Senior Portraits Justina Thorsen Senior Portraits Justina Thorsen

Senior Portraits | Class of 2026 | Highlands Ranch Photographer

When it comes to photographing high schools seniors, our goal is to celebrate each unique individual, incorporating their personal style, hobbies, and interests into the portrait session.

Senior year is a huge milestone as it signals the transition into adulthood. This is a time to honor and celebrate your child and capture the essence of who they are today.

Here in Colorado, along the Front Range, we are extremely blessed with so many beautiful locations that serve as a majestic backdrop for senior portraits. Water, Mountains, Fields, Trees, and Sunset are the perfect ingredients to make for stunning senior portraits.

These beautiful senior portraits were taken at sunset along the South Platte River in Littleton, Colorado.

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Motherhood Portraits, Studio Portraits Justina Thorsen Motherhood Portraits, Studio Portraits Justina Thorsen

Let Kids Be Kids | Littleton Family Photographer

When it comes to photographing kids, it's important to remember that they are their own unique individuals with their own personalities, interests, and quirks! In order to capture authentic and meaningful photos, it's crucial to let them be themselves during the photo session.

Photo of toddler girl wearing lace and ruffle dress and staring at the camera while mother giggles in the background.

When kids feel free to be who they are, they're going to be more comfortable and relaxed, and this will shine through in the photographs! This means letting them express themselves in their own way, whether that means being silly, playful, or even a little shy.

By allowing kids to be themselves, you'll not only get more genuine and natural photos, but you'll also be able to capture their true character and spirit.

Photo of toddler girl sitting in a peacock chair with a giant smile.

These are the photos that you'll cherish for years to come, as they truly represent who your child is, right now, and the special moments you share together.

I’m a huge believer in negotiating with toddlers (and older kids too). Remember, a little bargaining with the kiddos can go a long way! :)

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Family Portraits Justina Thorsen Family Portraits Justina Thorsen

Capturing the essence of your family | Littleton Family Photographer

As a family photographer, I understand how important it is to capture those special moments that you share with your loved ones. Whether it’s a playful moment between siblings, a heartwarming family embrace, or a smile that lights up the room, these are the memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Photo of a mother kissing her 6 year old son on the cheek as he sits in her lap in the grassy foothills of Boise, Idaho.

I believe that the best photographs are those that capture the essence of who you are as a family. I work closely with my clients to understand their vision, preferences, and personalities, ensuring that each session is tailored to their unique needs.

Black and white photo of a mother kissing her 4 year old son in the grassy foothills of Boise, Idaho.

I am committed to delivering exceptional service and a great experience from the first time we connect until the final product is delivered. My focus is to create a fun, interactive experience and cherished photos that you and your family will be able to enjoy for years to come!

I look forward to working with you and your family! 

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Family Portraits, Children's Portraits Justina Thorsen Family Portraits, Children's Portraits Justina Thorsen

The art of storytelling through photography | Littleton Family Photographer

When I first started my photography journey I photographed a lot of posed photos, and although they were beautiful, there was something missing. The moment that all changed for me is when I was photographing a family and the youngest girl started twirling around and I caught the image perfectly. I threw it in the gallery so mom could see it but I didn’t think she would choose it. WELP… not only did she choose it as one of her favorites she blew it up as a HUGE portrait and hung it on her wall. 

Photo of a young girl wearing a white dress and twirling in a field at sunset, with a giant smile.

She then explained that her daughter was always on the move, nicknamed “happy feet” because she never stayed still. It summed the young girl up in that one portrait and the joy it brought to her mother was incredible. I then realized I was onto something, I didn’t need to capture life perfectly…I needed to capture life!

Family photography is not just about taking posed photos of family members smiling at the camera. It is about telling the unique story and personality of a family through photographs. These photos can tell a story that words could never express. 

When my clients look back at their photographs, they are able to see the story of their family unfold. It magically brings them right back to those joyful moments.

Are you ready to protect your legacy through portraits?

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Why invest in a professional photographer? | Littleton Family Photographer

Let’s agree that technology has come very far, very fast. It is crazy to think that the iPhone first came out in 2007 with a 2 megapixel camera and now the iPhone 14 now has a 48mp camera. WOAH!!!

But the problem here is… even with cameras advancing, both professional cameras and phone cameras… you will still be stuck behind the camera. 

By hiring a professional photographer you are allowing yourself to get in front of the camera with your loved ones and capture gorgeous memories. Could you set up a tripod? Sure… you could but will the end results be incredible? Most likely no, and that is because you are missing that human touch…Even with the advanced focusing technology of newer cameras, you can’t easily zoom in or out or get creative angles when your camera is on a tripod. Plus, all the hassle of getting everything set up right on a tripod takes away from your time in front of the camera and your ability to connect with your family while the photos are being taken.

Photo of a mother and daughter, both wearing white dresses, hugging outside in the grassy foothills of Boise, Idaho.

 Also, you could have the top-of-the-line camera gear but if you aren’t fully educated and don’t know how to control the detailed settings, your photos simply won’t be as JAW-DROPPING as you want them to be. 

