Aspen family photo shoots work best when the plan fits the people in the photographs. Some families want to move efficiently and be finished quickly. Others want time for grandparents, siblings, individual portraits, and every combination. I start by understanding which photographs matter most, then shape the session around your family.
Our Aspen and Snowmass family photography includes direction for posed portraits and room for the less predictable moments that happen between them.
Decide which photographs matter before we start
I have worked with families who would love to finish within 15 minutes, and others who want to use all the time available. Those are different priorities, so tell me yours. Wanting a quick session does not mean every location and group combination will fit into that time.
Before the shoot, share the people attending, your children's ages, whether a dog is coming, and your must-have groupings. If the whole family together is the main goal, we can prioritize that. If several households are joining, a short list keeps us from discovering a missing combination after someone has left.
With children, start with posed photos and then keep them moving
I like to get the posed photographs at the beginning, while the kids are still interested in what we are doing. After that, we can keep them active. Walking, exploring nearby, and interacting with their family often lead to some of the best photographs.
There is no need to make every frame a picture of everyone standing still. A useful family gallery can include the portrait you want for the wall and the expressions you recognize from everyday life.
Parents: let me get the child's or dog's attention
This is the reminder I give parents most often. When a child looks away, parents naturally look down to help. Then the child looks toward my camera just as the adults turn away. We end up with the child looking at me and the parents looking somewhere else.
For the camera-facing portraits, keep your attention toward me and let me try to get the child's or dog's attention. Between those photographs, looking at each other and interacting is exactly what we want. I will make it clear which kind of photograph we are working on.
Choose a location that suits your family's pace
I particularly like Snowmass because there are so many places to photograph. The right choice depends on how far you want to travel, how much walking feels comfortable, and the kind of background you like. A beautiful view is more useful when everyone can enjoy being there.
Compare settings in our family portrait location guide. For autumn, our fall family photo guide for Aspen and Snowmass covers my preferred settings, clothing, and what to consider beyond peak leaves.
Wear clothes that let you move and stay comfortable
Choose a small group of complementary colors rather than making everyone identical. Layers give you flexibility, and shoes should suit the actual ground we will walk on. Let children try on their outfits beforehand so an uncomfortable sleeve or shoe does not become the focus of the session.
For seasonal ideas, see what to wear for summer family photos and our winter family photo clothing guide. Bring water, a simple snack, and the small items that help your children feel comfortable.
Questions families ask before a session
How long should we plan for?
That depends on your groupings, location, and priorities. Tell me whether you want an efficient set of portraits or a fuller session with more combinations. We can agree on the scope before you arrive.
Do we need to hike?
No. Tell me about walking or mobility needs when we choose the location. An adventurous setting is an option, not a requirement for family photographs.
What if the weather changes?
We will discuss the forecast and the options for your particular session. Bring suitable layers, and keep the location and timing conversation open as the date approaches.
Share your dates, group size, and the photographs you most want from the session through our family photography page.
