THE WILD-HEARTED FAMILY SERIES | NO. 01

If the phrase “family pictures” immediately makes you think of coordinating everyone’s outfits, convincing your husband this will be fun, bribing a child to smile and shouting “WE ARE MAKING MEMORIES!” while everyone argues in the car…

Howdy. You’re exactly my kind of family. 😂

Here’s what I want you to know before we go any further:

Your family does not have to have it together to deserve beautiful family photos. Truth be told, if you have it all together, I am intimidated by you…..

Your toddler can be wild (been there….). Your teenager can think family pictures are painfully uncool (there now….). Your husband can announce that he “doesn’t know what to do with his hands.” Your dog can refuse to look at me despite the fact that I am holding a perfectly good treat three inches from my camera.

That’s family. And as a Castle Rock family photographer, that’s what I want to photograph. Not some polished version of your family that exists for 45 minutes once a year.

I want to photograph your people. As they are right now.

Welcome to the first installment of my Wild-Hearted Family Series, where we’ll talk about everything from what to wear and where to go to bringing your dog, surviving Colorado weather and getting natural family photos when you swear your family is the most awkward family on Earth.

But first, let’s start with the big picture.

What exactly are wild-hearted family photos?

What Does “Photography for the Wild-Hearted” Actually Mean?

For me, “wild-hearted” has two meanings.

The first is pretty literal.

We live in Colorado. Why would I put you in front of a boring backdrop when we can photograph your family among golden grasses, pine trees, trails, rocks, mountain views and ridiculously beautiful Colorado skies?

I’ll take the wild every time.

But there’s another kind of wild that matters even more to me.

Yours. And mine (Boy mom here).

The messy, funny, loud, quiet, adventurous, sarcastic, affectionate, slightly chaotic combination of humans (and possibly dogs) that makes your family unlike anybody else’s.

Maybe your kids love bear hugs.

Maybe your siblings communicate primarily through wrestling.

Maybe your teenager would rather hike three miles than pose for three minutes.

Maybe your toddler has approximately seven seconds of interest in my camera before finding a really interesting stick.

Perfect.

This used to frustrate me so much because this was MY family during a photo session. I remember crying one time after getting my photos back because there was one photo of us all looking at the camera, and it looked forced, fake, and not who we really were. That whole session was tough – and it showed in the photos.  No one had fun. The photographer did not know how to handle my rambunctious boys. And I felt the pressure to have perfectly posed kids. I hate the pictures from that session even today, because I reminds me of how I felt DURING that session.

We’re not documenting perfection. We’re documenting your people.

That’s what Photography for the Wild-Hearted means to me.

Why Colorado Was Basically Made for Outdoor Family Photography

One of my favorite things about being a Colorado family photographer is that we have an enormous outdoor studio right outside our front doors. Around Castle Rock and Douglas County, we have open meadows, golden grasses, pine forests, trails, rock formations and expansive Colorado views.

And those landscapes do more than give us a pretty background.

They give your family something to do.

Instead of standing in one spot staring at my camera for an hour, we can walk down a trail. Let the kids explore. Snuggle together in the grass. Race. Play. Laugh. Give piggyback rides.

Outdoor family photography creates space for your family to move and interact, which is exactly what helps your photographs feel natural. And there is something pretty special about looking back at your family pictures years from now and immediately knowing:

Yep. That’s Colorado. That’s home. And we actually had some fun during that session.

Your Kids Do NOT Need to Behave Perfectly for Family Photos

Believe me… I used to feel that pressure to have perfectly behaved kids during a session.  And it was not that my kids were misbehaving – they were just full of energy and did not pose for the pictures to that is LOOKED like they were behaving. I am over that now. That is not my family. And I don’t want it to be.

This might be the most important thing I tell parents – just focus on each other and having fun and leave the rest to me.

Please don’t spend your entire session worrying about whether your kids are behaving.

Seriously.

You don’t need to apologize to me because your three-year-old doesn’t want to sit. You don’t need to hiss “SMILE!” through clenched teeth.  And you definitely don’t need to threaten to take away dessert because your kids are acting like…kids.

I’ve got them.

In fact, some of my favorite photographs happen when kids stop worrying about what they’re “supposed” to do.

I want the goofy grin.

I want the belly laugh.

I want the sibling who jumps on his brother’s back.

I want your little one buried in Mom’s shoulder.

I want the kid who takes off running across the field.

Of course, we’ll try to get the classic photo where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. But even if we don’t, I guarantee there will be a photo you want to use for your Christmas card because when you look at it, you will think, “yeah…. Those are MY people. And I love them just the way they are….”

But then?

Let’s have some fun. Because twenty years from now, you aren’t just going to want to remember what your kids looked like. You’re going to want to remember what they were like.

“But We’re SO Awkward in Pictures.”

Excellent. Join my club. Welcome to approximately 97% of the population. You do not need to know how to pose before coming to your family session.

That’s my job.

You don’t need to research Pinterest poses.

You don’t need to practice smiling in the mirror.

And Dad does not need to figure out where to put his hands.

