Boise Moon Portraits: Stunning Family Photography in the Idaho Foothills

Maya first reached out months ago, hoping to have a Moon Portrait Session of her family on an October morning. Schedules didn’t align at the last minute, so we made the call to reschedule. Lunar Love sessions aren’t rushed—they happen when the moon, the landscape, weather, and the timelines say yes. We rescheduled for December 3rd, when everything would align for our schedules and the moon to be in the right spot for us.

As the first week of December approached, I was glued to the weather forecast. Checking cloud radar, temperature, and precipitation charts. Autumn had been unseasonably warm and dry, but suddenly the forecast filled with clouds thick enough to swallow the moon entirely. December 3rd was our window, and it felt that it could go either way.

We met in Boise’s Military Reserve, a place I return to again and again for its foothills vibe while being close to downtown Boise. I chose this location for specific reasons. One of which was a perfectly positioned ridge that blocked the harsh light of the setting sun, letting the foothills glow while the family stays wrapped in soft, even light. Every detail of this location plays a role in the final image—everything is intentional.

As we began shooting, a narrow band of clouds slid in from the north. I knew the exact minute the moon was supposed to rise above the ridge line and into frame. The cloud wasn’t part of the plan—but it wasn’t a dealbreaker either. So we slowed down. We leaned into connection, movement, and in-between moments while we waited.

Then the moon emerged above the shifting clouds.

Right on cue, it lifted above the cloud line, large and luminous. We moved quickly to the hill that I planned for us to shoot from. The timing, the light, the family—it all aligned. The result was a portrait that can never be recreated, no matter how hard you try.

That’s the heart of a Lunar Love session.

These moon portraits are singular experiences, shaped by precise timing, deep knowledge of the landscape, and a willingness to trust the process. I’m the only photographer offering this kind of session, designed for families who want something more meaningful than a traditional portrait.

If you’re drawn to imagery that feels rare, intentional, and a little bit magical—let’s create something unique with a Lunar Love Moon Portrait session!