Every time I get to photograph the Lane family, it feels like catching up with old friends. I’ve had the joy of documenting their journey for a while now—through their pregnancy announcement, cozy fall sessions, and now this golden summer evening tucked into the Idaho hills.

This session was our first summer shoot with baby Colston, and while it wasn’t his first time in front of my camera, he still wasn’t quite sure what to think of me. And that’s completely normal! Most little ones need a moment to warm up to the idea of some stranger acting ridiculous with a camera in their face. Luckily, we found our rhythm—and his sweet expressions made it all worth it.

Big brother Rodee, on the other hand, is a seasoned pro. He knows the drill and was ready to show up with that confident smile of his. Watching him take the lead was a fun reminder of how much he’s grown since our earliest sessions.

We started the evening at the Lane’s home property, where we’ve captured many beautiful moments over the years. There’s just something so personal and peaceful about photographing families in their own space. After years of meeting at parks and random locations around Salmon, Jaycee and Michael invited me out to their land for one fall session, and from that point on—we never looked back.

This session was extra special because we got to head up to their new property, where they’re building their future home. The mountain views were breathtaking, and as the sun dipped below the hills, everything lit up in that warm, golden light photographers dream about.

The house isn’t quite finished yet, but it was the perfect backdrop for a few sunset photos. I always love when families include these kinds of milestones in their sessions—photos of not just people, but of places that tell the story of where they’ve been and where they’re going.

I’m honored every single time the Lane family invites me back behind the lens. Watching their family grow, seeing their dreams take shape, and preserving these memories in every season—it’s what makes this job so incredibly special.