"Family for me represents the foundation of self, and a unity of acceptance, unconditional sacrifices, joy, support and love that is built on a continuum of resilience, and journey in humility from the past, current and future generations."
~Sandy Baba, Ph.D., Education Researcher
I get you! You're a parent, aunt, grandparent...and it's been awhile since your last family picture. Perhaps, you approach the idea with family gently, saying, "you know, the last time we took a family picture was X." OR, perhaps you're a blended family and this is you're opportunity to celebrate your love for one another.
That being said, all families are unique, and, we're all in this together.
Trust me, after 25 years of experience with my own family, I totally know how to make family pictures FUN! Yes, SUPER fun! We'll explore, tease (who snores the loudest?), dance, have piggyback rides (if that's your thing), and the time will go by so fast.
OK, so how do we get there? After our initial phone consultation, we'll agree on a date and time. I'll have strong opinions on time (if sunrise doesn't get you going, let's shoot for sunset). Then you'll receive a brief questionnaire about family likes/dislikes and any medical conditions or disabilities that I should know about. In my previous business I enjoyed working with children and adults of all abilities. I also have a blast as a volunteer with Adaptive Sports of Durango. The questionnaire will have some fun questions for you to answer in addition to what style and posing you're looking for. Speaking of posing, you'll receive a customized "posing menu" so you have an idea of what to expect during our session and a "What to Wear Guide". I also offer video/email consultation to go over attire.
Are you ready? Let's go!
This is where the magic happens!
Thanks to our questionnaire, wardrobe consultation, posing menu, you and you're family are ready for your family photo session. We'll arrive at our predetermined location and have a few test shots so everyone warms up...the goal is to capture a few posed shots (which we'll do first) and then we'll capture those precious unscripted moments. Those candid looks, laughs and giggles as I guide you to some of the poses you've viewed in your curated menu. Serious moments too, because, well, family is family and there's a whole lot of unspoken love that I'll capture as you engage with one another.
You and your family is really my guide, and I'll take my cues from all of you. We'll flow from one activity to another and maybe make-up some things as we go along! One family had a dance party on the mountain to the Grateful Dead. Maybe we'll meet up at the Botanical Park, or on the mountain (I live in Durango, where we are surrounded by mountains), or a park...btw, I love train tracks!
We can have our photo shoot in your backyard, on skis, bikes, snowshoes...the adventure is yours for the taking. What's most important is the happy smiles when we're done and the, "That was fun!" after the session.
This is when my fun starts! After carefully scrutinizing the many shots I'll take, I'll cull and edit just a few for "sneak peaks" which you will receive in your online gallery for your feedback. Expect your sneak peaks in about 5 days, and completed gallery in 45 days with all your editing preferences incorporated into your images.
Each hour long session will have 30 to 40 images per hour of shooting. And you'll receive a fun, dynamic, set to music slideshow that you'll treasure for all time.
You're online gallery is so easy to navigate! You can elect to purchase all high resolution digital images at an affordable price, or go to the Online Store to purchase prints in a variety of media and sizes.
Let's chat about your vision for your next family portrait!
CStrong photography took pictures of my family which included a 3 year old and a 9 month old. The results are the most precious photos of those 2 boys! Carolyn was patient and creative and managed to get the boys engaged and participating. At one point, our 3 year old was holding her hand as we explored the Botanic gardens for our next backdrop! She had hot wheels, bubbles, books and the magic touch to win over the kids. I strongly recommend CStrong photography.
- Cyndy G
Carolyn and team was amazing on our wedding celebration. She spent so much time with us going to different locations around the venue property and different poses to ensure we would love the end product. They really went above and beyond to rally my husband's large family into photos so everyone felt included and was photographed. (Which believe me, is no easy feat.) Both Carolyn and Jarryn were so sweet and made the process alot easier for myself and husband that don't ever get photos taken. I highly recommend Carolyn if your planning a wedding or any celebration you want captured.
~Alexzandria W.
Carolyn is a skilled professional with an astute & unique capacity for capturing the heart of a moment. Her creative eyes are drawn to color, beauty, movement and the essence of people, and this is conveyed in all of her photos. Her shots are both timeless & anchored in the special times & events she photographs.
Carolyn is kind, fun, and wonderful to work with! I am honored to have a few of her photos up on my website. She brings true partnership & care into what she does. I highly recommend CStrong photography!
Carolyn is a powerhouse in business. She runs a tight ship as a professional, but there is always laughter and meaningful memories created that lasts for years. My experiences with Carolyn have always been fun, interactive, and meaningful. She tailors each photo shoot to meet any need. And, she is flexible as the light changes. And it changed on us constantly, so be prepared to shift gears occasionally!
- Barbara B.
I appreciate you so much! :)
The photos look amazing and are making me so happy to go thru!
Cannot thank you enough.
- Kayla
Carolyn did a wonderful work photographing our wedding.
The pictures are beautiful, interesting, carefully composed, and elegantly edited. She was unobtrusive, but captured every moment. Her smile and positive attitude were infectious.
Highly recommend.
~Mark C.
Carolyn is wonderful to work with. We were looking for a new family photographer as we had just moved to the area last year and she went above and beyond. The entire family loved working with her and we all agreed she is our photographer from now on. She made sure to capture the best for our family. Highly recommend!
~Jennifer H.
We had a great experience and fun time! Carolyn was AMAZING! We will definitely be getting more pix from her. Thank you!
~Shawna G.
My daughter had the best experience with Carolyn! She did their elopement photos at Cascade Falls in the midst of the snow! It was an adventure for the two. She was on time, professional, very nice and worked with them.
We really can't image anyone else doing a better job.
She also made sure everyone's face was visible when taking pictures.
She remembered the little details we shared about what we prefer in our poses and included my daughter's dog. I would definitely recommend her to anyone!
I am looking forward to having her take pictures of my small spa, taking pictures for my website. I am passionate about her photography skills. Carolyn is the Durango adventure photographer to work with!
~Theresa O.
I was looking for a special piece of art to be made into a canvas for my home. I have always admired Carolyn's work and looked on her website for one. There were so many to choose from, all beautifully captured. There just aren't enough words to possibly describe how amazing each and every photo Carolyn takes. She has a magical way of finding the perfect angle, lighting and of course, expression. Carolyn is an amazingly talented photographer.
~Evelyn R.