Fall Family Photo Sessions in Northern Colorado & Denver (2026 Mini Dates)

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year for family photos here in Colorado. The golden tones, soft light, and cooler evenings create the perfect setting for updated family photos that feel natural, connected, and timeless.

Fall 2026 mini sessions are now open with a limited number of dates across some of the most beautiful locations in Northern Colorado, including Denver, Boulder, and surrounding areas.

These fall family photo sessions are perfect for families looking for Denver family fall minis, Boulder family photos, or a Northern Colorado family photographer with a refined, natural style.

These sessions are designed to give you a simple, elevated experience with carefully chosen locations, beautiful light, and just enough time to capture both candid moments and those classic images you’ll come back to year after year.

Choosing the Best Location for Your Fall Family Photos

Want dramatic mountain views → Lily Lake or Flatirons
Want warm golden tones → Devil’s Backbone or Viestenz
Want water + sunset → Horsetooth Reservoir or Standley Lake
Want something bold and iconic → Red Rocks

What to Expect from Your Fall Mini Session

20-minute session
Carefully selected locations with the best light
Gently guided posing with a mix of candid and classic images
Access to the client closet for moms + babies
Proofing gallery to select your images
Option to upgrade your gallery

Mini sessions are designed for immediate families. Due to the shorter session time, extended family groupings are not accommodated.

For those hoping to include extended family, reserving two consecutive time slots allows for the additional time needed to photograph everyone comfortably. This ensures a smooth, seamless experience and a more complete gallery for your family.

Timing and Light for Your Session

As fall continues to grow in popularity, select locations are intentionally offered on weekdays to preserve a more refined and uninterrupted experience.

This allows us to work with beautiful light, open space, and minimal distraction so your images feel as effortless as they look.

Session start times are thoughtfully adjusted as the season progresses to align with sunset, ensuring the most flattering light for your photos. Please keep this in mind when planning, as exact timing may shift slightly depending on the date.

The Best Locations for Fall Family Photos in Northern Colorado

These locations are carefully selected across Northern Colorado, including Estes Park, Boulder, Fort Collins, and the Denver area, offering a range of mountain views, golden fields, and water.

Each of these fall family photo sessions in Northern Colorado is designed to highlight a distinct landscape, from sweeping mountain backdrops to soft open space and natural textures throughout the season.

Lily Lake – Estes Park (September 27)

A serene mountain lake framed by sweeping views and golden aspen groves in the fall. With reflections, open space, and layered natural textures, Lily Lake creates a gallery that feels both expansive and quietly refined.

This is the only location offering both a morning and evening option, giving you the flexibility to choose between soft morning light or the warm glow of sunset.

Perfect for families wanting a destination setting that captures both the beauty of the mountains and the richness of the season.

→ View availability for Lily Lake
https://book.usesession.com/s/Lcs4igf5Bf

Flatirons – Boulder (October 5)

Iconic Boulder views with the Flatirons rising behind soft open fields. This location blends structure and softness, giving you both a striking backdrop and room for natural moments.

Perfect for families wanting that classic Colorado look with a refined feel.

→ Reserve your Flatirons session
https://book.usesession.com/s/9En1QNWxlq

Red Rocks – Golden (September 28)

Warm tones, dramatic textures, and glowing sunset light. Red Rocks brings a bold, elevated feel while still allowing space for connection and movement.

Perfect for families wanting something a little more striking and unique.

→ Reserve your Red Rocks session
https://book.usesession.com/s/O4dt3neDzT

Devil’s Backbone – Loveland (October 4 & October 12)

Rolling foothills, warm golden tones, and open trails. This location creates a soft, earthy look that photographs beautifully in the fall.

Perfect for families who love natural movement and a natural, organic feel.

→ View Devil’s Backbone dates
https://book.usesession.com/s/6rd7BqnIly

Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park – Loveland (September 13)

A thoughtfully layered setting featuring a charming bridge, gentle river, and sweeping mountain views. This location offers a refined mix of texture and openness, creating a gallery that feels both varied and cohesive.

Perfect for families drawn to a setting that feels quietly unique while still timeless.

→ Reserve your Viestenz session
https://book.usesession.com/s/xvcsvyVSO9

Horsetooth Reservoir – Fort Collins (September 10)

Water, cliffs, and glowing skies at sunset. Horsetooth creates a more dramatic, scenic look with beautiful reflections and open space.

Perfect for families drawn to water and those vibrant Colorado sunsets.

Evening sessions

→ Reserve your Horsetooth session
https://book.usesession.com/s/w01SsNZp-K

Standley Lake – Westminster (September 14)

A beautiful blend of water, open space, and mountain views. Standley Lake offers a similar feel to Horsetooth with easier access for Denver-area families.

Perfect for those wanting water and mountain views without the drive north.

→ View Standley Lake availability
https://book.usesession.com/s/NGxYpz5Ruj

Booking Your Fall Family Photo Session

Each location includes a limited number of sessions and tends to fill quickly as families begin planning their fall photos.

To view availability and reserve your date, select your preferred location above. You’ll be able to see session options, choose your collection, and secure your time in just a few steps.

Fall Mini Session FAQs

When should I book my fall family photos?
Fall mini sessions typically fill quickly, especially for peak dates in late September and early October. Booking early ensures you have the best selection of locations and times.

What should we wear for fall family photos?
Neutral tones, soft textures, and layered pieces photograph beautifully in Colorado’s fall landscape. You’ll also have access to the client closet for curated options for moms and babies.

Can we include grandparents or extended family?
Mini sessions are designed for immediate families. If you’d like to include extended family, booking two consecutive time slots is recommended.

What if my kids need time to warm up?
All sessions are gently guided with a mix of movement and natural interaction, making it easy for little ones to settle in and feel comfortable quickly. If you have a child who may benefit from a slower pace, a full session is a beautiful option. You can learn more about my family photography sessions here. This allows for more time, flexibility, and a more relaxed experience from start to finish.

What happens if the weather changes?
Colorado weather can shift quickly, but sessions are planned with the best light and conditions in mind. If needed, adjustments will be made to ensure the best possible experience.

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos

Choosing what to wear plays a big role in how your final gallery comes together. The goal is to create a look that feels cohesive, timeless, and natural against Colorado’s fall landscape.

Soft neutrals, earthy tones, and subtle textures photograph beautifully this time of year. Think creams, warm browns, soft greens, muted blues, and gentle patterns that don’t overpower the connection between you.

Layers add depth and movement, especially for little ones. Flowy dresses, knits, and simple, well-coordinated pieces work best.

You’re always welcome to wear something you already love, or choose from the client closet for thoughtfully curated options designed specifically for these sessions.

A Note on Booking

Fall 2026 sessions are limited at each location and tend to fill quickly once families begin planning their holiday photos.

If you have a favorite setting, I recommend reserving early so you can secure the location and timing that feels right for your family.