The Portillo’s Fall Mini Session at McKay Lake

Family of four at McKay Lake, taken by Erie family photographer Theresa Pelser during their mini family session

Allie, I’m thrilled we were able to get together for a mini family session at McKay Lake. My goodness, the kids have grown a lot in the past year.

I can’t believe that Eli’s about to turn two! It feels like his newborn session was just the other day. It’s so sweet that he would make a beeline straight for you after he went exploring. Eli just can’t get enough of you.

And Eva’s already 6. She’s the perfect blend of shy and sassy. One moment she’s clinging to her dad’s leg and the next she’s begging him to throw her in the air.

I can still hear her giggles of glee and see the huge grin on her face as Juan tossed her up in the air and then caught her. Again and again and again. He’s a good sport! Who knew that a photo session could double as a workout? 😉

It won’t be long before she’s too big for that ritual and the honor will be passed on to Eli. It makes me feel a little bit sad to think that that part of her childhood is going to come to an end. At least the memories will live on forever in these gorgeous family photos. Reminders of this season, frozen in time.

I’m excited for you to see all the happy memories we captured—moments brimming with love, laughter, and joy.

The next time we get together the kids will be another year older. I imagine you’ll spend many wonders hours between now and then either playing with your kids at the playground, kicking a ball outside with Eli, or snuggling stuffies with Eva.

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

Best, Theresa

Sibling love during a mini family session at McKay Lake with Theresa Pelser Photography, your Erie family photographer
Motherhood moments captured during a fall mini session at McKay Lake by Erie family photographer
Toddler's candid smile at McKay Lake, photographed during a mini family session by Erie family photographer
Dad and daughter share a joyful moment, captured in a mini family session by Theresa Pelser Photography
Sibling love during a mini family session at McKay Lake with Theresa Pelser Photography, your Erie family photographer
Dad and daughter share a joyful moment, captured in a mini family session by Theresa Pelser Photography
Family of four at McKay Lake, taken by Erie family photographer Theresa Pelser during their mini family session

Check out the blog from Eli’s newborn session for a quick walk down Memory Lane.

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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