Some of my favorite locations!
Highlands Ranch Mansion
Highlands Ranch Mansion
This is by far one of my most popular spots due to it’s central location in Highlands Ranch and variety of options. We can easily have multiple sessions here and it’ll look different every time. The mansion sits on a bluff that looks out to the West . On the West side of the mansion grounds is a parking lot - and past that is a trail that’s easily walkable. The West side has tall brush (green or brown depending on the year), and some tall pine trees. There is also a barn and building that we can utilize if you want a touch of architecture. The mansion grounds are manicured and have beautiful flowers (seasonally), and well kept landscaping. Both locations here are accessible if there is anyone who may have a harder time getting around. They do have weddings on the mansion grounds - if it conflicts with a sessions we will only utilize the trail on the West.
Red Rocks Trail
Red Rocks Trailhead
Surrounding the Red Rocks is a very walkable trail. It’s great for longer or shorter sessions depending on your desire. Parking is limited and during concert season it can be a challenge to get to the few spots to park at. This location does require a permit fee of $25 (This is a JeffCo fee that I will take care of before our session). This location is gorgeous at sunset and has the classic red rocks surrounding it and does vary depending on the time of year (browns vs greens).
South Valley Park Trailhead (no sample photos yet)
Another alternate to Red Rocks is a very walkable trail in Ken Caryl, South Valley Park Trailhead. This would be a great spot for a mini session. This spot has reds rocks surrounding the trails and is a gorgeous setting. Parking is easy to find. I have driven by this spot a few times and would love to shoot a session here! This location does require a permit fee of $25 (This is a JeffCo fee that I will take care of before our session). Once I have a session here I’ll upload photos!
Matthews/Winters Trailhead
Matthews/Winters Trailhead
Close to the Red Rocks area - This location does require a permit fee of $25 (This is a JeffCo fee that I will take care of before our session). This location has a mix of mountains in the background, a very pretty fence line, a small river and bridge. There is a small river that runs through the back, and is a fairly easy walk. This is a great spot for a mini session because it’s not a lot of walking. This does change depending on the season but tends to have lots of greenery around the small river. I hope to add more photos through the seasons as I take more here!
Mt. Falcon Trailhead
Mt. Falcon Trailhead
Close to the Red Rocks area - This location does require a permit fee of $25 (This is a JeffCo fee that I will take care of before our session). This location also has a mix of mountains in the background, and the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. It’s far enough away from Red Rocks that we wont get stuck in the traffic of concert goers but we still get a view from a distance. There are two small trails here and where we go depends on how busy it is. There are always almost at least 2 other photographers here so make sure you know what I look like so we can find each other. This is a gorgeous spot all seasons - including when the mountains are covered in snow.
Lair of the Bear
Lair of the Bear
Just West of Morrison - This location does require a permit fee of $25 (This is a JeffCo fee that I will take care of before our session). This location also has a mix of mountains in the background, and a river that runs near it. This is a fairly easy walk for families, and does have some gorgeous mountains in the background! This spot does have a bit more evergreens and aspens. This is a great winter spot as well. For adventurous families, we can get some beautiful photos in the river (I do not recommend this for winter sessions, or younger kids) :) Once I get more photos here through the seasons I will update this section!
Evergreen Lake
Evergreen Lake
Located in Evergreen CO - This location does require an additional fee of $80 additional per mini session, and $50 additional for 1 hour sessions (this incldues permit fees and a distance surcharge). Evergreen lake is an absolutely stunning spot! The photos above are from my own family session (We took our own photos via a tripod). There are a few spots to explore here and both have gorgeous views. One side of the lake has a view of the larger mass of water (with the lake house in the distance) and beautiful mountains in the distance. This spot also has a long bridge that also has these same mountains in the background (not pictured). The other spot is closer, and just off the boardwalk and has a smaller river with foliage around. The seasons will change the backdrop to keep that in mind. Both spots are equally good in their own right. While I would love to go to both spots, we would need an hour session to hit both spots. While we wont get the same look, Redstone Park in Highlands Ranch may be a great alternate if you want water elements without the distance (and price) of the Evergreen Lake.
Redstone Park
Located in Highlands Ranch - This is a great spot for water elements and foliage in the background. There is a very small walk around this lake and many photo opportunities along it. There are some evergreens that keep the greenery, but in the winter, the trees do shed and it looks a little more bare. This is a shorter walk so easier for smaller kids - but there is some terrain so it might be harder if anyone in the family has a harder time with their footing. There are benches along the way as well if anyone needs a quick rest, or to set our stuff on. Young children who love water may be a bit tempted in some spots, as the lake is close to the trail. In the Fall, the foliage is gorgeous and I definitely recommend this location. The photos shown above were Fall, so this will look different in different seasons.
Flyin’ B Park
Located in Highlands Ranch - This is a great spot if you wan to be among tall trees. The unique feature about this location is that there is a blend of trees and a field that is set above that showcase the trees in the distance. This park is a fairly easy walking loop, with a cute little bridge making a great photo op (if it’s not taken). On the backside is a small lake, but it’s not always the best for photos - so don’t get too excited about it. This park gets VERY busy so I will only shoot here during the week.
Other great locations I have head great things about are and would love to explore: South valley Park trails (Ken Caryl), Daniel’s Park (bluff looking area in Castle Pines).
But I’m always open to trying a new spot if you have a spot in mind as well! I can make most areas work!