Running Wild: A Sand Dunes Session
Golden hour hit the sand dunes and these kids took off running, and honestly, that’s when we knew this sand dunes session was going to be one of our favorites. We met this family of four at Rinconada Canyon Trailhead just outside Albuquerque, and the light that evening was absolutely unreal. Warm, low, and golden across every ridge of sand.
Let Them Run
We always tell families the same thing before a session: let your kids be kids. Chase each other. Roll around. Be loud. The best frames we capture are the ones nobody is posing for, and this family delivered. Their two kids had energy for days, sprinting across the dunes, tackling each other, laughing so hard they could barely stand. We shot wide to let the landscape do its thing, then pulled in tight when the giggles started.
There’s something about the New Mexico desert that strips everything down. No distractions, no clutter. Just sand, sky, and your people. We leaned into that simplicity with every frame. The textures out here are incredible, soft ripples in the sand catching sidelight, warm tones bouncing everywhere. As a photographer, you can’t ask for a better canvas.
One of our favorite moments came when mom scooped up both kids and just walked. No direction from us. The light was wrapping around all three of them, and we fired off frame after frame because you don’t interrupt something that real. That’s the kind of image that ends up on the wall.
If you’re considering family photography in the Albuquerque area, Rinconada Canyon is worth putting on your list. The dunes give you this beautiful, open backdrop that feels worlds away from a city park. And the golden hour light out here? It lasts longer than you’d think.
Sessions like this remind us why we do what we do. A family completely at ease, a landscape doing all the heavy lifting, and kids who couldn’t care less about the camera. That’s when we do our best work.
When is the best time of day for a sand dunes session at Rinconada Canyon?
Golden hour, the last hour or so before sunset, is ideal. The low angle of the sun creates warm, even light across the dunes and gives everything a gorgeous glow. We typically recommend starting about 90 minutes before sunset so there’s plenty of time to explore the area.
Do you travel to Albuquerque for family sessions?
We do. While our studio is based in Madison, Wisconsin, we love traveling for family sessions across the country. If you’re in the Albuquerque area and want to plan something, reach out and let’s talk about locations and timing.
