HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT LOCATION

How To Pick The Right Location For Your Senior Photo Session

A dreamy portrait in a white dress with golden smoke and light effects creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Graduate holding a blue cap against a brick building during golden hour.
Graduate celebrating with cap toss under classical white columns of university building.

Colorado is such a beautiful state. There is such a wide variety of scenery. You can go from the pure white rocks at the Paint Mines to the hulking green and brown Rocky Mountains.


Because of the vast possibilities and endless choices, I have narrowed it down to four locations that are close to Denver that I think would best suit those looking for adventurous senior photos.

Graduation memorabilia including red stole and decorated cap displayed with photos.
Person in dress holding flowers stands in meadow with Flatirons mountains behind.

The location you choose for your session is not make-or-break, but it should still reflect who you are. Think of your happy place and consider what makes it so special. Now keep that in mind while deciding your location.


If you already have the perfect outfit in mind, make sure it compliments your location, and the same goes both ways. If you want to wear a green dress, don’t choose a park full of greenery and If you want pictures by the ocean, maybe wear white instead of blue.

Here's A Little Overview

Chautauqua Park

Graduate in colorful graduation stole poses with diploma against mountain backdrop.

Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado, offers gorgeous views of the Flat Irons. You won’t see anything like it in the country. It can get a little crowded on the weekends, but it also offers scenic views of the mountains since it’s so close to Lost Gulch Overlook.

Chautauqua Park

BouLDER COLORADO

Graduate tosses cap in air with Flatiron mountains visible in background.

Recommended Time

Sunset is the prettiest (starting about 1.5 hours before Google says the sun will set) BUT weekends at this time get busy so I highly recommend weekdays for this location.

Extra Fees

A $25 photo permit is required for the majority of photo shoots and can be attained through Boulder Country Park Services.

Key Features

  • Flat Irons = Drool
  • Can be a little crowded but that shouldn't affect your photos
  • 10 minutes from Lost Gulch Overlook!
Graduate in black cap and gown standing in grassy field at sunset with mountains and pine trees in background.
Graduate in black regalia sits in field of wildflowers during golden hour.
Graduate standing in mountain meadow with dramatic Flatiron rock formations in background.

Lost Gulch Overlook

Boulder, Colorado

A figure in a long green coat and wide-brimmed hat stands on a rocky mountain overlook with scenic valley views.

Recommended Time

Sunset at Lost Gulch is THE time to be there but weekends can also get busy so weekdays at this location are better.

Extra Fees

A $25 photo permit is required for the majority of photo shoots and can be attained through Boulder Country Park Services.

Key Features

  • Sweeping Mountain Views
  • Can be crowded
  • 10 minutes from Chautauqua Park
Dramatic sunset sky with orange clouds over a mountain landscape and distant valley.
Person standing on rocky overlook gazing at mountainous wilderness landscape below.

Lookout Mountain

Golden, Colorado

Woman in white dress and cowboy boots poses on mountain trail during golden sunset.

Recommended Time

It gets crowded on the weekends so I usually recommend weekdays about an hour and a half before sunset.

Extra Fees

A $25 photo permit is required for the majority of photo shoots and can be attained through Jefferson County Park Services.

Key Features

  • Beautiful mountain views
  • Closest mountain views to Denver
  • Versatile: forest & mountain backdrops
Person in white dress overlooking misty mountain vista in black and white.
Close up portrait in mountain meadow at sunset with soft golden lighting.
Two friends in contrasting dresses hold hands while posing against mountain backdrop.

Loveland Pass

Newlyweds embrace on mountaintop with dramatic misty valley backdrop at sunset.

Recommended Time

Anytime at Loveland Pass is beautiful! The only time I really don't recommend is between 3-5 when the chance of afternoon storms in the summer are high.

Extra Fees

A photo permit may need to be required for weddings over 5 people.

Key Features

  • Sweeping mountain views
  • Not too crowded
  • Diverse landscapes including lakes, mountains, and forests
Sweeping mountain landscape with winding road through green valley.
Dramatic cloudy mountain vista with distant peaks and valley views.

Any Last Questions?

Are the travel expenses included in your packages or covered additionally?

I only charge travel fees if you're going farther than 1 hour from Denver.

Can we choose a location that's not on this guide?

Absolutely! Just let me know and we can find another spot that works better of you!

How long does it take to receive the photos after the photoshoot?

Generally, it's 2-3 weeks, but it just depends on how large your gallery is.

What happens if the weather is bad the day of our photoshoot?

If the weather is bad or if for some reason you need to reschedule your photoshoot, it isn't a problem at all. The date we reschedule to will depend on my availability.

Summer portrait in sunflower field with mountains and warm sunset lighting.
Good vibes & scenery

Don't see one you love?

Don't worry! There's plenty more where that came from so if you want to take a good look at more options, you just let me know and we will deep dive into Google until we find the perfect location for you!

Check out my master list of locations