Choosing a location for your photoshoot can be one of the hardest parts of putting your shoot together. You want a place that fits the story of your relationship or family, something that’s not to busy and also not too far away. On top of it all, it should be breath-taking. That’s a lot of pressure on a single location, but luckily, we live in the beautiful state of Colorado, which means we have plenty of choices when it comes to finding Colorado photoshoot locations for your next shoot.
Downtown Denver Photoshoot Locations
I’ll be honest when I say, I’m not a city person. Which is why my selection of places in the city is limited. I almost alway prefer to go somewhere in nature, get lost in the woods, and find a place that no one else has as the backdrop of their photos. But that’s not always possible. So here are a few great options for Colorado photoshoot locations in the city.
Union Station
The iconic image of a classic strain station in the background of your lifestyle photos will create heirloom photos that last forever. There’s something magical about this spot in the city. Whether you’re taking photos inside (No flash is allowed in the historic building) or getting more city inspired shots from the outside, there is always a new story to be told at Union station.
RiNo (River North Art District)
RiNo has the latest and greatest of street art. On almost every building there is colorful works that make an interesting and vivid backdrop to your photos. I love capturing any story here but have found this to be the go-to spots for bands. Something about the creative inspiration in the air that just works perfectly for them. Be aware, that parking can be rough in this area, as with all Downtown, so plan to ahead and get their with plenty of time before your shoot!
Denver AirBnB Locations
Make your photoshoot an entire date weekend by renting and Airbnb and having the photos taken there. This allows you to find a space that fits your personality and get a staycation in while you’re at it. When you’re looking at locations, notice how much light is available inside (the more windows the better). You’ll also want 3-4 different angles/rooms inside to take photos so that you have a variety to choose from. If they have a beautiful yard to go with it, even better! You can also choose to rent an hour of time at a location similar to this with Peerspace. Look through and find a location that fits your style and your budget!
Denver Metro Area Photoshoot Locations
If you’re like me and aren’t into the whole city thing, then these Colorado photoshoot locations just outside of the city are just what you’re looking for when it comes to creating heirloom photos you’ll keep forever!
Washington Park
While this location can get packed, it’s for good reason–The are so many great backdrops to choose from here. Have photos just out side the boathouse, in front of the lake, in the garden, or with the park all around you. If possible, a morning shoot here is great when it’s a little less busy. Sunset at this park is always swarming with people which can make things go a little slower, making sure no one is photo bombing you. The upside is that it’s gorgeous, you’ll have a variety of photos to choose by, and it’s close by if you live in Denver or the surrounding areas!
Bear Valley Park
This is one of my favorite locations because a lot less people know about it. Bear Valley Park is right next to the river with paths that go across and along side it. If you want to get away from the crowds (like in the photo above) we took the trail into the meadows where we had the place to ourselves. For families with little kids, the park also includes a fun playground and a large open field to lay down a picnic blanket or play some games. Honest, the options are endless here!
Matthews/Winter Park (Red Rocks)
Matthews/Winter park is right off of 1-70 just before you get to the entrances of Red Rocks. The parking lot is limited to I suggest going during the week instead of the weekend. But you’ll get amazing red rock views as well as wide landscapes along this trail. If you want, you can take the trail all the way to Red Rocks too. It’s a good alternative from shooting at Red Rocks park to make your photos feel unique.
DIA Sunflowers
The Sunflowers near Denver International Airport (DIA) are only in bloom at the end of August making it a small window to have your photos captured here, and the location changes every year as they nourish the soil. But it is a magical place to capture your story. A few words of wisdom when shooting in sunflower fields–There are lots of bugs, so you’ll want bug spray. The backdrop options are pretty limited so know that you won’t have a ton of variety in your photos. It’s crowded. Pretty much everyone there is wanting to have their story captured among the flowers, so just know that you’ll have an audience.
Flatirons Vista
I love this location for it’s open spaces and it’s view of the flatirons. It’s just outside of boulder with a small parking lot trailhead, meaning it’s best done during the week. Along the trail there are small bodies of waters, a pine forest, and of course, open spaces that open up to the majestic flatirons. With the setting sun and golden grass, it’s hard not to find magic in the location.
Colorado Mountains Photoshoot Locations
Now this is when we get into some of my very favorite places to shoot. When we head into the foothills or even the mountains, you’ll find some magical landscapes that will bring that extra “POW” you’re looking for in your photos. (Note: Most of these locations include a travel fee for my standard photoshoot package.)
Elk Meadow in Evergreen
Elk Meadow is the main hiking space in Evergreen which mean it can get busy. I highly suggest going during the week or for a morning shoot as it can get busy! But this open space has forest, meadows, and aspens to use as backdrops. The trails take you all over the place and their are even a few different parking locations to give you exactly what you’re looking for in your photos.
Loveland Pass
Want incredible views that will take your breath away along with anyone’s who looks at your final photos? Then Loveland pass is the place for you! Sunrise photos are the best here to get the alpenglow on the mountains and the magical golden hour feeling. You should be aware, that it’s 13,000 feet so if you aren’t in shape or don’t like the cold, this is not the place for you. It’s also only available to shoot during the summer (often closed in the winter and the temperature are below freezing at sunrise in the fall–I’ve made that mistake before!)
Guanella Pass
Whether you park at the trailhead, find a camping site along the way, or park on the side of the road (when legal) Guanella pass is a truly gorgeous place to have your photos taken. Fall is probably my favorite time to come here but the summer isn’t bad either. You’ll find mountain views, meadows, aspen forests, rivers and pretty much any other Colorado landscape you could ask for. Being in the middle of the mountains, you’ll want to do your photoshoot around 3 hours before sunset, as the sunsets earlier behind those tall mountains.
White River National Forest
White River National Forest sits right behind Keystone and has a white river just like the name says. This bold water feature makes every photoshoot feel a little more magical because you’ve never seen water like this. An early sunset photoshoot or late sunrise photoshoot is perfect here as it sits at the based of the mountains. But once the sun makes it’s way over those peaks, man, you’ve got a scene!
Meyer Ranch Park in Conifer
Another great open space park with plenty of Aspen trees makes this the ideal location for fall photos. You’ll want to note, that this park does get busy on the weekends and is best to visit during the week when it’s a little less crazy. It’s only about 30-minutes from Denver so it’s a perfect location to get mountain vibes without going to far away!
Colorado Photoshoot Locations
One of the best parts of living in Colorado is the variety of landscape and seasons we get to see. There is no bad season to have photos taken, even the winter provides warmer days with unbelievable white covered landscapes that will leave you speechless. Whether you’re looking for a bit of an adventure shoot or wanting to stay closer to home, there is a perfect location for you and it’s probably not as hard to get to as you’d think!
Looking to have your photos captured as heirlooms? Book your next photoshoot today and we’ll work together to find your perfect location.
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