Family
Why Am I The Family Photographer For You?
Relaxed, FUN Sessions.
Experienced Photographer.
I've been a full-time professional family photographer since 2016, but started with a camera in the 90s (yikes). I have a strong foundation of photography skills, which means more brain space to dedicate to the things that matter (like talking to your 3 year old about their favorite book).
I have a busy family and newborn business, but have been photographing 10-15 weddings a year alongside Janelle Rose Photography for the last 8 years. As crazy as you think your 7 year old is, he's got nothing on a drunk groomsman!
While I absolutely promise you that you will receive beautiful images from your session, my number one goal is to make sure everyone has a great experience during their family photo session. My favorite repeat clients are the ones who told me "my family hates photos" during booking, but are suddenly on my calendar year after year.
I will let quiet kids be quiet, rowdy kids be rowdy. I promise - we'll get there! But do. not. stress. We'll run, we'll jump, we'll walk, we'll adventure. Don't worry about getting your kids to smile, or behave, or do what they're asked - I promise, they're much more likely to listen to me (The New Adult). And if not? I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve!
ALL DIGITAL FILES ARE INCLUDED.
This is as much for my benefit as yours. I include all the final, edited digital files with every family session. I don't want to troubleshoot or chase down clients who haven't had a chance to download their images. I don't want to set up meetings for you to choose your prints. You will receive 50+ full sized images in an online gallery, and are welcome to share with family and friends.
Will make you feel at ease.
Don't tell anyone this but....I don't love having my photo taken. I get self-conscious, and I never know what to do with my hands. Which means I can sympathize with everyone out there who is feeling the same!
While I promise not to over-pose you during your family session (I'm not going to be telling your husband to move his hand 4" to the left), I will give you direction to make you look your best. I will get you walking, I will tell you who to look at, I will give you prompts to get you chatting.
I try and gauge my posing direction based on your family and their comfort level. Some families do great when told to just "hang out and chat", where others need a gentle reminder to "fake laugh" (I promise, it works!). I will find what works best for your family.
QUICK TURNAROUND OF IMAGES.
While I do occasionally run into roadblocks (kids get sick at the most inconvenient times, don't they?), I typically send clients a link to their gallery within 3 weeks of their session.
FELLOW MOM.
Being a mom isn't a requirement to be a family photographer, but man, it really does help. I know how hard you had to work to make your session a reality - the clothes, the schedule, all of it. I understand that maybe your 3 year old is just having a bad day, and nothing will snap them out of it.
I also know the incredibly love you have for this messy bunch of yours, and why it's important that you're in the photo. So trust that I'll be there for you, on your side, ready for anything life might throw at us!
About Me.
As you hopefully figured out by now, I'm Liz! Mom of three daughters, snuggler of two reluctant cats, and emotional support human for an extremely anxious Border Collie/Heeler. We've made Cheyenne, WY, our home since 2015, and have been in Wyoming almost twenty(!) years.
This photo shows me in my happy place. Sunburned, in a gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, headed up the mountain to photograph a wedding with a great friend. You'll find me outdoors absolutely any chance I can get - gardening, running, knitting, skiing, swimming.
Image by Janelle Rose Photography
PRICING
Petite Session
Petite Sessions are 30 minute family sessions, at an in-town location, in Cheyenne, WY. This type of session is perfect for a milestone session (excluding cake smashes), holiday card photos, or "kids only" sessions!
Petite Sessions include all the basics: entire family, siblings, solo kid photos, etc.
Session locations include, but aren't limited to: Lions Park, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, High Plains Arboretum, downtown Cheyenne, and in-home sessions.
I photograph multiple sessions/night, so make sure you're on time! Session locations will be limited and will most likely be predetermined based on my schedule and weather.
For immediate family only.
$299
plus tax
Half Session
My most popular package! Half Sessions are 45 minute family sessions, and include locations both in Cheyenne, WY, as well as out of town.
Half Sessions include both "everyone look at the camera!" and candid images. We'll get all the basics done (see Petite Sessions), but still have a few minutes for a quick adventure or another entire family photo in a different spot.
Half Sessions include travel up to 25 miles from Cheyenne. Session locations include, but are not limited to: Lions Park, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, High Plains Arboretum, downtown Cheyenne, Curt Gowdy State Park, as well as a couple locations in between!
Location may still be predetermined, but you have the flexibility to choose an in-town or out-of-town session, depending on availability.
For immediate family only. Includes cake smashes!
$399
plus tax
Full Session
Full Sessions are for families looking for a relaxed evening, in a location of their choosing! Great for families who may need a bit of extra time to warm up, or families who want a bit of extra adventure.
Full sessions include all the basics, but we have a full 30+ minutes for candid adventures and playtime. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes.
I only take one Full Session per night, so you'll have the opportunity to choose your location (I'm happy to make suggestions!) and we aren't tied to a tight timeline. Weekend availability is limited, but the weekends I do have are reserved for Full Session clients (please inquire about those dates through my Contact page).