I will tell you what to do.I’ll put you where the light is beautiful, get everyone loosely into position and then give you direction. Sometimes that means looking at me. But often it means looking at each other. Walking together. Pulling your kid close. Putting someone on your back. Snuggling…. I love the snuggling photos….. Whispering something ridiculous. Tickling someone who absolutely deserves it.

I don’t expect you to perform for my camera.

My job is to create situations where you can interact naturally—and then photograph what happens.

Movement Is the Secret Sauce

Want to know one of the easiest ways to make people stop looking uncomfortable in photographs. Give them something to do.

Standing completely still while someone points a camera at you can feel weird. Walking with your kid’s hand in yours? Not weird.

Swinging your toddler? Not weird.

Giving your teenager a hard time? You’ve probably been training for that one for years.

Movement gives your brain something else to think about besides: OH NO. SHE’S TAKING MY PICTURE. WHAT IS MY FACE DOING?! And it creates photographs with life in them. Hair moves. Clothes move. Kids laugh. People bump into each other. Real expressions happen.

That’s why my Castle Rock family photos aren’t built around perfect poses. They’re built around connection.

What Should We Wear for Colorado Family Photos?

Ahhh. The million-dollar question.

WHAT DO WE WEAR?!

Before you panic-scroll Pinterest until 2 a.m., here’s my biggest advice: Coordinate. Don’t clone.

Everyone does not need to wear matching white shirts and jeans. Instead, think about creating a group of colors and textures that work together. For Colorado outdoor sessions, I especially love:

• Creams and warm neutrals
• Earthy greens
• Browns and camel
• Muted blues
• Burgundy and deeper jewel tones
• Interesting textures and layers
• Dresses and skirts that have movement

Think sweaters. Denim jackets. Boots. Knits. Corduroy. Layers.

What I generally don’t love? Neon. Huge distracting logos. And everyone wearing exactly the same thing.

Your clothing should complement your family and the landscape—not become the first thing you notice in the photograph. I’ll dig much deeper into this later in the Wild-Hearted Family Series because this topic deserves an entire blog of its own.

And yes, I help my clients with wardrobe planning. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. If you book with me, you get my prep guide which helps you with finding outfits. And you also get my phone number…. I am just a call away for outfit advice.

Why Do Photographers Keep Talking About Golden Hour?

Because we’re obsessed with making you eat dinner at inconvenient times. Kidding…..Mostly.

Golden hour is that gorgeous stretch of light around sunrise or sunset when the sun is lower in the sky. Because the sunlight has to go through more of the atmosphere, it appears more golden and not a harsh.

Midday Colorado sun can be BRIGHT. It creates harsh shadows, squinty eyes and challenging light.

Closer to sunset, the light becomes softer and warmer. The grasses glow. The mountains pick up beautiful dimensions. Backlighting can create that dreamy golden rim around your hair.

Basically…Colorado shows off. And all the beautiful sky colors arrive. That’s why the exact time of your outdoor family session may depend on the sunset rather than your normal dinner schedule.

Trust me. The light is worth it. I’ll show you when I send you your gallery.

Can We Bring Our Dog?

I’m sorry. Did you say can you bring your dog? Obviously. 🐾

If your dog is part of your family, I want them in your photographs. Dogs also have a magical ability to make people forget there’s a camera around. You’re petting them. Laughing when they refuse to cooperate. Trying to get them to sit. Getting slobbered on. Suddenly, everyone is interacting naturally.

And those often become some of my favorite photographs.

There is also another reason I believe strongly in photographing our dogs. We don’t get enough years with them. If your dog is part of this chapter of your family’s life, document them in it.

Have you met my dog, Grizz Lee Crawford? If not, go meet him on my Instagram. And then you will understand why your question has offended me…. jk.

🐾 GRIZZ’S WILD-HEARTED TIP: “If your family member has four legs, obviously they belong in the family picture. I can’t believe we even have to discuss this.” — Grizz

As the Official Mascot for Wild-Hearted Families, Grizz has reviewed this policy personally and found it acceptable.

How Do You Choose a Family Photo Location?

The best family photography location isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest mountain. It’s the one that fits your family.

When I’m thinking about locations for outdoor family photography in Castle Rock, I’m considering things like: How much walking is involved? A gorgeous location isn’t quite as gorgeous if you’re carrying a toddler half a mile in dress shoes.

Is there room for kids to move?
Give me a big open field over a tiny, picturesque corner any day.

What’s the light like?
This is huge. A beautiful place isn’t automatically a beautiful photography location.

How crowded is it?
It’s easier to relax when 37 hikers aren’t walking through your family portrait and you are fighting over five parking spots.

What does the landscape look like that season?

Can you bring your dog?

Are there bathrooms?
Parents everywhere understand why this matters. 😂

And most importantly:

Does it feel like you?

Some families want mountains. Others love pine trees. Some want wide-open Colorado fields. Others want trails, rocks or a more adventurous landscape. I’ll help you choose.

One of My Favorite Castle Rock Locations: Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space

For families who want something beautiful and unmistakably Colorado without turning family pictures into a road trip, Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space is one of my favorite options. It has those gorgeous open Colorado landscapes, tall grasses, trails and pine trees that work beautifully for relaxed family photographs.

