Location, location, location…
We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world! The Rocky Mountains offer the most exquisite backdrop to any photo session, which is why I LOVE my job! I get to travel to mountain peaks and take photos -- seriously, it’s the best! However there is more to Colorado than just the mountains, we’ve got an amazing Front Range (the areas that run north and south just east of the mountain range and extend from Ft. Collins all the way south of Colorado Springs!) So all those amazing places in between are up for grabs as well when thinking about location! SO many choices!
There are lots of things to consider when picking your location like - do you want a mountain theme or a city-scape theme? Do you want vibrant colors or a more natural feel? Can’t decide? Let me share a few tips when choosing a location for your photo shoot:
Mountain Locations
(1) The most flattering light is sunset light, AKA “the golden hour” which typically falls within the last two hours of the day, before the sunsets. So keep that timing in mind if you have young children or people who don’t do well in the evening. If you just can’t make a sunset shoot work, that’s OK, I can photograph you ANY time of the day, that is just the most flattering timeframe. If you do choose to do a sunset-timed shoot, keep in mind that if you’re shooting in the mountains, the sunset time will visually happen sooner than the estimated time due to the height of the mountains. Don’t get caught off guard.
(2) Do you have kids? If so, keep that in mind if you’re doing an “epic” mountain shoot location like Lost Gulch. Those EPIC views are worth it but it comes with some work (sometimes). They often involve hiking and/or high, rocky places. Sometimes these places can be crowded, especially at the “golden hour.” You could also encounter high winds and quickly changing weather patterns. These are just possibilities, but they are SOOO worth it if it works for your family.
(3) Take into consideratiton your wardrobe for mountain shoots - bring comfortable shoes, even if you don’t plan to be photographed in them. If you’re planning to change your clothes mid-shoot, you might need to change behind a tree if you’re too far from your car.
(4) Wildlife…yep, they’ve shown up during my shoots - a moose to be exact! It was SUPER fun and exciting, but DO NOT get close and DO NOT ask to take a selfie! Wildlife typically steers clear of us annoying humans, but if we encounter any wildlife, please stay still, quiet, and walk away slowly if an animal approaches.
City Shoots
(1) Most places on the Front Range require permits (and so do a lot of mountain locations honestly), so if you want to head over to Red Rocks or the Denver Botanical Gardens, let your photographer know ASAP in case they need to secure a permit. Some permits are free while others have moderate to steep fees. Both you and your photographer need to do their homework :) Most photographers do this automatically, but I feel like an empowered, educated client is a satisfied client!
(2) Make sure when you choose a city location that you check to see if there is an event happening there on your scheduled date. This speaks more to those locations that DON’T require a permit, but it’s always good to double-check either way. Again, most photographers do this automatically.
(3) If you pick a heavily populated area, be prepared to either have strange people in the background of some of your shots or understand that your patience will be needed until the coast is clear. Photographers can photoshop people out of the background, but some charge extra for that. I don’t unless it’s an unusual amount of people and takes a lot of time.
There are other things to consider, but I don’t want to overwhelm you - those are some of the most important aspects to consider. Now with that said, let’s LOOK a some of the awesome, fantastic, gorgeous spots! All the photo location examples were photographed by Soulshine Photography!
Golden Historical Park, downtown Golden
Offers a mountain backdrop (weather permitting), old rustic buildings/barns, a river, tall grasses, a bridge, and wooden fences. During the holiday season, it is all lit up with holiday lights and quaint decorations. Located on 11th street, just south of the river, in the heart of downtown Golden.
Lost Gulch Overlook/Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder
Majestic western views, red rocks, and tall grasses along the trails. Involves some maneuvering around rocks. Appropriate shoes are highly suggested. Not recommended for small children.
Red Rocks, Morrison
(not the amphitheater, but the trails within the park)
Offers majestic views of the red rock slabs, the world-famous amphitheater, and some tall grasses and shrubs. To get to the remote places, it does require some walking, but I’ve had families with small children here and we can limit the walking if needed.
RiNo District, downtown Denver
Offers vibrant colors with a more urban feel. Located on the northwest side of Denver. Please note: these murals change annually, so these might not be available, but the replacements are always comparable and amazing! Painted by local artists. For people with small children, please keep in mind that we’re shooting next to alleys and busy city roads.
Cascade Lake, Broomfield (Rt. 7 & Lowell Blvd)
At the corner of Lowell Blvd. and Rt. 7 in Broomfield. Offers various types of trees, a lake, bridges, wooden fences, and a distant mountain view (weather permitting).
Downtown Denver
Let's just bounce around downtown Denver - there are SO many fun places to utilize for your shoot.
Lair O’the Bear
Idledale/Morrison area - river, trees, tall grasses, old trees, VERY outdoorsy. Haven’t seen a bear - YET!
Chautauqua Park, Boulder
The towering and amazing Flat Irons is the backdrop - WOW! Also offers tall grasses and trails. Heavily populated 356 days of the year and parking can be tough.
Cheeseman Park, Downtown Denver
Large city park with large trees, green fields, white columns, cityscape. Parking can be tough here, so if you’re bringing multiple cars, please carpool.
Echo Lake, Evergreen (south of I-70 at the base of Mt. Evans)
ONLY available for FULL family shoots due to the distance.
Take an hour or so drive west on I-70 and you can visit locations like this!!! Offers majestic mountain views, lakes, tall grass, wooden fences and fun,
wooded trails.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park (an example of a Fall Colors Shoot)
ONLY available for FULL family shoots due to the distance.
Peak weekend in Colorado is a VERY popular weekend for photos and it can be hit or miss, so plan EARLY if you’re hoping to catch these vibrant yellows! Also, due to the higher elevation, these shoots are typically done earlier in the fall season, but again, it’s always a guesstimate.
Golden Ponds Nature Area. - Longmont
This nature preserve offers mountain backdrops (weather dependent), trees, lakes, rocks, bridges, and a waterfall (which is about 1/4 mile in the woods.) Great for families, big and small.
Sloan’s Lake Park - West Denver
This park offers you beautiful lake views, tall trees, and distant mountain views. This is a busy location year round.
Keep in mind, these options just scratch the surface but it should give you a starting place. I am also always updating this blog, so check back in from time to time.
Need more info? Hit me up below!