Full sessions include travel up to 50 miles (which includes Fort Collins and Laramie, and everything in-between). Session locations include, but aren't limited to: all in-town locations mentioned above, Curt Gowdy State Park, Happy Jack Recreation Area, Tie City Trailhead, Medicine Bow National Forest, Vedauwoo Recreation Area, Fort Collins, CO and Laramie, WY.
For immediate family only.
$499
plus tax
Extended Family Session
Extended Family Sessions include photos of your entire family, as well as an abbreviated Petite Session for each family involved.
Included in your extended family session is additional planning. I will get in touch prior to your extended family session to help you put together a list of family groupings. If you'd like to see a sample list, let me know once you've booked and I'll pass one along!
Since extended family sessions run anywhere from 5 people to 20+, I only offer custom quotes for these sessions. I am available to travel as far as Longmont, CO, or Laramie, WY, for extended family sessions.
how to book a session
New for 2023: optional online booking for my family sessions! My goal is to make the process as easy and seamless as I can for my family photography clients. If you have any trouble, or would prefer to schedule your session over email, please don't hestitate to contact me!
Step 3:
session time.
Step 4:
Images!
Step 2:
contract/Deposit.
Step 1:
location calendar.
I will chat with you over email to sort of session location, as well as answer any questions you might have about your session!
A day or two prior to your session, I will reach out through text to confirm date/time/location.
For Petite and Half Session clients: it is VERY important that you are on time! I schedule multiple sessions/day, and if you are more than 15 minutes late, your session length will be reduced as to not impact the next client (no refunds or prorated sessions).
You will receive a handful of sneak peek images over email within 5 business days. You are welcome to share these online or with family and friends!
Your full gallery link will be delivered within 3 weeks of your session date.
Once I've confirmed your booking, I will send along a contract and an invoice for the $50 deposit. Watch for these in your email inbox!! If you do not see them come through in 48 hours, please reach out through my contact form.
Your spot is not reserved until your contract is signed and your deposit is paid, so it's important you get these taken care of ASAP.
My session calendars are split up by "In-Town Locations" versus "Mountain Locations". Mountain Locations are any session locations outside Cheyenne, WY. You can find a link to these calendars through the button below, or or my Pricing page.
Once you're at the correct calendar, find the type of session, as well as the date and time you'd like to book your session.
Fill out the booking form to start the process of reserving your spot!
online booking
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02
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Half Session
Petite Session
Full Session
Includes:
- 30 minute session
- all final digital files (30+ images)
- online gallery
- in-town location (Cheyenne, WY)
Includes:
- 45 minute session
- all final digital files (60+ images)
- online gallery
- travel up to 25 miles from Cheyenne, WY
Includes:
- 60+ minute session
- all final digital files (90+ images)
- online gallery
- travel up to 50 miles from Cheyenne, WY
$399
$299
$499
plus tax
plus tax
plus tax
Not sure what type of session you need? Know what you need but you don't fit into one of these categories? Fit into these categories, but don't see the date you want listed? Feel free to get in touch, and I'll be happy to chat with you about your goals for your family session!
The option of booking through me over email will also always be an option. Reach out using the "Contact Me" button to schedule your family session!
Common Questions
scheduling your session
When should we schedule our family photography session?
Most of my family clients start booking their family sessions in March for the upcoming year, although I do have clients that will get on my schedule in November or December of the previous year! If you are planning on a fall session, I would recommend getting in touch by mid-July. If you are a teacher and are hoping for those chaotic first two weeks of August, right before you go back to work, I would recommend scheduling your session by June.
I do not schedule family sessions for later than October 15th ahead of time. The last couple years have been warm enough that I have photographed families into December, but in years past, the wind has become unmanageable by late October.
What is the best time of day for our family photo session?
During the summer, I suggest booking a session for 1-1.5 hours before sunset for the best light. I know that doesn't always work the best for bedtimes for tiny people, so please reach out if you need a session outside the times available! I would much rather have a happy baby than perfect light. As we get closer to summer, I will be adding morning availability for family sessions.
By fall, the light is gentle enough that mornings and late afternoon are all beautiful times for family sessions.
Winter light is more forgiving, and I am happy to shoot at most points during the day. Weather (*wind* cough, cough) tends to be the determining factor for timing on winter shoots. Starting in late October through January, most of my sessions are in the morning.
If you have any questions on when the best time of day might be, feel free to get in touch and ask!
When is peak fall color for family photos?
I can only say that these are general guidelines, so don't get angry if it doesn't work out! We've had years with a snow and/or cold snaps in September and early October, which meant a quick end to fall color.
Cheyenne: second week of October through end of October
Curt Gowdy State Park: end of September through first week of October
Summit/Medicine Bow National Forest: mid September through Oct 1
Fort Collins: mid to late October
When is peak blossoms for spring family photos?
This was heartbreaking in 2022! We had less than one evening of spring blossoms, after a hard freeze and snow took out everything. Spring blossoms usually start around mid-May in Cheyenne, and if it doesn't snow or freeze, they will last until right before Memorial Day. That said: do not set your heart on spring blossoms
What does the session fee include?
