The Hetzel’s Fall Mini Session at McKay Lake

Family of five walking and laughing together and smiling through a decorative round window, framed by stone architecture.

Vanessa, it was an absolute pleasure to work with your family again. Everyone brought their A-game to McKay Lake for a mini family session. I know you were worried about your corgi Clover, but she did great too!

I had a good chuckle over your comment about remembering this season of life as “driving a minivan 4-5 hours a day to take your kids to their activities.” It reminded me of back when I was driving three kids around and dubbed my car “Mom’s Taxi.” I considered buying the bumper sticker, to make it official.

My favorite moment from your session was while we were photographing Liesl, Heidi, and Rhys with Clover. Their personalities shine through as Clover “speaks” on command. She loves all her humans and they love her in return. That was awesome and it’s such a fun family moment.

Sometimes it really is the little things that spark the most joy.

You made the time for family photos and that’s cause for celebration in my book. As kids get older, schedules only get more hectic and the best of intentions can go out the window. That was my struggle anyway.

This season of life is fleeting and these photos are a testament to how precious it is. Plus they’ll make a fabulous Holiday card!

I hope that you, Steve and the kids have a wonderful time on the field–and along the sidelines. I look forward to hearing all about your next family adventure. And happy hiking!

Until then, here’s a handful of my favorite photos from your family’s mini session at McKay Lake. Enjoy! 

Best, Theresa

The Gyorffy family sitting together on the ground in front of elegant arched windows at their Boulder session location.
Teen girls smiling while standing and smiling at the camera during her family photo session in Boulder.
Siblings standing close together and laughing during their family session in Boulder.
Two teen boys smiling at the camera during the Gyorffy family session.
Parents standing close and smiling at the camera in front of a light stone wall during their family session in Boulder.
Family of five jumping for joy in front of a decorative round window, framed by stone architecture in Boulder, Colorado.

P.S. If you’d like to take a quick walk down Memory Lane, check out this blog from your mini session at Thomas Reservoir.

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.

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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