You don’t have to get everything “just right” to love your family photos.

I’m an Erie family photographer who helps families feel at ease with simple guidance, so the experience feels easy from the very beginning.

See What's Possible

If you’re feeling a little nervous about family photos

Family of five sharing a playful kiss and snuggles during their outdoor session—mom and dad lean in for a kiss while holding two little boys, and their daughter peeks through between them on a tree-lined path, taken by Theresa Pelser, an Erie family photographer.

…you’re not alone

Most families feel this way before their session. Even the ones who look completely relaxed in their photos.

You might be thinking:

  • What if my kids don’t cooperate?
  • What if we feel awkward?
  • What if things just don’t go the way I pictured?

That’s all completely normal.

You don’t need everything to go perfectly to end up with photos you love.

You just need a little space to settle in—and someone there to guide you.

How I help your session feel easy

Dad crouched down, holding his smiling baby girl on his knee with a lake in the background during a family session with an Erie-based family and newborn photographer.
Mom and dad walking hand-in-hand down a path with their baby girl between them, surrounded by evergreen trees and soft winter grass. Captured by Theresa Pelser, an Erie-based family and newborn photographer.
Close-up moment of mom gently kissing her baby girl's forehead while holding her close, both wearing soft pastels and sharing a quiet connection during a family session with Theresa Pelser, an Erie-based family and newborn photographer.

You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

During your session, I’m paying attention to what your family needs and guiding you in a way that feels natural, not forced.

Here’s what that looks like:

  • Offering simple prompts instead of stiff poses.
  • Giving your kids space to be themselves (and gently redirecting when needed).
  • Keeping things moving so it never feels awkward or stuck.
  • Noticing the moments that are already happening—and helping you lean into them.

You don’t have to manage everything.

You don’t need to perform or get it “right.”

I’ve got you.

Family of four kneeling together in a grassy field—mom smiles at dad while their daughter smiles at her brother who is looking at the camera, all sharing a joyful moment during their outdoor fall mini session with Theresa Pelser, an Erie family photographer.
★★★★★

“Theresa is lovely to work with and she excels at photographing families. We’re always impressed by how quickly she’s able to direct us to get beautiful photos, in a way that feels comfortable and natural. We’re big fans of hers and will continue working with her as our kiddos get older.”

Allison P.

Fall Mini Session in Erie, Colorado

What you’ll walk away with

Smiling family of four embracing closely on a quiet path—mom and dad each holding a child, with their kids laughing and leaning in during a joyful outdoor photography session at Thomas Reservoir with an Erie family photographer.

Not just photos.

Photos that remind you what this season feels like.

You’ll see:

•   The way your kids lean into you without thinking.

•   The way your family fits together right now.

•   The small moments you didn’t even realize were happening.

Photos that feel like your family. Not a version of you trying to get everything “right.”

Because this season—messy, full, and meaningful—is worth keeping.

Work With Me

A look at real family sessions

Every family is different. These stories from real sessions around Erie, Colorado give you a feel for what’s possible, and what might feel right for your family.

Family of five sitting on stone steps in front of a historic building during a photo session in Boulder, Colorado—parents and three teens relaxed and smiling together. Captured by Theresa Pelser, Boulder family photographer.

The Perrott's Outdoor Family Session

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Extended family photo session at Walden Ponds in Boulder, Colorado—four adults and two young children standing near the water with mountain views in the background. Captured by Theresa Pelser, Boulder family and extended family photographer.

The Schroer's Extended Family Session

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Cozy in-home newborn session in Erie, Colorado—new parents snuggled together on a bed, gazing lovingly at their newborn baby in a peaceful, modern bedroom setting. Captured by Theresa Pelser, lifestyle newborn and family photographer.

The Portillo's In-Home Newborn Session

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These aren’t formal, perfectly posed portraits.

They’re moments that happen when a family is relaxed enough to just be together.

Some are playful.
Some are tender.
Some are right in between.

All of them are real—and that’s what makes them worth keeping.

 

 

 

 

 

Hi, I’m Theresa

I’m an Erie family photographer, a wife, and a mom of four boys who isn’t easily fazed and understands how much these moments matter—even when they feel a little messy.

I notice the in-between things. The way your child reaches for you without thinking. The way your family settles into each other when no one’s trying too hard.

That’s what I’m paying attention to during your session.

I’m not here to make you perform or get everything “just right.” I’m here to guide you, support you, and create a space where your family can relax and just be together.

Because when that happens, the photos take care of themselves.

Learn A Bit More
Family of five sitting on a fallen log in a wooded area—mom and dad laughing as they cuddle their son in the center, surrounded by their three playful boys during a lighthearted outdoor session with Theresa Pelser, an Erie-based family photographer.

When you’re ready, you can explore the details

If this feels like the kind of experience you’ve been hoping for, the next step is simple.

You can take a look at session details and pricing—and see what feels like the right fit for your family.

No pressure. Just clarity.

View Session Details