Photographing families

“The way my children look at me in these pictures brings me so much confidence as a mom, more than anything else ever has.

Their style is easy on the kids and on my husband, who does not like to pose for a picture! Everyone gets to be themselves and somehow they make us all look like we are made for this. If you are considering having Jess & Austin take your family pictures, do it! It’s the best investment in my family I can think of, we get them every couple of years! You will not regret it!”

— Holly

Beyond photos

Family is a simple word for the people and pets in our lives we cherish most. We truly believe yours is worth celebrating and documenting as it is.

Our clients open their homes to us, their relationships, their lives, trusting us to observe and document all the beautifully imperfect details and moments that make us all who we are.

We’ve literally captured first steps (see below). But also momentary, loving glances. And tender embraces as you’ve done it 1000 times. And tiny toes of course. That’s the magic — the everyday. The real stuff you’re that’s gonna mean everything someday to you or someone you love.

This work is joy, and a joy.

How this works

Those family photos you took as a kid in the park, all dressed alike, cheesing at the camera?

This is really different.

That style of family photos is prevalent and popular because it’s the most commercially approachable way of photographing families professionally. It’s the easiest on both the photographer and the family alike.

Which initially sounds great! But when there’s vulnerability you subsequently get little truth.

In those sessions, the photographer doesn’t need to know anything about who you are, the way you normally dress, the way you live, the way you love — so you don’t offer these things. You get a uniform and stand still and stare at the camera and hope your kid(s) cooperate.

And you do end up with photos of what your family looks like.

But if you want photos of who you actually are, we’re asking you (yes you) to choose something that’s not entirely easy — to be vulnerable, and put yourselves out there. We can totally try a classic portrait — just know that the entire session doesn’t hinge on perfecting that one shot.

Only by letting us in, by showing us a glimpse of who you really are, the things you actually do, and the ways you actually do them, in the places you do them, can you come away with photos that will make you say “Wow, that’s really us!”

Included in all packages

We help all of our clients with brainstorming, recommendations, logistics, vibe, outfits, and more — really any and everything to help your session be meaningful and true and fun.

We never show up on the day and ask, “What’s the plan?” We’ve got you! Here’s what you can expect from us.

    • Activity, location, timing, and outfit recommendations

    • Help with location/event permits

    • Basic session timeline

    • Unlimited phone & email consultations

    • Flexible rescheduling options for any curveballs

  • Your entire experience documented by Jess & Austin both – in our documentary style that prioritizes having a great time and being true to yourselves above all.

    Our clients often tell us they were kinda nervous about being in front of the camera but were shocked at how easy we made it for them.

    Light direction without micro-managing, documenting without faking. You’re gonna have a good time.

  • Most of our photography coverage is digital, but at every session we shoot some film for that magical, imperfect “you just had to be there” feeling that old-school film hits just right.

    • Sneak peeks within 24 hours

    • A beautiful online gallery of edited images delivered within 2 weeks of your session

    • Optional heirloom photo album, thoughtfully designed by us to last a lifetime and more

    • High-resolution image downloads with printing rights

    • High-quality print options right from your gallery

Our family photography packages

Standard session

Up to 2hrs photo coverage • $600

This is a great amount of time to let everyone get comfortable, and let a chill experience unfold naturally on its own time.

During a session, families commonly:

Bake something together • read a favorite book • have a little picnic • play in the yard • dance in the living room • work on a garage project • go on a lil hike • make some art • feeding, swaddling, cuddling

…but these are just starting points!

Travel within 1hr of Longmont is included; beyond that, coverage minimums increase

Custom session

Most families book with us without knowing exactly how much time they need for their session — that’s totally ok!

We can still get started planning a custom package that fits in everything you want to do and the places/locations you want to go. A custom package could be right if:

  • You want a full day-in-the-life session

  • You love the idea of documenting an activity together that takes more time

  • You want to head to central or western Colorado — like the Breckenridge, Aspen, Telluride or Ouray areas — or maybe something a bit further away. We don’t charge travel fees, but do require coverage minimums for extended travel.

  • You have other guests attending — every family & friend group is unique! We want to hear about your dynamic and how you imagine incorporating them into your plan

The next steps

The booking process

  • If you like what you’re reading and seeing, hit that CONTACT button below. We’d love to hear from you!

    Note: you truly don’t need to have everything figured out before inquiring! Most people book with a general timeframe and vibe in mind (and we help them with all the rest of the details in the planning process).

  • We’ll meet over video and just get a feel for what you’re looking for and what we offer, and answer any questions you may have about us, our process, or anything else.

  • We’ll send over a proposal and contract to sign when you’re ready!

    Note: As much as we’d like to, we can’t work with everyone that inquires with us.

After booking

  • After you’ve signed your proposal and contract, the fun begins! Tons of exclusive information coming your way, including a questionnaire to get the ball rolling and help you get a feel for what’s possible!

  • We’ll review your questionnaire together over video, chatting through specifics, recommendations, and timeline.

  • With a fun plan in place, all that’s left is to show up and get to it!

A few testimonials

  • Annalise

    “I was beaming from ear to ear when I first saw the pictures Jess & Austin took of us with our sweet daughter, still so new to the world. These are some of the very first photos we have of her; we have them framed in her bedroom, and they serve to remind us how precious our time is together — time that goes by in what feels like a blink. I would absolutely recommend the Drawhorns to any friends, family, anyone! They are talented, their energy is warm and calm, and the photos they capture are absolutely timeless.”

  • David

    “I really will love those pictures forever, and remember that age and stage of my children better than I could have without the Drawhorns. Thanks very much Jess & Austin. We will be hiring you again and again.”

  • Megan

    “Between front porch photos with our animals, the top of Rocky Mountain National Park, and family photos, the Drawhorns have been there every step of the way capturing the raw moments perfectly. They make you feel at ease; they were meant to do this. You’d be lucky to hire them!”

  • Anna

    “We didn't have to do anything but hang out and be ourselves, no awkward instructions or forced moments or anything, and as a result, the photos feel totally and authentically us.”

  • Holly

    “The way my children look at me in these pictures brings me so much confidence as a mom, more than anything else ever has. Their style is easy on the kids and on my husband, who does not like to pose for a picture! Everyone gets to be themselves and somehow they make us all look like we are made for this. If you are considering having Jess & Austin take your family pictures, do it! It’s the best investment in my family I can think of, we get them every couple of years! You will not regret it!”

  • Jessie

    “When I first saw our pictures, I was shocked by how Jess & Austin were able to capture the joyful little moments that we experience every day but rarely get on camera. I loved that we didn’t feel pressured to dress up or make certain poses; every picture was very natural and encompasses the joy we feel on a daily basis as a family.”

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