Family Photographer, Denver

How I Photograph Families

I take a documentary approach. That means I give light direction — where to stand, how to interact — and then let the real moments happen. Kids being kids. Parents reacting. The in-between expressions that actually look like your family, not a department store portrait.

I don't force smiles or hold poses for 30 seconds while everyone gets stiff. I keep things moving, follow the energy, and photograph what's happening naturally. The result is a set of images that feel honest and unforced. I'm based in Santa Fe and travel to Denver regularly for portrait work, so a session in the metro is a straightforward booking — reach out with your dates and where you'd like to shoot.

Best Locations in the Denver Metro

Denver has no shortage of good backdrops, but some locations work better than others depending on the time of day, the season, and how old your kids are. Here are the spots I return to most often across the metro and the nearby foothills:

• Washington Park — Open lawns, mature trees, two lakes. The best all-around family session location in central Denver.
• City Park — Skyline and Front Range views from the same spot, plus open space and the pavilion. Good for larger groups.
• Denver Botanic Gardens — Structured greenery, water features, and clean backdrops year-round. A permit is required, but the variety is worth it.
• Sloan's Lake — Downtown skyline reflected over water. A strong golden-hour option on the west side.
• Red Rocks & the Golden foothills — Dramatic sandstone and mountain backdrops, 20 minutes west. Best for families who want scale and landscape.
• Chautauqua Park, Boulder — The Flatirons behind you, meadow in front. Worth the drive for the setting.
• Cheesman Park — Central, walkable, the classical pavilion and open lawns. Underrated for city sessions.

Best Time of Year

Fall is the peak season for family portraits in Denver, and for good reason. The cottonwoods along the parks and creeks go gold through October, the aspens turn in the foothills, and the light drops warm and low by late afternoon. If you want that golden Colorado look, book late September through early November.

Spring is underrated. April and May bring green-up in the parks, wildflowers in the foothills, and fewer crowds at every location. The light is softer and the mornings are cool enough that nobody is squinting.

Summer works if you go early. I schedule summer sessions for the first hour after sunrise — the light is clean, the temperatures are comfortable, and the kids still have energy. By mid-morning in July, you're fighting heat, harsh shadows, and afternoon thunderstorms.