I had originally planned to shoot this series at the base of the Colorado River in Nelson, Nevada where it's much more of an easy access and zero hike, but the water didn't look too appealing and if I wasn't willing to put myself in it, I surely wasn't going to have my couple roll around in there. So I had to do a little scrambling to find another area before they arrived. I hike down the cliff area a bit, searched around, and alas! I found this little gem hidden between the tall cliffs. Thankfully I had a friend assisting me that day so we managed to cart down all the gear without too much of a struggle. 

We all had an amazing time and we got some really beautiful photos out of it! Check it out!

Love what you see? Book My Unique Couples Session

If life can throw you a curveball, 2020 has proven to do just that...

but it's over now and I welcome the new year with my heart open

and an optimistic mindset that 2021 will bring an abundance of opportunities and prosperity to everyone. 

Go into the new year manifesting all that you deserve!!

Happy New Year!!

With Much Love,

Marissa Ladera Photography

Clink the Link to see gallery: Intimate Backyard Wedding Celebration

I am in love with this family photo session!! Mom wanted an outdoor location that was not a difficult hike but still had that mountain outdoor vibe. So we choose this location that had nearby parking and a restroom. There is cell service but it can be a bit spotty in the mountains but it is and was an easy place to locate even for the late arrivals!

We started in the morning and it couldn't have been a better day! The air was crisp but still warm from the sunlight, no wind, just a gentle breeze here and there. I can almost say this is my ideal winter weather...to shoot in...I love snow but we only got one snow fall and it melted as fast as it came.

Large family sessions are so much fun, especially with older kids, because besides all the fun that happens in front of the camera, I get to hear all the background chatter and jokes. This was particularly a treat for me because I've know this family for over ten years!

This session took about an hour and a half and we got all the photos from the whole tribe with significant others down to single portraits of the kids. We even got a 6 feet Covid distance group shot (sigh).

They received all the best photos from the session, edited and dropped into their online gallery. I  wanted to share just a few of my favorites with you all!

I am so looking forward to our session! Once we plan a location and time I will send over my proposal for you to sign, so you may lock in your date. Here are just a few tips that can make our time together run smoothly.

We will start on time!
Family portraits are best when it is candid and natural, its almost a must for families with dogs so if this sounds like your family...natural light is what I would recommend for your session. The best time for natural light photos are a few hours after sunrise or a few hours before sunset. Depending on the season and location, any morning time can work as well. The time is all up to you, these are just my suggestions. 
Please allow enough time when you find yourself planning and include time for travel or traffic. I would suggest arriving 15 minutes early so you are ready and don't cut into your session time, and if it's a sunset shoot we won't run out of light!!

Candid Family Photo With Dog Sunrise Family Portraits

Plan Ahead:
Pick out the outfits you want everyone to wear about about a month in advance and then set them aside somewhere safe. A week before the photoshoot, try them on again to ensure everything still fits comfortably and that you didn’t miss any tears or stains.
Make sure it is clean and pressed a few days ahead to be ready for the big day. Set the clothes together (sorted by person) and place them somewhere where it'll stay clean and dirt free. To ensure that no articles of clothing go missing be sure to inform everyone that these are picture clothes and not to be worn until picture day. Don’t forget about shoes, jewelry, belts, and other accessories.
Small maintenance can go along way with photo session, so well manicured nails and toes, groomed facial hair ( brows, nose, ears, etc...), moisturized skin and face, check teeth for food, eyes aren't red, etc...
As for the dogs, if there are bribe treats for good behavior bring them along, I can use it to get them to look to me for a few photos:) I love animals!

Clothes Choices:
You may want to choose color options that compliment each others outfits, not contrast. Dress to compliment the seasons and surroundings. For example, if your photoshoot is in April, it will be beautiful but a bit warmer, so keep that in mind maybe light and flowy clothing options. Also, try to avoid stripes, busy patterns, graphic tees, and these do not photograph well as its distracting. Guys avoid white socks, we want the attention be be on your face not your feet!

Family Portrait at Wetlands Park Candid sibling fun photo

It’s more than okay to feel nervous!
Everyone feels uncomfortable in front of a camera unless your a model, its ok to feel nervous! Some posing may feel silly but they photograph well and I will do my very best to direct you to feel comfortable, relaxed and looking your best and have fun doing it. I’ll be sure the end result is something you will love!

Location, location!
If you have a location in mind please don’t hesitate to tell me about it. I want to capture your family in a way that is meaningful to you and if the location help that put, lets do it!
There are beautiful places all around us, but with animals I would suggest somewhere they are familiar with, maybe a park near your home or a trailhead you take them on a hike. 

Again, I am so excited for your upcoming session and cannot wait for our time together! Please let me know if I can help you at all in your preparations! Please feel free to send me any Pinterest or photo ideas you may have.

Looking forward to our time together,

Marissa Ladera

In less than an hour outside of Vegas you will find a year-round, picturesque and charming little town called Mt. Charleston. Every season give you a different perspective of this beautiful area. In spring, you can hear the birds chirp and see the flowers bloom, head up in the summer to escape the heat in the Vegas valley, see the leaves turn for the fall and enjoy the cool breeze, or maybe play in the snow and visit Lee Canyon, ski area in the winter. What ever it may be, this place has everything for a retreat from the city!

What does a stress free elopement for two look like? Here is a recent shoot during fall, the leaves had just turned and it was a gorgeous morning! Take a look.

Interested in having an intimate elopement like this in Mt. Charleston, Nevada? Yes, Let's do it!