There’s room to move. There’s variety. It doesn’t feel formal. And it fits the Wild-Hearted philosophy perfectly.

In fact, I love it so much that it’s where I’m holding my Fall Family Mini Sessions on September 19.

More on those in a minute…..

What If Colorado Weather Loses Its Mind?

Ah, Colorado. Beautiful mountains. Gorgeous sunshine. And weather that occasionally seems to be chosen by spinning a giant wheel.

Sun!

Wind!

Clouds!

Thunderstorm!

Sun again!

Hail!

Sometimes all before dinner.

Weather is part of photographing outdoors in Colorado. And I don’t panic over every cloud in the forecast. Clouds can create gorgeous soft light. Wind can create beautiful movement. Dramatic skies can be AMAZING. Check out some of my family photos with dark clouds in the background. Those are not photoshopped in….. those are the real deal.

And forecasts change constantly. If conditions genuinely aren’t safe or workable, we’ll make a plan. But please don’t look at a cloudy icon five days before your session and assume everything is ruined. Colorado weather likes drama.

Sometimes we just let it have its moment.

Mini Session or Full Family Session?

This is another question I get a lot. And neither one is universally “better.” They’re simply different.

A family mini session may be perfect if…

You primarily want updated family pictures.

You have younger kids with short attention spans.

You have older kids—or a spouse—with short photography attention spans…. No judgment here…. That is my family in a nutshell.

You want something quick and easy.

You need a great photo for the Christmas card.

You don’t need multiple outfits or locations.

You’d like to update the family pictures hanging in your home.

A full family session may be better if…

You want more time for storytelling.

You want lots of different family combinations.

Your child takes time to warm up.

You want more candid moments.

You want a larger gallery with lots of variety.

You want your session to feel more like an experience or adventure.

I’ll be talking much more about the differences later in this series.

But if your dream family session sounds something like…

“Please give me beautiful pictures quickly before everyone loses interest.”

You might be Team Mini.

Mom. Get in the Picture. Please….

This gets its own section because I mean it. Mom, I know you have thousands of pictures of your kids. But how many have you in them? I get it.  Check out my blog post where my husband pointed out this very dilemma to me.

You’re often the one taking the pictures. You’re documenting birthdays. Vacations. First days of school. Christmas mornings. Camping trips. Ordinary Tuesday afternoons.

You’re preserving everyone else’s memories. And it’s incredibly easy to accidentally remove yourself from the visual history of your own family.

Maybe you don’t love being photographed.

Maybe you want to lose weight first.

Maybe you’re worried about your hair.

Maybe you’d genuinely rather just get pictures of the kids.

Get in the picture anyway.

Your children are not going to look at these photographs in 20 years and think about your jeans size.

They’re going to see their mom. They’re going to see the way you looked at them. The way they fit against you. The way you laughed together. And they’ll be able to see something they couldn’t see while they were growing up: how much you loved them.

Get in the picture.

Because This Version of Your Family Is Temporary

That’s really what all of this comes down to.

Family photography isn’t important because you need a new profile picture. It’s important because families don’t stay the same.

The toddler stops asking to be carried.  *sigh*

The missing teeth grow back.

The little kid becomes the big kid.

The siblings who wrestle on your living room floor eventually leave home.

The teenager gets a driver’s license.

Then a diploma.

The dog gets gray around the muzzle.

People grow.

People change.

And eventually, some people aren’t here anymore. Don’t mean to be a downer, but it is inevitable. We are not around forever.  And some of us leave way too soon.

We can’t stop any of it. But photographs let us keep little pieces. That’s why I don’t think you should wait until your family is less chaotic.

Or until you lose ten pounds.

Or until your toddler behaves.

Or until everyone has the perfect outfit.

Or until life slows down.

Because life doesn’t slow down.

This is your family now.

And now deserves to be remembered.

We’re Not Documenting Perfection. We’re Documenting Your People.

That’s the heart behind Jodi Crawford Photography and Photography for the Wild-Hearted.

I want the beautiful portrait you hang on your wall. Absolutely.

But I also want the one where your kid loses it laughing.

The sibling look.

The giant bear hug.

The little hand wrapped around yours.

The dog doing something ridiculous.

The photograph you didn’t realize I was taking.

Because those are the images that tell the truth.

In this particular chapter of your lives.

And it was beautiful. Not because it was perfect. Because your family is unique. Because it was yours.

🍂 Want to Try a Wild-Hearted Family Session?

I’m hosting one afternoon of Fall Family Mini Sessions on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space in Castle Rock. These are designed for busy families who want beautiful outdoor Colorado family photos without committing to a long session.

20 minutes. Gorgeous Colorado scenery. Real connection. Beautiful chaos welcome.

And yes. Bring the dog. 🐾

Space is limited, and once the September 19 times are gone, they’re gone.

Explore the September 19 Fall Family Mini Sessions →

Jodi Crawford Photography
Photography for the Wild-Hearted 🐾