Fall Family Portraits at O’haver Lake in Salida, Colorado

Since I was 11 years old, I have been entertaining other peoples kids, some may know this as babysitting. In small town Iowa, the parents weren’t so far away and in the 90’s y’all apparently trusted me not to burn the house down and keep your children happy. I’m honored. But honestly, I really attribute being great with kids to this early skill I developed. My first year in college was to get a teaching degree (I changed directions) but all throughout high school, college, and now even here in Salida, I still nanny. It just comes naturally, maybe I’m just a kid at heart. Or really immature… It’s something I pride myself on in my photography sessions with families. My favorite thing is when parents warn me about their kids high energy or that they didn’t nap well or they’re teething, they are always blown away when our hour together flies by with no tantrums. Even if there was one, don’t you worry, I got this. Some of my tricks to keeping kids happy are to let them control the session, we play games like race to mom and dad, skip rocks on the pond, throw leaves, tickle mom and dad, peek-a-boo, swing, search for critters, play airplane, climb trees… the list goes on. I never run out of things to do to entertain the stars of the show. When they’re tired or want to be done it just gives us some time to grab photos of you and your partner or individuals of the siblings. And if all else fails, snacks. I mean that always works for me. Then, the car ride home, they’re exhausted… you’re welcome :)