My session fees are all-inclusive, and include the time for your session, custom processing, all the final digital images from your session, and an online gallery. USBs are available, upon request, for an additional fee.
Do you photograph extended family sessions?
Extended family sessions are those that include more than one nuclear family - grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. I only provide custom quotes for extended family sessions, as they can range anywhere from six people to 20+ people. Note that I get a TON of requests for these over Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, and only take on (maybe) one session per break. So get in touch early!
Do you work year round as a family photographer?
I'm available for most of the year, but the bulk of my summer and fall is spent photographing weddings. If you have your heart set on a weekend, get in touch as soon as you can!
I don't typically schedule sessions over Thanksgiving or Christmas break (other than an occasional extended family session as mentioned above), but you're always welcome to get in touch and ask!
Session Location
Do you have a studio?
I do not have a studio, but I do offer in-home family photography sessions! I have several years of experience photographing weddings and newborns, so being an in-home family photographer is second nature.
In the warmer months (mid-June through mid-October), I will occasionally need to reschedule your session for another night due to weather. But from late-October through early June, be prepared to be flexible on session dates. Wind causes all sorts of havoc during sessions, and I've been doing this enough years that there is a point where we absolutely cannot have your session outside, even if it's warm enough.
Where should we go for our family session?
I'll help you figure that out! My favorite family photography session locations include the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, Lions Park, Curt Gowdy State Park, Vedauwoo, the Wyoming State Capitol building, Happy Jack Recreation Area, the Medicine Bow National Forest, and the natural areas in and around Fort Collins. I also love sessions at clients' homes, both inside and out!
Can we pick the location for our session?
For Full Sessions, absolutely. For Petite and Half Sessions, I cannot guarantee you will be able to choose your location. In order to offer these at a lower cost, I need the ability to consolidate sessions into fewer evenings. I promise: you will get the perfect location for your time of year!
If you do have a preference, please let me know when booking your session and I will do my best to accommodate your preference!
pets
Do you allow pets at family photo sessions?
As long as you've asked me ahead of time, yes! There are certain locations (High Plains Arboretum, for example) that do not allow dogs, even on leash. While I'm more than happy to include your pet in your session, remember that it does amp up the chaos factor tenfold! Even the best behaved dog can be scared of my camera, or WAY too into the goose poop at the park. You may want to bring along an extra person to hold the dog for the times you need a break, or plan on them spending part of the session in your vehicle. Depending on her availability, I do have a teenage daughter who is happy to provide this service for a nominal fee!
Note: if you've scheduled a session where the only not-adult is your pup(s), you can disregard the above advice! I've photographed many family sessions with only two adults and their fur child(ren).
clothing
What should we wear for our session?
As a family photographer, this is one of the most common questions I get from clients, so I've put together an in-depth post dedicated to "What To Wear For Your Family Session".
Coordinated outfits do tend to give the most "cohesive" look in photos, but I much prefer happy families over matching outfits! If you do want to coordinate, start with the person who has the strongest opinion about their outfit and go from there. Layers and texture (think scarves, flowy cardigans) can be helpful, but only if they're something you normally enjoy wearing.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE dress for the weather! I will shoot in almost any temperature, if needed, and can promise you it is extremely obvious if you or your children are cold (not to mention it's miserable for all involved!). I also ask that everyone wear appropriate footwear, especially for mountain sessions. There's a surprising amount of tiny cactus once you leave city limits!
Can we bring multiple outfits?
Only for Full Sessions. Unfortunately, changing clothes always takes twice as long as you think it might, and I don't want you to spend most of your session trying to struggle into a dress in the backseat of your car! If you do plan on bringing multiple outfits, please let me know ahead of time so I can plan your session accordingly.
other questions
Why did you become a family photographer?
One of my favorite things in life is delivering a gallery to a family and having them realize just how dang good they look! While I fully believe in family selfies (get in those photos, moms!), I have 10+ years of family photography experience looking for the perfect light, in the perfect spot.
I have a system in place that will create a stress-free experience (or at least as stress-free as I can!), and I will show up ready to play with your kids, chat with your spouse, and deliver a gallery of images you will be thrilled with.
What if my child won't cooperate for our session?
Every family has their wrench in the works, including my own! Give me time and space, and I promise I'll sort it out. I don't love being in front of the camera myself, but sometimes having a job or a task to do helps a little one find their place in the chaos.
If you have a child who is sensitive to their surroundings and may need some extra time to settle in, let me know when booking and we'll start out our session at a more relaxed pace. If you have a child who has special needs (light, sound, location), let me know when booking your session and I will take that into account when scheduling your session.
Does our online gallery expire?
Not technically, no. In order to keep myself organized, I only guarantee access to your gallery for one year from your session date. That said, I have client galleries from 2016 still available for my clients. But if I decide I need to shutter my business, I will need to eventually shut down access to your online gallery, which is why I ask that you download your images and back them up to an external source as soon as possible.
If I change gallery providers and you are within that year, I will reach out to you with a new link. If the link to your gallery no longer works, but I'm still in business, feel free to reach out and I can attempt to re-upload your gallery to the new site.
Ready to book? Have questions?
Contact Me
