Family Portraits Justina Thorsen Family Portraits Justina Thorsen

Family Pictures | Bow Mar Lake | Littleton Family Photographer

Lake Bow Mar is a Photographer’s Dream Canvas with its sun-drenched docks, winding bridal paths, boardwalks, and open fields which create endless opportunities for dynamic composition. The gentle shimmer of water, framed by trees and complemented by front-range mountain views, adds a touch of magic that transforms a typical portrait into a timeless masterpiece.

Most of my outdoor sessions take place during the golden hours— when early evening light casts a warm glow across the lakes and gently illuminates faces. Golden hour is more than just a pretty backdrop. It softens shadows, warms skin tones, and brings out the natural beauty of your surroundings—whether you’re standing in a field of tall grass or nestled in the open foothills overlooking the Front Range. Every photo feels a little more romantic, a little more nostalgic, and a lot more magical.

What makes summer family sessions in Colorado extra special is the vibrancy. The landscape bursts with color—deep greens, soft purples, golden yellows—and that bold, beautiful light ties it all together. It’s the perfect season to capture connection and joy with the people you love most.

When you book a family portrait session, we’ll time it just right to soak up the very best light of the day. I’ll guide you every step of the way—from wardrobe styling to finding the perfect location that reflects your family’s vibe. Whether it’s playful laughter, tender snuggles, or that proud family-of-five moment, we’ll capture it all with warmth and authenticity.

Because these are the days you’ll want to remember—the long summer evenings, barefoot giggles, glowing light, and hearts full of love. And when the golden hour fades, the memories we create will last a lifetime.

Ready to book your golden hour session this summer?
Let’s create something beautiful together—framed by the light of Colorado and the love of your family.

#ColoradoFamilyPhotographer #GoldenHourPortraits #LittletonPhotographer #SummerFamilyPhotos #ColorfulColorado #FamilyPhotographySession #KeepsakeReflections #SunsetPortraits #FoothillsFamilyPhotos #DenverFamilyPhotographer

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Family Portraits Justina Thorsen Family Portraits Justina Thorsen

Family Portraits | Bow Mar Lake | Highlands Ranch Photographer

Family portraits at Bow Mar Lake in Littleton, CO

Bow Mar Lake is a private lake nestled near the foothills of Littleton, Colorado. It provides an iconic backdrop for outdoor family portraits. I was very fortunate to be able to meet this beautiful family and take their portraits at their private neighborhood lake.

With every family photo session, I always aim to capture individual portraits of each child.

As a mom, I know how important it is to also get pictures of yourself with each of your children. That’s why I always try to get photos of just mom with each of her kids, and dad too!

A huge congratulations to this family for getting their first ever professional family portrait!

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Family Portraits Justina Thorsen Family Portraits Justina Thorsen

Family Portrait Photography at Anderson Apple Ranch in Emmett, ID

Capturing Timeless Memories:Why Anderson Apple Ranch is the Perfect Setting for Family Portraits

Nestled in the heart of Emmett, Idaho, Anderson Apple Ranch is a picturesque setting that offers a serene, rustic backdrop for family portrait photography. Whether it's the vibrant colors of fall foliage, the blossoms of spring, or the warm hues of a summer sunset, the ranch provides a beautiful natural environment that enhances any family portrait. The idyllic scenery of the ranch boasts vast apple orchards nestled up against a ridge. These elements create the perfect backdrop for timeless family photos, blending the tranquility of nature with the warmth of family love. Photographing in between tghe rows of apple trees offers a charming, country-style feel.

Family portrait of two young boys wearing black and white plaid shirts with jeans and brown boots, sitting in an apple orchard.

The Importance of Including Grandparents in Your Family Portrait Session

Family portrait sessions are more than just photo ops; they’re a chance to celebrate the connections between generations. Including grandparents in your session adds a layer of depth and meaning to your portraits, creating a visual record of your family’s legacy.

Grandparents hold a unique and irreplaceable role in families. Their presence in family portraits represents continuity, wisdom, and the richness of your family's story. Whether you’re capturing their laughter as they interact with their grandchildren or a quiet, intimate moment between them and their children, these photos become treasured keepsakes for future generations. It’s a wonderful way to honor them and create memories that can be passed down through time.

Outdoor family portrait sessions are more than just photos; they provide a chance to create cherished memories in a relaxed, beautiful setting. With the involvement of grandparents, these sessions become even more meaningful, weaving together the past, present, and future in every frame.

Family portrait with two parents, two grand parents, and two children in an apple orchard.
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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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Wall Art, Print Your Photos, Family Portraits Justina Thorsen Wall Art, Print Your Photos, Family Portraits Justina Thorsen

The Psychological Benefits of Printed Photos | Littleton Newborn and Family Photographer

Do you print photos for your children to hold and enjoy? Did you know there is a psychological benefit to having printed photos of yourself and your family in your home?  It's true!  In the words of Psychologist Judy Weiser: “When a child sees a family portrait with them included in the photograph they say to themselves: "These people have me as part of what they are, that’s why I belong here. This is where I come from.”

Many of our parents and grandparents likely had family photos proudly displayed on their walls or neatly presented in photo albums for us to look at whenever our hearts desired. In today's world, most photos are left on electronic devices and never printed. I get it, ordering prints, creating albums and hanging photos on your walls takes time and effort - way more effort than posting on social media or scrolling through a device. Sadly, this means that many children today are growing grow up without physical photos of themselves and their family that they can touch, hold, and cherish. 

Photo of a living room with a wall art collage of portraits showcasing the family, children, and newborn baby.

If you haven’t printed your photos yet, this is your gentle reminder to get them printed for the sake of your children.

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Motherhood Portraits, Family Portraits Justina Thorsen Motherhood Portraits, Family Portraits Justina Thorsen

Motherhood Portraits For My Sister | Colorado Motherhood Photographer

My sister is one of the best Moms that I know

My sister is only a couple years older than me, but she has been a mother for nearly a decade longer than me. She has always been an inspiration for me when I think about being a mom. She is such an amazing mom, I actually used to joke with her about whether she would raise my kids for me if I ever had them. Kidding aside, if I was not able to raise my child myself, she is the first person I would want to do it for me. So, for her birthday and for a million other reasons, I wanted to gift her this special “Motherhood” portrait session.

Photo of mother and two young daughters in a field at sunset.

Photo of mother and two daughters sitting in a field at sunset

I styled my sister and her daughters for this photo session!

While I love my sister to pieces, the last time I offered to take some family portraits for her, their outfits were anything but coordinating! Blue, red, and yellow could work well together. However, each person’s outfit had a strong pattern and that’s where things got a little too busy. So, this time, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I was walking around Ross one day and I found the dress my sister is wearing in the photo above. I though it would look pretty in a photo shoot. So, I kept browsing around and I was lucky enough to find the two dresses that my nieces are wearing as well - both the only dresses of that style and in the right size. BINGO! Guess how much I spent on outfits for all 3 girls? That’s right, less than $50 total!

Photo of mother and two daughters outdoors

This is a wardrobe that had no styling guidance - notice the clashing patterns.

Worried about what to wear for your own family or motherhood portrait session?

Don’t worry! As part of my service when you book with me, I offer styling guidance for coordinating your family’s wardrobe. I am here to help you create and achieve the portraits of your dreams!



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