Planning Your Summer Family Photos in Colorado

If you love golden sunsets and blooming wildflowers, summer is a great time for a family photo session. You can enjoy barefoot moments by a mountain stream in Colorado.

Whether you live here or are visiting for a vacation or family reunion, summer brings adventure and fun. The light, color, and connections during this season create memorable portraits.

As a family photographer in Colorado, I work with local families and those visiting from other states. I help them capture their time together, whether it’s a quiet evening in the foothills or a big family session in the mountains.

Why Summer Is the Best Time for Family Photos in Colorado

Colorado summers are nothing short of breathtaking. From the soft mountain air to fields filled with wildflowers, this season offers the perfect blend of warmth and natural beauty.

Whether you’re based in the city or traveling from out of state, summer is a beautiful time for portraits. Discover what to expect from a summer family photoshoot in Colorado. Learn about popular locations, what to wear, and ideas for extended family sessions.

Here’s why capturing Colorado scenery in a Colorado family photoshoot is a must this time of year:

• Wildflowers in full bloom across open meadows and trails
• Rivers and creeks that add a playful, organic element to your session
• Lush greenery throughout the foothills and high country
• Golden evening light that flatters every skin tone
• Mild, comfortable evenings that make sessions enjoyable for all ages

Summer is the perfect time for a relaxed family session or a big family gathering.

Top Colorado Locations for Summer Family Photo Sessions

One of the best things about taking family photos in Colorado is the amazing variety of beautiful backgrounds nearby.

Here are some favorite summer session spots:

• Denver has beautiful city parks, riverside trails, and easy access to the mountains. It offers the best of city life and nature.
• Golden & Red Rocks – The dramatic red sandstone formations near Golden make for a striking and uniquely Colorado location.
• Boulder has open fields and beautiful mountain views. The soft evening light is perfect for family photos. Chautauqua Park is a great place to visit.
• Estes Park is a classic summer spot. It has pine trees, cool alpine lakes, and winding mountain roads. This place is great for many summer activities.
• Rocky Mountain National Park – For families looking for truly breathtaking views, it doesn’t get more epic than this.

Vacationing in Colorado? Book a Family Photoshoot While You’re Here

Many of my summer clients are visiting Colorado from out of state.

A family photography session can make your Colorado vacation special. You can plan a quiet weekend in Estes Park or a big family reunion. It’s a great way to capture memories and genuine smiles in smaller kids.

Extended family sessions are very popular in the summer. This is when grandparents, cousins, and siblings can all come together. Sometimes, this is the first time they meet in years.

As your Colorado family photographer, I can guide you throughout the entire process.

What to Wear for Summer Family Photos in Colorado

Styling your session doesn’t need to be stressful. I help all my clients choose what to wear. Many of them use my curated client closet. It has wardrobe options for moms, babies, and toddlers.

✧ Choose Neutral and Nature-Inspired Tones

Soft creams, taupes, muted greens, warm browns, and dusty blues complement the natural surroundings and keep your images timeless.

✧ Think Movement

Flowy dresses, gauze, and linen fabrics catch the breeze and bring life to your photos.

✧ Skip Logos & Loud Prints

Simple, textured fabrics keep the focus on your family—not your clothing.

Extended Family Photo Sessions in Colorado

Summer is the most popular time for family photoshoots in Colorado. Scenic places like Boulder, Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park are favorites.

During these sessions, I photograph:

• The full family together
• Grandparents with their grandkids
• Individual family groupings
• Cousins playing, siblings laughing, and all the real moments in between

These aren’t stiff, posed portraits. They are experiences that celebrate who your family is today. They take place in a setting that reflects your story.

Tips for a Smooth and Memorable Colorado Family Session

• Book early – Summer dates fill up quickly, especially evenings and weekends.
• Plan around golden hour – The light is softest and most flattering about 1–1.5 hours before sunset.
• Bring snacks, water, and layers – Especially if you’ll be in higher elevations or bringing little ones.
• Let it be fun – I’ll guide you through prompts and games that make it feel less like posing and more like being together.

If you are planning a family trip to Colorado or if you live here, I can help. Let’s create something beautiful and meaningful this summer.

You might be near Denver, on vacation in Estes Park, or visiting Boulder or Rocky Mountain National Park. I can help you find the best place to go. I will also help you plan outfits and make the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable.

Click here to start planning your summer family photos in Colorado with me!