Photo of two blonde sisters, dressed in white and yellow, holding hands and smiling in the grassy foothills of Boise, Idaho.

I have poured myself into photography, including my equipment and education. I know my camera settings, I know how to manipulate light and I know how to provide an incredible experience.

I would love to document your family and create the most gorgeous memories for you to cherish for a lifetime. If you’re interested, please contact me!

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Newborn Photos, Motherhood Portraits Justina Thorsen Newborn Photos, Motherhood Portraits Justina Thorsen

It’s not just about having photos taken, it’s about telling a story | Littleton Newborn and Family Photographer

I believe that every family has a unique story to tell. From the laughter and joy to the love and affection, these stories are what make you and your family special and they deserve to be captured and preserved for a lifetime.

Photography is not just about taking photos…it's about capturing memories and bringing your family's story to life! From the anticipation of the birth of a child, to the newborn in your arms, to the toddler you chase around, I am here to capture it all and help tell your story.

Photo of a new mother laying down next to her newborn baby and kissing the baby's head.

Life can often feel hectic and time seems to fly by. This is why it's so important to capture these special memories now. You can put it off or reprioritize your family’s photo shoot, but the truth is that time will always pass and unpreserved memories are sure to fade.

I look forward to working with your family and capturing those memories FOREVER!

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Maternity Session Justina Thorsen Maternity Session Justina Thorsen

Why Every Woman Deserves Maternity Photos | Littleton Maternity Photographer

Maternity photography is a wonderful way to capture and preserve the special moments of pregnancy. Whether you opt for a professional photographer or DIY maternity photos, the benefits of capturing these memories are numerous. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of maternity photography, both with a professional photographer and with DIY photos, as well as offer tips for taking your own photos.

Benefits of Maternity Photography

1. Capturing memories: Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life, and capturing the memories through photography is a great way to preserve them forever. With maternity photos, you can capture the beauty of your growing belly and the joy of expecting a little one.

2. Boosting self-confidence: Pregnancy can be a challenging time for many women, but with maternity photography, you can celebrate and appreciate your changing body. This can be a great way to boost your self-confidence and remind you of the beauty and strength of your body.

3. Family keepsake: Maternity photos can be a wonderful family keepsake that can be passed down for generations. These photos will not only capture the memories of your pregnancy, but they will also give your children a glimpse into their early beginnings.

4. Unique experience: Pregnancy is a unique and special experience, and maternity photography can help you capture and commemorate that experience. From the joy of announcing your pregnancy to the anticipation of meeting your little one, maternity photos can help tell the story of your pregnancy journey.

Benefits of Professional Maternity Photography

1. Professional quality: Professional photographers have the equipment, expertise, and experience to capture stunning photos that will truly capture the essence of your pregnancy.

2. Personalized experience: A professional photographer can work with you to create a personalized experience that meets your individual needs and preferences. They can help you choose the best location, outfits, and poses to create photos that truly represent you and your pregnancy journey.

3. Timeless keepsake: A professional maternity photography session will result in timeless and high-quality photos that you will cherish for years to come.

Maternity photo of a blonde woman in a red dress and a man in dark clothing standing face to face with foreheads touching. A sun star is shining through a gap in their bodies just above the belly. They are standing in a field with a blue sky behind.

Tips for DIY Maternity Photography

If you choose to take your own maternity photos, here are a few tips to help you capture beautiful memories:

1. Choose a location that is meaningful to you. This could be a favorite park, beach, or even your own home.

2. Use natural lighting. Natural lighting is often the most flattering and can help create a soft and dreamy look in your photos.

3. Experiment with different poses and angles. Don't be afraid to try different poses and angles to find what works best for you and your body.

4. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Choose clothing that flatters your body and makes you feel good. For maternity photos, we usually recommend a body-contouring dress to really highlight your baby bump!

5. Use props or accessories to add interest and personality to your photos. You could use baby shoes, a sonogram photo, or even a favorite book.

Conclusion

Maternity photography is a wonderful way to capture and preserve the memories of pregnancy. Whether you choose to work with a professional photographer or take your own DIY photos, the benefits are numerous. With beautiful maternity photos, you can celebrate your changing body, capture the joy and anticipation of expecting a little one, and create a cherished family keepsake that you will treasure for years to come.

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Motherhood Portraits, Breastfeeding Session Justina Thorsen Motherhood Portraits, Breastfeeding Session Justina Thorsen

Why I wanted Breastfeeding Portraits | Colorado Breastfeeding Photographer

Why I wanted Breastfeeding Portraits.

As a new breastfeeding mother, I remember looking down at my 8 week old baby as I nursed him, and mourning, thinking “Oh my goodness, he’s going to be a toddler soon!” Not that I was worried about having a toddler, but more that he was changing too fast. I was worried that I wasn’t going to remember his precious newborn baby face. I could already see his face getting older. As breastfeeding mothers, we spend hundreds, if not thousands of hours looking down at our babies as we nurse them. Those moments, that perspective of looking down at my perfect child who was so completely dependent on and connected to me, was what I wanted to visually capture for myself. Of course, I couldn’t do it myself, so I hired the very talented photographer Paige from Glean and Co.

