Colorado Family Adventure Photographer

I photograph families of all kinds on outdoor adventures because memories in nature are important, authentic and FUN.

One of my favorite pastimes is flipping through family photo albums. When I was little, I’d look through albums to get a glimpse of my parents before they had me and hilarious fashion choices. I’ll always consider these photos a gift from my mother and the other amateur photographers in our extended family. It helped me learn about who I am and where I came from at a young age. As I grew older, it became fun to reminisce and laugh at our shared memories captured in a candid moment.

Nature brings us closer.

I love to capture free play in nature. Growing up in Maine, I’d search under rocks in tidal pools and play amongst the trees in our backyard. Nature helped me find moments of peace. It also helped me feel closer and more connected to my family when we climbed trees together or jumped in the leaves. Creating positive, wholesome memories in nature is everything.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

In between, there’s a lot more life and memories to be had. Life’s lemonade moments are some of the best. Why do I like the sound of kids screaming in the woods when I also love seeing birds and wildlife? When I was little, my older brother would hide under a wooden bridge ahead on our local trail and pretend he was a troll who would kidnap smaller children as a toll for passage. I remember being petrified, but now I warmly chuckle and realize it was all good fun. You can’t have sweet without sour.

How does nature connect you to what’s most important to you?

I want to help you capture something you can’t see when you’re in the moment. I want you to see how you look at your kid when he asks you to stay outside just a little longer. I want us all to remember the wonder we had in our eyes when we spend time just playing outside. The photographs that we create together in a session are something that you can hold close to you and relive when life’s lemons get too sour and we need to infuse it with some sweetness.

In 2020, I formed Emily Lord Photography, LLC in Salida, Colorado with a mission to capture families of all kinds on outdoor adventures because nature connects us to what’s most important.

Here’s a few fast facts:

• I shoot digital with prime lenses, but got started with a basic 35mm film camera at age 12.

• I live in Salida, Colorado, but grew up and went to college in Maine, and have lived in New Hampshire, Illinois, and Iowa.

• I’ve always been a quiet observer of people. I followed this passion in college and went on to earn my M.S. in Sociology in 2010.

• I’ve worked on trails and taught folks environmental stewardship projects while sometimes camping in the backcountry.

• One of my humble brags is that I was part of the team that created Nature Groupie: Outdoor Volunteers in New England.

• I decided to pursue a career in photography after working as a nonprofit digital outreach manager for one of the country’s oldest and largest land trusts.

• Friends call me a “photo ninja.” Let’s just say 12 years of ballet training help me get the perfect shot.

• I hope to put you at ease and create fun, authentic memories.

Want to work with me?

I'm currently based out of Salida, CO and am available for travel. I usually return to Maine once or twice a year and love working with clients from my home state.

examples of my work are throughout this website. please check out my blog to see if you like my creative style.

see my roots in my published work.

please fill out my contact form if you are interested in working together.

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take care,

Emily

Photos on this page other than family film scans are by Sagebrush Souls Photography.