I first had the idea of doing mini sessions during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta over the summer, but debated doing them for a couple weeks. In our few years in Albuquerque, we’ve been unlucky with the weather cancelling the balloon events we planned to attend. Our Special Shapes Glowdeo was cancelled in 2018, and we were also on the grounds in 2019 when the fog rolled in and cancelled the mass ascension. The last thing I wanted was to promise balloons at the sessions and then have them not go up! I ultimately decided that the area by the Rio Grande is beautiful this time of year anyway, so I would host Bosque fall mini sessions and just pray the balloons would cooperate — and oh did they cooperate!

The temperature at Alameda Open Space was a bit brisk at sunrise, but it got comfortable quickly. When we arrived, we walked down the river farther than I had planned. This allowed me to get beach, river, trees, mountains, and balloons in my shots. It doesn’t get much more Albuquerque than that!

Bosque Fall Minis

Excited about the location, I was ready to work with my first clients, Samantha and Danny. They arrived with their pups, Tank and Agnus, who thankfully followed orders and didn’t jump into the water… no matter how badly they wanted to! We started with some beautiful pictures of all four of them. Then, some balloon spectators offered to watch the dogs so that we could capture just Samantha and Danny. I’m so glad we did, as one of these is my favorite shot of their whole session!

Next up was the Morales Family, followed by the Pope Family. Aedrick and Aerys are the sweetest siblings – I’m in love with the photo of them hugging! Their mama was a little nervous about them cooperating, but they did a wonderful job. Maeson was more camera shy, but he warmed up quickly when I showed him the back of the camera. After that, he gave me nothing but smiles! Arthur is definitely a mama’s boy and loved walking around the sand in his socks.

After a couple family sessions, it was time for Lauren and Austin’s maternity photos. These two are such a sweet couple and are clearly so excited to be parents. Lauren has the most beautiful smile and was rocking the stunning pregnant-mama glow. As uncomfortable as the end of pregnancy can be, that glow just can’t be beat. Lauren and Austin wanted to capture their life in New Mexico and I think we did just that!

We wrapped up the day with the Rosenof Family. Tova and Aviva loved giving their daddy running hugs and Jack was happy to be along for the ride. The sky was just speckled with balloons for most of the morning, but we had one balloon make its way toward us during this session. The kids were pretty excited about that!

Recap

I don’t think I could have asked for a more perfect day for these Bosque fall mini sessions. I mean, I suppose I could have hoped for a balloon to splash-n-dash in the river behind us, but that seems greedy! I’m so thankful for a beautiful day and for the best families and couples who trusted me to capture this season for them. I’m looking forward to hosting more minis in the future, but in the meantime, feel free to reach out if you’re interested in a full session.