There’s something incredibly special about being invited back into a family’s story especially when that family lives in one of the most beautiful corners of the world. As a Challis Idaho Photographer and East Idaho Photographer, I get the privilege of traveling through some stunning places, but the drive from Salmon to Challis, Idaho that evening truly took my breath away. The mountains were glowing, the light was soft, and I knew before I ever arrived that we were about to create something magical.

I pulled into Bodie and Claire’s property, tucked right into the forest, and it was just as beautiful as I remembered. The last time I was here, there was snow on the ground and Claire was pregnant with baby Jane. Now? Little Jane is running around, full toddler mode, with the cutest tiny pigtails and dressed to the nines. Honestly, I expected nothing less from Claire. As the owner of I Bar Leatherworks, she has an incredible eye for style and craftsmanship. Some of the TikTok videos and Pinterest pins from her maternity session a couple years ago are still circulating, and I still receive messages asking about her outfit from that day!

But this session wasn’t about maternity style, it was all about family. And Jane definitely kept us on our toes in the best way possible. Toddler energy is unmatched, and instead of trying to contain it, I love to lean into it. We ran, we played, we followed her curiosity, and we even had their dogs join in, something that made Jane endlessly happy. Nothing brings out those genuine smiles quite like a pup crashing the photo session.

Their property, surrounded entirely by forest, was the perfect backdrop. The fall leaves were on fire with color, and the sun was just dipping behind the trees, giving us that warm, glowing light photographers dream of. It was one of those evenings where everything just fell into place.

Claire brought a cozy blanket, which was perfect for some of my favorite types of photos, those candid, laughing, in-the-moment shots where families simply are themselves. Sure, posed photos are beautiful and always print-worthy, but there’s something priceless about capturing parents snuggling their toddler, leaves all around them, just being present. Those are the moments families look back on and feel.

Being welcomed back into Bodie and Claire’s life, now with sweet, wild little Jane, was such a gift. Sessions like this remind me why I love photographing families in Challis, Idaho, and why I’m so grateful to document these chapters as they grow.

If you’re looking for a Challis Idaho Photographer or East Idaho Photographer who loves capturing connection, motion, and those pure, unscripted moments, I would love to come back to Challis again and again.