Merchant Room Fort Collins Family Photographer: A Playful December Session with the Reese Family

Merchant Room Fort Collins family photographer sessions like the one I had with the Reese family remind me why I do what I do. There’s something special about stepping into a beautifully curated space, shaking off the cold of a brisk December afternoon, and watching connection unfold in real time. This sweet family of three met me at the historic Merchant Room in Fort Collins ready to play, explore, and soak up every moment together. Their toddler daughter led the way that day, and we simply followed her energy. That’s the beauty of documentary-style family photography. It’s real. It’s imperfect in the most perfect way. And it’s exactly what this session was all about.

A Perfectly Imperfect December Family Session: a Merchant Room Fort Collins Family Photographer

When I think back on this session, I can still feel the chill in the air right before we stepped inside. Instantly, the warmth and charm of the Merchant Room wrapped around us. Tall windows let in soft winter light, textured walls whispered stories from decades past, and cozy nooks set the stage for candid moments. As a Merchant Room Fort Collins family photographer, I love how this location pairs vintage aesthetic with effortless modern charm.

The Reese family walked in with open hearts and zero expectations beyond spending time together. Their daughter, at that wildly curious toddler age, was more interested in jumping on the couch, sprinting across the room, and climbing onto anything she could than standing still and smiling at the camera. Which is exactly how I like it. There were no staged moments. Just real ones. The kind you look back on and think, “This feels like us.”

Letting the Toddler Be the Boss

If you’ve ever had family photos taken with a toddler, you know the best sessions happen when you give them space to lead. Instead of asking her for smiles, we played. I followed her as she ran across the open room, twirled with her parents, peeked out from behind columns, and snuggled into her mom’s lap on the velvet sofa between bursts of movement.

They played, counted steps, and pretended the hallway was a runway. Dad tossed her up into the air, and her giggle echoed off the exposed brick in the most magical way. Her mom danced with her near the big windows and whispered something that made them both smile. As your Merchant Room Fort Collins family photographer, those subtle glances, those half-second pauses between motion, are where I see love most clearly. I don’t need perfection. I just need presence.

Historic Details That Make This Venue Shine

The Merchant Room is one of my favorite spots for indoor sessions in Northern Colorado. Originally built decades ago, it’s filled with history that’s been beautifully preserved and thoughtfully repurposed. The design is intentional, warm, and endlessly photogenic. Each corner has something unique to offer. Tall ceilings that make tiny humans feel even tinier. Light streaming through windows, even on an overcast day. Neutral tones that let your family’s energy be the boldest thing in the room.

Choosing this space for a winter family session is a game changer. No worrying about snow, unpredictable wind, or toddlers in five layers of clothing refusing to keep their mittens on. Just comfort and freedom to move. And that’s exactly what the Reese family did.

Why Documentary-Style Photography Works for Young Families

One of the most common things I hear before sessions with toddlers is, “I’m worried they won’t cooperate.” And every time, I smile. Because as your Merchant Room Fort Collins family photographer, I promise you… cooperation isn’t the goal. Authenticity is.

Documentary-style family photography embraces the chaos. It honors the season you’re in. Instead of asking your toddler to sit still, we let them run wild. Instead of trying to get the “perfect” photo, we capture the moment where mom and dad look at each other mid-laughter because their kid just sprinted in the opposite direction.

Those fleeting, unposed moments are the ones that matter. The Reese family session was full of them.

Why This Space Works So Well from a Merchant Room Fort Collins Family Photographer

Merchant Room Fort Collins family photographer sessions thrive in this space because it feels like home without having to clean yours first. You walk in, and you instantly have permission to relax. The soft textures, curated furniture, and warm lighting create a setting where play feels natural, and connection takes the lead.

There are areas that work beautifully for snuggles, like the green velvet couch. Spots that offer room to move freely. And plenty of intentional design elements that elevate every photo without distracting from the people inside it.

Keeping It Light and Playful as a Merchant Room Fort Collins Family Photographer

Kids aren’t meant to pose. They’re meant to explore. So throughout the session, that’s exactly what we encouraged. Instead of giving rigid instructions, I gave prompts that stirred action.

“Can you jump to mom?”
“Want to see how high dad can lift you?”
“Do you think this wall echoes if we whisper to it?”

Simple interactions that turned into big laughs. The Reese family embraced every opportunity to be silly. They never once tried to correct their daughter’s curiosity. Instead, they leaned into it. And it showed.

Booking Your Session with a Merchant Room Fort Collins Family Photographer

If you’re thinking about your own session and want to work with a Merchant Room Fort Collins family photographer, here’s how to make it happen. Booking the Merchant Room is simple. You’ll reserve your spot directly through the venue, and I can guide you through that process when you reach out. They offer hourly rentals, and I recommend booking enough time to settle in and let your children get comfortable with the space before we start shooting.

Because this is an indoor venue, sessions can happen year-round. It’s ideal for winter shoots like the Reese family’s, rainy spring days, or even those hot summer afternoons when outdoor sessions can be overwhelming. You get predictability, beautiful light, and a setting that adds character to your photos.

What To Expect During Your Session

Working with a Merchant Room Fort Collins family photographer means your session is less about posing and more about participating. Expect to move around, play silly games, cuddle up, laugh unexpectedly, and let your kids lead. We’ll take breaks when needed, follow the energy of the youngest family members, and create moments that feel like you.

Come dressed in comfortable clothes that allow movement. Bring snacks for the little ones and maybe a favorite toy or two. And come ready to enjoy your time together more than you worry about the camera.

Connection Over Perfection

The Reese family didn’t aim to look polished. They aimed to be together. And that mindset shifted everything. Their photos feel real because they didn’t perform. They connected.

There was a moment where their daughter squeezed both of their faces at the same time, somewhere between a hug and a toddler wrestling move. They all burst into laughter. That image is one of my favorites. Will it ever be on the cover of a magazine? Probably not. But does it capture who they are today? Absolutely.

That’s the heart of every family session I photograph.

Want Photos Like This? Let’s Do It!

If you’re drawn to this kind of storytelling and are looking for a Merchant Room Fort Collins family photographer, I’d love to work with you. Whether your toddler is running laps around you, your baby won’t settle, or your kids are in that stage where everything turns into a game, I’m here for it all.

I don’t expect perfection, I don’t even want it. I want the in-between moments that only your family knows. The laughter. The way your child hides behind your leg. The chaotic love that fills your daily life. Those are the moments that stick.

If you want to see more family photo inspiration, check out the family gallery!

Ready to Book?

If you’re feeling that little spark of excitement thinking about your own session, let’s chat. Here’s what to do next:

1. Reach out to me using my contact form.
2. Tell me you’re interested in the Merchant Room.
3. I’ll walk you through choosing a date and booking the venue.
4. We’ll plan a session centered around connection.

Let’s capture your story the way it’s unfolding right now. A little messy, wildly full, and beautifully yours.

Ready to create something meaningful together? Contact me today and let’s get your Merchant Room session on the calendar!

I can’t wait to meet you and photograph the moments that matter most!