Few moments are as unforgettable—or as full of emotion—as the instant someone says “yes” to forever. Photographing proposals is one of my favorite parts of what I do because it’s about capturing pure joy, surprise, and love in its most authentic form. John and Olivia’s proposal in Durango, Colorado, was one of those perfect, heartfelt moments that I’ll never forget.

The Planning: Crafting the Perfect Surprise

John reached out with one clear goal—he wanted the proposal to be a complete surprise for Olivia while still being beautifully documented. Together, we began planning every detail to make sure everything went smoothly.

Since proposals can feel nerve-wracking (especially when trying to keep a secret!), I always walk my clients through the process step-by-step. For John, I created a video guide ahead of time, showing exactly where to park, which path to take, and where to stand for the best view and lighting. We even went over how long to stay down on one knee—long enough for Olivia to take it all in and for me to capture those priceless reactions.

Life moves fast. Kids grow, relationships evolve, and before we know it, another year has passed. Amidst the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to let those fleeting moments slip by. That’s why annual family photos are one of the most meaningful traditions you can start—a beautiful way to pause, reflect, and capture your family’s story year after year.

Whether you’ve been considering booking a family session or you’re already a regular, here’s why this tradition is one you’ll always treasure.

Extended family sessions are a beautiful way to celebrate generations, capture meaningful connections, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s grandparents with grandkids, siblings reuniting, or a full multi-generational portrait, these sessions are so worth it—but they do take a little extra planning! To make your session smooth, stress-free, and full of genuine smiles, here are my top tips for coordinating your whole crew.

Capturing the beauty of pregnancy is such a special moment in time, and one of the first decisions you’ll make when booking your maternity session is choosing between an outdoor setting or a studio session. Each offers its own unique benefits, so let’s explore the differences to help you decide which option is perfect for you and your growing family.

Ridgewood Events Center, and Blue Lake Ranch, are nestled in the scenic Durango, Colorado area, and offer a picturesque backdrop for weddings with stunning mountain views and elegant atmosphere. The venue combines modern amenities with rustic charm, making it ideal for couples looking to create a memorable celebration. With flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, Ridgewood caters to both intimate gatherings and grand receptions, ensuring every detail aligns with the vision of the couple's dream day.

Discover the beauty of Riverbend Ranch Wedding Venue in Durango, CO, on Kelly Miranda Photography’s blog. With over a decade of experience capturing weddings here since 2012, Kelly highlights the venue’s stunning red cliff and riverside landscapes, romantic ambiance, and unforgettable celebrations. Get inspired for your wedding day! Kelly is Durango's premier wedding photographer!

Discover the charm of Dante’s Peak at Purgatory Resort in Durango, CO, on Kelly Miranda Photography’s blog. With years of experience capturing stunning weddings, Kelly showcases the venue’s breathtaking mountain views, lush alpine scenery, and romantic ambiance. Get inspired for your wedding day and see why Kelly Miranda Photography is Durango's best wedding photographer!

Pregnancy is one of the most extraordinary times in a woman’s life, filled with excitement, anticipation, and love. Capturing these moments with a maternity photoshoot allows you to cherish this special chapter forever. If you're searching for Durango maternity photographers to help document your journey, I’m here to ensure you not only look beautiful but feel calm, comfortable, and well taken care of throughout the entire process.

Are you planning to pop the question in the enchanting mountain town of Telluride, CO? Congratulations on taking this monumental step in your love story! As you prepare for the big moment, consider the invaluable treasure of preserving the memory forever with surprise proposal photography.