Sky + Darius | SE New Mexico | Family Photos

From Mommy & Me to Full Family Magic — An Evening in Carlsbad, NM with the Sweetest Trio

What started as a cozy little Mommy & Me session turned into a full-blown heart-melter of a family shoot, and I couldn’t be more in love with how it all unfolded.

Meet Sky, Darius, and their adorable (and wildly photogenic) baby boy, Damon — who’s just shy of 4 months old and already totally working the camera like a pro. This sweet family originally hails from Northern Arizona, but they’ve made Southeast New Mexico home over the last few years. And now? They’re soaking up all the love, chaos, and joy that comes with being new parents.

They’re in that beautifully messy season of figuring it all out — celebrating a solid four hours of sleep like it’s a major win (because it is), and somehow managing to show up with big smiles and even bigger hearts.

We wandered out into the middle of nowhere — the kind of “middle of nowhere” that’s equal parts magical and slightly nerve-wracking (for me, at least). We had wide open skies, golden light, mountains in the distance… and one slightly alarming conversation about rattlesnake hunting. Yep. Darius casually let it slip that he and his dad go rattlesnake hunting for fun. FUN. Meanwhile, I’m just over here praying the only thing we see slithering is a stray tumbleweed.

Snake anxiety aside, the whole session was an absolute dream. We mixed in a few gently posed moments with lots of in-between magic — the kind of photos where you can feel the connection.

Sky is one of those rare souls who radiates calm. She’s incredibly attentive with Damon, and watching her mother so naturally was such a joy. Also — I mean it when I say she is stunning. Glowing, grounded, and just so full of love.

Darius kept things light and fun, climbing on rocks, cuddling his little guy, and looking at Sky like she hung the stars. These two have a quiet, effortless rhythm between them — like they’ve been doing this forever, even though it’s all so new.

This session was the perfect reminder that family photos aren’t just about perfectly posed smiles (though yes, we got a few of those too). They’re about capturing what it feels like to love your people in this exact season of life — sleepless nights and all.

Sky, Darius, and sweet baby Damon — thank you for trusting me to freeze this moment in time for you. Your love is the kind that shows up in every frame.

xo,
Hannah