Christmas card photos
near Denver.

How to time a holiday card session in the foothills west of Denver, so your photos come back before the printing deadline.

Start reading Family & holiday cards

Step 1

When to book

Work backward from when you want cards in the mail.

  1. Ask about editing timeAsk your photographer how long editing takes. It varies a lot from one photographer to the next.
  2. Leave time for printingLeave about a week for printing and shipping.
  3. Aim for late October to mid-NovemberFor most families, that's the most comfortable window. Early December can still work if your photographer turns photos around quickly.

Step 2

Time it to the light

In November and December, the sun goes behind the peaks here around 4:20 pm, about 20 minutes before the official sunset.

An older couple smiling together on the patio at sunset, the sun setting over the mountains between the pines

Golden hour

The warm light runs for the hour or two before the sun goes behind the peaks, so plan to start in the early afternoon.

Warm and soft
The flagstone patio and lawn under glowing string lights at blue hour

Blue hour

Right after the sun drops, the sky often turns soft blue and pink. Stay a few minutes longer for a cozy shot under the string lights.

Cozy and festive

Check sunrise and sunset for any date on our photo sessions page.

A ponderosa pine covered in hoarfrost against a blue winter sky

Step 3

About snow

We can't promise snow. Some years it comes early, and some years not until after the holidays. When it does, the pines frost over and the whole property changes.

Without it, you still get green ponderosas, golden grass, and often snow on the Indian Peaks in the distance. Sessions go ahead in snow as long as the driveway is safe. Our weather plan.

Step 4

Staying warm

We're at 7,630 feet, so it's usually colder here than in Denver.

  1. Layer under your outfitThin warm layers under sweaters and dresses keep everyone comfortable without showing in photos.
  2. Keep coats closeIt cools quickly once the sun goes behind the peaks. Keep coats nearby for between shots.
  3. Warm little handsBring gloves for kids. A blanket in the car helps too.
A woman walking hand in hand with a toddler along the covered flagstone walkway, a golden doodle on a leash ahead of them

Step 5

Bring the whole family

Grandparents, little ones and well-behaved dogs are all welcome. There's room to spread out on the deck and the patio, and the forest gives kids somewhere to wander between shots.

Plan your session

Bring your own photographer, or ask us for names of local photographers whose work we like. Send us your date and we'll write back to talk it through.

Check a date What to wear here