Location Guide
Choosing the perfect location is key to capturing your story. Whether you're looking for something close and convenient or you're up for a bit of an adventure, I've curated a selection of beautiful locations to suit your session.
No matter where we go, each location is thoughtfully chosen to highlight your unique connections and moments.
South Mesa
South Mesa is part of the Boulder OSMP and provides a beautiful background at sunset. It is located right before the entrance for Eldorado Canyon State Park. You can get a partial view of the Flatirons. Lots of open fields. A bridge. Old rustic building. Lots a variety. Some colors in the fall but often hard to get to them with other photographers.
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Pros: Gorgeous backdrop, bathroom on site, easy to walk to.
Cons: Can get REALLY busy during late Summer and Fall at sunset. I prefer not to do weekend sessions here in September or October.
Dogs: Yes, on leash.
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2. Flatirons Vista
Flatirons Vista is also part of Boulder OSMP and a little South of South Mesa Trailhead. It has big open field with mountain views and less trees. It does require about a 15 minute hike in for the bigger mountain views.
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Pros: Gorgeous backdrop, bathroom on site, LESS CROWDED than other trailheads nearby, easy parking, unique open grassland views.
Cons: Not a full view of the Flatirons if that’s what you’re looking for. Not as much greenery and a bit more of a hike in for the best views. Not much shade.
Dogs: Yes, on leash
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3. NCAR Area
One of my favorites. Before heading all the way up to NCAR, there are some beautiful spots at the bottom of the hills with epic Flatiron views. There are a few little spots I love that require some easy walking.
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Pros: Flatiron views, trees, rocks, lots of variety, easy street parking and easy trails. Great for kids.
Cons: No bathroom.
Is also starting to get a little busier in the fall.
Dogs: yes, on leash
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4. Chautauqua Park
The iconic Flatirons view! This place is pretty magical at sunset all year long. Chautautqua is the name of a hiking area at the base of the Flatirons, Boulder’s famous rock formation, that one you recognize from any skyline photo. As you can imagine, it gets VERY crowded. I recommend choosing this location for a midweek session.
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Pros: The iconic backdrop, bathroom on site.
Cons: CROWDS. Parking can be tricky. Little shade. No weekend sessions during September and October.
Dogs: yes, on leash
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5. Davidson Mesa
Epic Panoramic Flatiron Views. Just outside Boulder in Lousiville. I recommend this for half sessions and not full sessions- there’s a lot of sun and not a lot of variety but it’s pretty :)
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Pros: Grass, mountain views, easy parking.
Cons: No bathroom. No shade, goes from bright sun to no sun very quickly- no long golden hour sessions here. Not a lot of variety.
Dogs: yes, on leash
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6. Lost Gulch
Lost Gulch is a beautiful location for portraits with its evergreen trees and mountain views. I have one particular spot I like that has lots of rocks and it’s on a hill. NOT FOR CHILDREN. There’s not as much room to play around here so sessions have to be more posed and less candid and playful. Good for more classic maternity and engagement photos.
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Pros: Rocks and big, epic mountain views. Good for sunrise.
Cons: Longer drive. Can be more dangerous for kiddos and those who have a hard time climbing over rocks. Can get really crowded and there’s not much room to move.
Dogs: Yes on leash, but they can be tricky with the rocks.
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7. Bobolink
This trail goes along the Boulder Creek. It has more of a forest and water feeling. Pretty leaves during fall! Fun for kids who want to play and run around more. I love this location at sunset but can make it work at any time of day.
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Pros: Flat and easy, magical water and forest feel, fall leaves, easy access. Flexible with time of day.
Cons: No big views. You can’t currently get in the water. No restroom. MOSQUITOES in the summer.
Dogs: Yes, on leash
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8. Shanahan Ridge
This spot is in a residential neighborhood in South Boulder. It has a gorgeous view of the Flatirons, different from the traditional view. Wildflowers in the Spring, Cottonwoods in the Fall.
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Pros: Views, Seasonal Views, Easy street parking, Lots of variety- trees, rocks.
Cons: No restroom, Can get a little overgrown in the summer so be comfortable walking through grasses. Walking involved. Less crowded.
Dogs: Yes, on leash
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9. River Spot Further Up the Mountains in Boulder
This spot is a little further into the mountains but still in Boulder. There is a river. At some points of the year, you can get in. And at some points, it’s running very fast. Pretty in the fall. You’re more in the mountains for this location and not looking at views.
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Pros: Water, Pretty fall colors, Easy parking, Bathroom, Lots of variety- trees, rocks, water
Cons: Lots of grasses to walk through. Can get to be too much water in the Spring. Sometimes kids just want to throw rocks in the river the whole time.
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10. Betasso Preserve
Located just a short drive from Boulder, Colorado, this open space features rolling meadows, dense pine forests, and stunning mountain views.
Pros: Diverse landscapes, more secluded, easy parking, family friendly, bathroom
Cons: Limited availability (Wednesday and Saturday), Weather Variability: Since it’s a bit higher in elevation, it can get chilly and windy, so layering is a good idea
Dogs: No
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10. Mt. Falcon (Jefferson County)
Signature Session Only
Another favorite! Gorgeous 360 degree views. Trees, rocks, fields. It can get crowded with photographers, especially in the fall, but there’s also lots of room so I worry about the crowds less.
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Pros: 360 degree views, lots of variety, bathroom, beautiful views but also trees and rocks
Cons: Can get crowded
Dogs: yes, on leash
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Other options to consider for Signature Sessions (within 60 minutes of 80027):
Brainard Lake (June through October-or till snow won’t let us go)
Blooms on 23: The glass greenhouse that I’m sure you’ve seen! There is a rental fee of $100 for this location and it needs to be reserved beforehand but it’s beautiful and very fun! Examples
Denver Locations: City Park
Rocky Mountain National Park/ Estes Park: Locations
More about RMNP Sessions
Want to go even further? Check out the Summit Sessions!
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is an iconic and dramatic backdrop for photo sessions, featuring towering red rock formations, sweeping mountain views, and golden light that enhances the landscape’s rich tones.
Why It’s Great:
Breathtaking Red Rock Formations: Unique, striking backdrops for any session.
Epic Sunsets & Golden Hour: The rocks glow beautifully in soft light.
Easy Accessibility: Stunning spots just steps from parking areas.
Year-Round Beauty: Works in all seasons, with snow adding a magical touch in winter.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Crowds: Popular year-round—sunrise or weekdays are best for privacy.
Summit County
Summit County, Colorado, is a stunning, high-altitude destination for photography, offering breathtaking mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, dense forests, and charming mountain towns. It’s an incredible location for adventure sessions, maternity photos and family photos, with diverse scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons.
Iconic Mountain Views: Towering peaks, rolling valleys, and stunning backdrops in every direction.
Things to Consider:
High Altitude: Clients not used to elevation should take it slow and hydrate.
Weather Variability: Conditions change quickly, so layers are a must.
Permit Requirements: Some areas may require photography permits so advanced planning is needed.
Busy in Peak Seasons: Popular locations can be crowded, so early morning or weekday sessions are best for avoiding tourists.
Summit County is a dream location for mountain lovers, offering diverse, dramatic, and romantic scenery perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.