Family Photographer, Santa Fe

How I Photograph Families

I take a documentary approach. That means I give light direction — where to stand, how to interact — and then let the real moments happen. Kids being kids. Parents reacting. The in-between expressions that actually look like your family, not a department store portrait.

I don't force smiles or hold poses for 30 seconds while everyone gets stiff. I keep things moving, follow the energy, and photograph what's happening naturally. The result is a set of images that feel honest and unforced.

Best Locations in Santa Fe

Santa Fe has no shortage of good backdrops, but some locations work better than others depending on the time of day, the season, and how old your kids are. Here are the spots I return to most often:

• Bishop's Lodge grounds — Open fields, cottonwood trees, mountain views. The best all-around family session location in Santa Fe.
• Canyon Road — Adobe walls, colorful gates, and gallery courtyards. Great for older kids and couples.
• Dale Ball Trails — Pinon and juniper, red dirt paths, views of the Sangre de Cristos. A short walk from the trailhead gets you away from everyone.
• Railyard Park — Urban feel, open lawns, the old rail structures. Good for families who want something less rustic.
• Museum Hill — Clean lines, native landscaping, mountain backdrop. Underrated.
• La Fonda terrace — Downtown rooftop with sunset views. Ideal for golden hour.

Best Time of Year

Fall is the peak season for family portraits in Santa Fe, and for good reason. The cottonwoods along the acequia trails go gold in mid-October, and the light turns warm and low by late afternoon. If you want that golden New Mexico look, book September through early November.

Spring is underrated. April and May bring green-up along the trails, wildflowers in the foothills, and fewer crowds at every location. The light is softer and the mornings are cool enough that nobody is squinting.

Summer works if you go early. I schedule summer sessions for the first hour after sunrise — the light is clean, the temperatures are comfortable, and the kids still have energy. By 9 AM in July, you're fighting heat and harsh shadows.