I had such a great time with the Hicks Family during their early fall session at Discovery Hill. The sunshine was abundant, the leaves were just starting to turn, and the laughter never stopped. It’s always such a joy as an Idaho Family Photographer to capture these moments of pure connection and fun, and the Hicks Family brought plenty of both!

I first met Samantha's when I photographed her sister, Stephanie’s engagement session, and it was such a treat to reconnect with her and meet her family. Watching her four kids interact, full of energy, curiosity, and so much personality, made for a lively and memorable session. There’s nothing quite like the spontaneous giggles, silly faces, and the sweet moments of siblings hugging or holding hands. These are the memories families treasure for a lifetime, and as a Salmon Idaho Photographer, capturing them is always an honor.

Discovery Hill provided the perfect backdrop for this session. The natural light filtered through the trees, creating golden highlights that perfectly complemented the early fall colors. From running through open fields to climbing on logs, the kids’ playful energy was infectious. Samantha and her husband were so engaged, laughing right alongside their children, which made the session feel easy, relaxed, and so natural.

One of my favorite parts of family sessions is that while the day is planned, the magic happens in the moments you don’t expect, the spontaneous tickle fights, shared whispers, and belly laughs that seem to echo through the hills. The Hicks Family had plenty of those moments, and I felt so lucky to freeze them in time. It’s these authentic connections that make family photography so special, and why families return year after year to capture new chapters in their lives.

If you’re looking for a photographer who values real laughter, genuine smiles, and the joy of family connections, I’d love to work with you. Whether it’s a playful morning at Discovery Hill or a quiet afternoon in your backyard, every session is an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

As an Idaho Family Photographer based in Salmon, I am passionate about capturing these fleeting moments and helping families remember not just how they looked, but how they felt, joyful, connected, and completely present with one another. The Hicks Family session was a perfect example of that, and I can’t wait to see them again in the future.