Embracing Family, Horses, and the Beauty of Idaho

As an Idaho Family Photographer, I get the privilege of capturing families in their favorite environments, creating timeless memories to treasure forever. Recently, I had the honor of photographing the Kroul family at their home in Carmen, Idaho. Their session perfectly exemplified the magic of combining the charm of rural Idaho with the personal touches that make each family unique.

Why Your Own Property Can Be the Perfect Setting

When it comes to family photography, choosing a meaningful location can elevate your session in unexpected ways. As an East Idaho Photographer, I’ve worked in various stunning locations, but there’s something undeniably special about photographing families on their own properties.

Whether it’s a generational ranch, your first home, or a spot that holds sentimental value, using your property as the backdrop creates a connection that’s hard to replicate. The Krouls' home in Carmen, surrounded by sweeping views of the Salmon River Valley, offered a gorgeous and deeply personal setting.

We live in a region where even “the backyard” can rival a professionally landscaped park. The rich autumn hues and rugged Idaho landscape provided a perfect canvas for the Kroul family's session.

Adding Horses to the Mix: A Cowgirl’s Dream

As a Salmon Idaho Photographer, I love incorporating meaningful elements into family sessions, and for the Krouls, that meant their horses. Horses aren’t just animals—they’re companions, symbols of hard work, and an integral part of many families' lives in this area.

Including horses in your photos adds a dynamic, emotional layer to the images. It creates opportunities for interaction and candid moments, whether it’s a child confidently sitting tall in the saddle or parents sharing a laugh while holding the reins together.

For the Kroul family, their little cowgirl Milly absolutely stole the show. Watching her light up as she climbed onto the back of her horse was pure magic. Her joy, confidence, and connection with the horse made for some of the most memorable images of the session.

Balancing the Elements: Kids, Horses, and the Idaho Outdoors

As any family photographer will tell you, sessions with kids and animals require an extra dose of patience—and a good sense of humor. Horses add complexity, but they also add a sense of authenticity, especially here in Idaho, where cowboy culture runs deep.

It takes time to set the scene and ensure everyone, including the horses, feels comfortable and calm. But the results? They’re always worth it. These photos tell a story: one of connection, lifestyle, and love. They capture not only a moment in time but also the essence of who the Krouls are as a family.

Why Family Photos Matter

Family photos are more than just images—they’re a way to freeze a moment in time. Children grow, seasons change, and life evolves, but photos allow you to hold onto the memories.

For families like the Krouls, incorporating elements like their horses and their home makes the session even more meaningful. These images will serve as a legacy, telling a story of love, hard work, and life in rural Idaho.

Ready to Capture Your Family’s Story?

If you’re considering a family session, don’t underestimate the value of choosing a location that’s meaningful to you. Whether it’s your backyard, a nearby ranch, or the wide-open spaces of the Salmon River Valley, let’s create photos that tell your story.

As an Idaho Family Photographer, I’m here to help you plan the perfect session, whether it includes horses, cowboy hats, or just the people you love most. Let’s capture the beauty of your family and the stunning landscapes of Idaho together.