This Crystal Lake Session was the first time I’ve ever been to this amazing location! If you aren’t familiar with Red Mountain Pass aka The Million Dollar Highway aka (voted) the second scariest drive in America, it can be a bit intimidating. So, my adoring husband was happy to be my driver for this session. Thank God! It’s true, some people do this drive every day, some people only on occasion. Then there are people like me- who grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey and steep, hairpin, no guardrail, drop-off mountain roads are just something we are not use to. Was this session worth it though? 100%!! No question about it.

Again, this family was just an absolutely pleasure to work with! Not to mention, beautiful!! Check out some of my favorites from this Crystal Lake Session.