The Hetzel’s Fall Mini Session at Thomas Reservoir

The Hetzel Family

A family of five pose with their pet corgi during a fall mini session at Thomas Reservoir

Vanessa, you and Steve have a delightful family!

If Lisa hadn’t told you about her family’s mini session last year and if you hadn’t sought me out and added your name to the waitlist we would never have met. Then we would have missed the opportunity to capture this fleeting season of your life as a family with tweens.

Liesl, Heidi, and Rhys make such a cute trio. They are so respectful, and their posing is on point. I’m guessing they think I’m a bit nuts because of my ‘laugh tactic’ but hey, it works. And the results are fantastic.

And Clover. She was a wonderful addition to your family photos. I keep picturing how her ears perked up the instant she heard her name or the squeak of her toy. You said she was well behaved, and I was pleasantly surprised by just how much.

As kids get older and life gets busier, some families let go of prioritizing family photos. Kudos to you that you didn’t.

Life is hard sometimes. Having joyful family photos displayed in the home is a good thing. They are powerful, daily reminders to each person that they are loved, and that they belong.

A year was a long time to wait for a mini, but I think it was worth it! Here are a few of my favorite photos from your family’s fall mini session at Thomas Reservoir. Enjoy!

xo, Theresa

A family of five pose with their corgi during a fall mini session at Thomas Reservoir
A family of five laugh together as they pose with their corgi during a fall mini session at Thomas Reservoir
A couple pose for a photo during their family's fall mini session at Thomas Reservoir.
Two sisters pose with their brother and corgi during a mini session at Thomas Reservoir

Gear used during this family mini session: Think Tank Backstory 13, Canon 5D Mark IV, and Canon EF 50mm 1.2L.

Interested in a mini session for your family?

Click here to join the waitlist and be amongst the first to know about upcoming minis. 

If you can see your family in moments like these—but the idea of making it happen feels a little overwhelming—I’ve got you. I’ll guide you every step of the way so it feels relaxed and natural, not forced.

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Headshot of Theresa Pelser, an Erie-based family and newborn photographer.

I’m Theresa, a family photographer and mom of four based in Erie, Colorado.

I work with families who want photos that feel like real life—connected and true to who they are.

Whether you’re planning a cozy in-home session or heading outdoors, I bring a calm, encouraging presence and an eye for the moments that matter most.

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