Chiara in the Mountains

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go backpacking in the Uinta Mountains with my husband, daughter and father-in-law. Llocated about 2 hours from my home, the Unita Mountains are home to dozens of lakes, ponds, and streams and large fields of rocks and boulders. Knowing that I had to lug everything needed for my adventure on my back, I was tempted to leave my very big and very heavy camera at home. I was so glad I decided to bring it!

The hike to the first lake was not difficult and knowing that our destination lay only a quarter mile or so up a steeper section of rock, made for a relatively easy arrival. As we approached our destination, I saw a beautiful pond, surrounded by pine trees and wild flowers. Realizing that we were the only ones there, we wasted no time setting up camp.

With the occasional clouds giving us a break from the intense sun, I told my daughter to get her dress on and we began photographing. My poor daughter has been modeling for me since before she could walk and luckily she actually likes to do it, so we spent the better part of the next four hours wandering and photographing. The views were breathtaking and there was no shortage of amazing backdrops.

My daughter turns 15 in just a few weeks, so we decided these would be her "birthday" photographs. I've done a birthday shoot of her every year since she was born. This birthday shoot though, just might be my favorite!