I absolutely love early fall sessions! There’s something magical about the crisp air, warm golden light, and the way the Salmon River sparkles in the background. As an Idaho family photographer, capturing families during this season brings out the beauty of the landscape and the special bonds they share.

This particular family session with Sam, Kassie, Kynzlee, and Retzi was nothing short of a blast! From the moment we started, the kids were full of energy—running around, playing games, and laughing as they soaked in the joy of the day. Their contagious excitement made the session feel effortless and fun. I knew right away we were in for an unforgettable evening.

We were fortunate to have such a stunning evening on the banks of the Salmon River. The light was perfect, giving us the ideal setting to capture those special moments. The family’s warmth and love for one another shone through in every shot, making it so easy to photograph them. I can't help but adore these photos, not just for the gorgeous backdrop but for the real smiles and happiness that came through.

One thing I always strive for as an Idaho photographer is to make family sessions as stress-free as possible. I want families to relax, enjoy their time together, and have fun! This family did just that. As we explored the area, we found frogs and bunnies, much to the kids’ delight. The spontaneous moments where they ran around chasing little critters brought out their personalities, and those are some of my favorite memories from the day.

One of the unique parts of this session was when Kassie suggested incorporating fishing poles into their photos. Sam is an avid fisherman, and it's a pastime they all enjoy together as a family. Including personal elements like this always adds something special to the images. I remember telling Sam to trust me on this idea—although I’m pretty sure he was secretly hoping to sneak off and actually go fishing! Meanwhile, the girls were having the time of their lives catching frogs. They even managed to catch a couple during the session!

As an Idaho family photographer, moments like these are why I love my job. Every family I work with has their own story, their own traditions, and their own unique energy. Capturing those memories against the stunning backdrop of the Salmon River and the beautiful Idaho landscape makes for sessions that are both meaningful and fun. Whether it’s the lighthearted games, the kids’ wild excitement, or the quiet, loving moments between parents, it all comes together to create lasting memories.

Fall in Idaho offers such an incredible opportunity to capture the essence of family life, and this session was no exception. It was a reminder that family photos are about more than just posed shots—they’re about capturing the real moments that make your family unique. I hope these images serve as a beautiful reminder of that special evening and the love this family shares.