The intersection of art + journalism
creative, authentic photography
I started Caroline Leigh Photography, LLC after I fell in love with photojournalism at the University of Colorado where I studied journalism and English literature. Since then, I married my high school flame (who also happens to be a smoking hot musician) in the most beautiful place in the world (Grand Lake), adopted the most adorable dog that has ever existed (Charles Barkley), and pursued my masters in education (teaching them youths!) In December of 2017, my husband and I became first-time parents to our sweet, hilarious Sophie.
These days, I work from home as a mama, artist, and (wannabe) writer, and I still find myself completely inspired by the craft of photography. While my style is more documentary in nature, I often feel like photography, especially portraiture, combines two great mediums: art and journalism. My natural tendency leans me toward simply journaling the world around me through my camera, yet the artist within me pushes me to create works of beauty, works of expression.
Photography gives me the space to simultaneously create art and tell true stories.
pricing + packages
Your investment
These photos — the ones that document your family’s love and silliness and originality– matter. They matter to your kids as they look around their home and feel like they belong, and they will most definitely matter to you, years down the road, when you get to relive these memories through your photo albums. Let’s capture who you are right now, in this very temporary, very special season of life. Whether that means playing outside in the neighborhood park, going to get ice cream, exploring someplace new in the mountains, or simply soaking up the sunlight in your newborn’s nursery, I’m in.
baby’s 1st year Package - $875
Choose four of the following sessions: maternity, fresh 48 at the hospital or birthing center, at-home newborn session (first ten days of life), 3 month photos, 6 month photos, 9 month photos, 1 year photos, birthday party photos
Professional culling & editing
60-75 high res. digital images available for download to your computer for each session
Color & BW images provided
Print release
2 week turnaround
Standard portrait Sessions - $275
1-2 hours of on-location, natural light photography at the location of your choice within the Denver or Boulder area ($30 travel fee for mountains, etc)
Professional culling & editing
60-75 high resolution digital images available for download to your computer
Color & BW images provided
Print release
2 week turnaround
MINI SEssion - $160
25 minutes of on-location, natural light photography in the Erie area (Erie, Lafayette, Louisville, Longmont, Frederick, Dacono, Niwot)
Professional culling & editing
20-25 high resolution digital images available for download to your computer
Color & BW images provided
Print release
2 week turnaround
High School seniors - $350
2 hours of on-location, natural light photography at the location of your choice within the Denver or Boulder area ($30 travel fee for mountains, etc)
Unlimited outfit changes
Professional culling & editing
80-90 high resolution digital images available for download to your computer
Color & BW images provided
3 images cropped to yearbook specifications
Print release
2 week turnaround
Featured images
a few favorites
click on the buttons to see a sample of past favorites in each category:
what to expect
FAQ
+ plus five tips for great photos
What is the session going to be like? I love to keep moving. We’ll walk, talk, find a lovely spot, hang out, play, take some photos, and then keep going. If we’re at your home, we’ll probably do the same thing — just from room to room. I always make sure to take a few “formal” portraits where you’re looking at the camera and smiling, but the majority of the session will be documenting your family having fun together, whether that’s in your backyard, at your neighborhood park, at the zoo, or exploring some place new in the mountains.
What should I wear? When asked, I say feel free to go big, bold, and colorful — wear anything that makes you excited to get dressed and go play. I love looking back at the styles and trends from past decades, so I never worry about clothes being timeless or neutral for photos. Another tip: this might be the time to splurge on something new. I try not to buy new clothes very often anymore, but I was so glad I saved my Anthro gift cards from Christmas when we took our family photos this past year. It made the session feel a little more special; it made me feel a little more confident. In general, I’m a fan of jewel tones, unique pieces, fun accessories, and nothing too matchy-matchy.
Where should we go? I think the better question here is, “What should we do?” If your family loves to hike together, let’s meet at your favorite trailhead. If you love lazy Saturday mornings, I’ll come over and snap pictures of your family making pancakes in your pajamas. Think of places —and experiences — that are meaningful for you and your family, and let’s go from there.
tip #1: focus on each other. don’t worry, we’ll definitely get some photos of your family smiling at the camera, but in order to make creative, authentic pieces of art for your family, all you need is to be present in the moment, together.
tip #2: chase good lighting. the best times for pictures are the two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset.
tip #3: Find beautiful backgrounds. Sometimes the most beautiful background is your own home. It’s already your happy place.
tip #5: Wear what you love. Go trendy, go patterns, go colorful.
Tip #5: Play. (And bring snacks. all the snacks.)
Follow me on Instagram. Evidently, it’s cool.
““As far as I am concerned, taking photographs is a means of understanding which cannot be separated from other means of visual expression. It is a way of shouting, of freeing oneself, not of proving or asserting one’s own originality. It is a way of life.” ”