A mother's perspective of a breastfeeding baby

Photo Credit: Glean and Co

While I was breastfeeding my son, I felt more beautiful and important than I had ever felt in my entire life. Of course I was exhausted and run down, but I felt beautiful and magnificent. After having a baby in the NICU, missing out on the “Golden Hour” and facing the possibility that I might not ever have the chance to breastfeed, I celebrated my good fortune to even be on the breastfeeding journey, as difficult as it may be at times.

Photo Credit: Glean and Co

I had asked and begged my husband so many times to take photos of me with my newborn son. But, he never got his camera out. So, I got out my own camera and took self portraits with a remote trigger. But I wanted something more, because I couldn’t easily take breastfeeding self-portraits from the angle that I wanted to capture. So, I found a professional photographer and asked her to take breastfeeding portraits of me and my son, who by the time we had our picture taken was 8 months old. Those photos are so special to me, because they are the only non-phone photos I have of myself that were taken by someone else, during early motherhood. Having another photographer take my portrait allowed me to just be in the moment and enjoy the time with my son, resulting in photos that show authentic emotion and connection between mother and child. These photos are priceless to me.

Image of a breastfeeding baby in his mother's arms

Photo Credit: Glean and Co

While the breastfeeding hours may seem endless, they will pass. In the moment, you may feel like you could never forget what your baby looks like or the other highs and lows of the breastfeeding journey. But time has a canny ability to dull our memories. This is why photography is such a priceless gift, why photos of special people and special times in life are such treasured keepsakes. Photography helps to cement those memories and keep them alive.

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Top 3 Reasons to Get Breastfeeding Portraits | Colorado Breastfeeding Photographer

There are many reasons why a mother might want to consider breastfeeding portraits. Find out our top 3 reasons to get Breastfeeding Portraits.

There are many reasons why a mother may want breastfeeding photos. Here are the top 3 reasons I know of:

  1. To capture a special moment in time: Breastfeeding is a unique and intimate bonding experience between a mother and her child. A mother may want to capture these special moments to look back on and remember the early days of her child's life.

  2. To document the breastfeeding journey: Breastfeeding can be a challenging journey, and a mother may want to document her progress and celebrate her accomplishments. Breastfeeding photos can be a way to visually document this journey and serve as a reminder of the mother's strength and resilience.

  3. To normalize and encourage breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is a natural and normal way to feed a baby and it has many benefits for both the mother and the child. Unfortunately, it is not always seen that way in society. By sharing breastfeeding photos, a mother may hope to help normalize breastfeeding and reduce the stigma surrounding it.

Overall, breastfeeding photos can be a beautiful and meaningful way for a mother to capture the special bond with her child, to celebrate her breastfeeding journey, and to help normalize and promote this natural and important aspect of motherhood.

Photo of mother gazing down at her breastfeeding newborn. Mother is wearing a white dress and set against white background.
Photo of red haired mother holding and gazing down at her breastfeeding baby. Mother is wearing sand colored dress and set against white background.
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Newborn Photos Justina Thorsen Newborn Photos Justina Thorsen

What is Minimal Newborn Photography? | Littleton Newborn Photographer

Minimal Newborn Photography is an elegant and timeless way to capture the beauty of a newborn without distracting props, clothing, or backgrounds.

Minimal newborn photography, also known as "simple" or "natural" newborn photography, is a popular style of newborn photography that emphasizes simplicity, minimalism, and natural poses. Below are the top 5 reasons why I love minimal newborn photography and why I use this style in my own work:

  1. Focus on the newborn: Minimal newborn photography places the focus firmly on the newborn baby, without distracting backgrounds or props. This helps capture the beauty and innocence of the baby in a natural and unobtrusive way.

  2. Timeless and classic: The minimalist style of newborn photography is timeless and classic, and will not become dated as trends come and go. It can be appreciated for years to come, and can also serve as a beautiful reminder of how small and precious the baby once was.

  3. Authenticity: By keeping the focus on the baby, minimal newborn photography demonstrates a sense of authenticity and intimacy. This helps illustrate the baby's unique personality and spirit, as well as the bond between the baby and their parents.

  4. Versatility: Minimal newborn photography can be done in a variety of settings and with a variety of lighting conditions. It is adaptable to different locations and can be done indoors or outdoors. Minimal newborn photography is perfect for a traveling studio, such as mine.

  5. Emotional impact: The simplicity and naturalness and authenticity of minimal newborn photography highlights the feelings of tenderness, love, and awe. This authentic emotion can make the photographs even more special and meaningful for parents and family members.

Overall, minimal newborn photography is an incredibly beautiful and powerful way to capture the essence of a newborn baby and create lasting memories for families.

Photo of a newborn sleeping belly down with face turned to the side. Baby is nude but lightly draped with a white wrap.
Photo of a blond mother in a white dress holding her newborn face to face. Baby is yawning wide and mother is smiling at her.
Photo of a sleeping newborn baby lightly draped with a lace wrap. Mothers hands are resting on the baby's head and back.
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