A Desert Love Story

I thought I was photographing a family of six but ended up documenting a moment that they will never forget!

Let me back up and tell you this story, because honestly, it's one of those sessions that reminds me why I absolutely love what I do.

A few years ago, I discovered this incredible Tucson local business owner online who creates the most gorgeous custom macramé pieces through her business, Soul Shine & Bliss. Handcrafted wall hangings, the cutest keychains, rearview mirror hangings for your car, magnets, and adorable teacher's gifts – everything she makes just radiates good vibes. Naturally, I had to order several pieces because, hello, I love crafts and good energy.

When I decided to host a giveaway, she entered and won a session with me. The original plan? A maternity session to capture her growing family in the desert. But you know how life goes – especially when you're running a business, raising kids, and growing a human. Dates got pushed back, schedules got crazy, and before we knew it, we were looking at a family session instead of a maternity shoot.

Plot twist: it ended up being so much better than we originally planned.

We decided on Gates Pass in the Tucson Mountain Park, and honestly, there's a reason this spot is my clients' most requested location. The desert backdrop is absolutely stunning – those iconic saguaros, the rolling mountain silhouettes, and when the light hits just right, it's pure magic.

That evening did not disappoint. The golden hour light was absolutely gorgeous, illuminating this beautiful family against the desert landscape. And can we talk about how cooperative everyone was? All four kids were happy to be there, mom and dad were relaxed and genuinely enjoying themselves – it was one of those sessions that just flowed.

This is what I live for in my photography – those genuine moments when families just get to be themselves. No stiff poses, no fake smiles, just real connection and joy. I guided them into some light poses here and there, but mostly I was capturing all those candid moments that felt so authentically them.

The kids were happy, parents were enjoying time with their family, and I was behind my camera thinking, "This is why I do this job." When a session feels this easy and natural, you know the photos are going to be something special.

Just as we were wrapping up, dad asked “Are you ready?”. At first I wasn’t sure what he was talking about, but I saw the ring box in hand and he walked right over and dropped to one knee.

Y'all. NOBODY SAW IT COMING. The kids were just as surprised as mom, and honestly, that made it even more perfect. They went from casually standing around to realizing what was happening and practically bouncing with excitement. I'm scrambling to make sure my camera settings are perfect because this is HAPPENING and I need to capture every single second of this genuine shock and joy.

The proposal was so beautiful, so genuine, and happening right there in the desert with their four kids as the most surprised witnesses. Mom was completely caught off guard (the best kind of surprise), the kids were processing this huge moment in real time, and watching this family experience this together – with all those genuine emotions – was honestly one of the most heartwarming things I've ever had the privilege to photograph.

Here's what I learned from this session: sometimes the best moments happen when we let go of our rigid plans and just roll with what life gives us. What started as a maternity session became a family session, which became an engagement session, all wrapped up in one magical desert evening.

This is exactly why I love photographing real families in real moments. Sure, we had some gorgeous posed shots against that stunning Gates Pass backdrop, but the photos that really tell their story? Those candid moments of pure joy, surprise, and celebration.

If you're considering Gates Pass in Tucson, Arizona for your family session, this is your sign to book it. The desert landscape provides the most incredible natural backdrop, and there's something about that wide open space that helps families relax and just be themselves.

Whether you're planning a maternity session, family photos, or (apparently) a surprise proposal, this location never fails to deliver those frame-worthy shots that capture not just how you look, but how you feel in that moment.

And hey, if your plans change along the way? Even better. Some of the most beautiful stories happen when we're flexible enough to let life surprise us.

Ready to capture your family's story in the stunning Tucson desert? Let's chat about creating some magic together – planned or unplanned!