10%

Canadian Rockies Family Session

Adventure family session at Water Lakes National Park

By Ashleigh Cropper

February 20^th, 2018

I get asked often what is my favorite subject to photograph...well the truth is, it's my family and close friends. It's an opportunity for me to see them in a different way, to really capture those I know so well. It might use a little extra bribing because "Aunt Ash" can be a pushover sometimes, but I love these people to my core and sharing a talent/skill I've developed over the years is something truly special. A family session is a BIG collaboration on both ends. It takes a willing family, and a photographer with all those tricks in their bag to come together and make some magic that will be preserved for generations to come!

When we traveled to Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada with my husband's family, my sister-in-law reached out and asked to do a session when we were all together. This area of the world is so special to my husband's family. History goes way back here, and my mother-in-law is Canadian. So of course, we made this happen! Who knows when/if we will be back here again.

Let me set the stage for this session real quick...it's been a full week of adventures in the Canadian Rockies. Cousins together, late nights chatting, long days hiking, way more sugar (hello huckleberry soft serve). We hit the road about 40 minutes to go to this lake in the parks. Those huge Rocky Mountain clouds are building, thunder is heard, droplets start, kids are tired, I'm tired, Clara (my sweetest niece) has a meltdown (first I've ever seen from her), and then the session begins! BUT, with all that said, these images are worth every single moment leading up to this family holding hands, loving on Georgie (their youngest), throwing rocks into the water, and giving their parents the biggest hugs. We ended it in the field behind where we were staying. Old Chief Mountain, a landmark to those in the area, in the background. These are the moments that should be remembered forever, and that is why family photos (with meltdowns and all) will always be worth it.