Places to take pictures
near Denver.

An honest guide from Mily & Danny in Genesee: the kinds of photo spots west of Denver, what to plan for at each, and where our home fits in.

Start reading Photo sessions

Step 1

What makes a good photo spot

A pretty view is only part of it. Before you pick a place, think about these.

  1. Light you can plan aroundWhere will the sun be at your session time? In the foothills, it drops behind the ridges earlier than the official sunset.
  2. Room for everyoneLittle kids, grandparents and dogs need space to move, and a short walk from the car.
  3. Somewhere to change and warm upOutfit changes and a restroom matter more than people expect, especially in cold weather.
  4. A clean backgroundPopular spots can be busy, so you may wait for strangers to walk out of your shot.

Step 2

The kinds of places near Denver

Within about half an hour of downtown, you can find very different looks.

  1. Mountain views in the foothillsUp I-70 around Lookout Mountain, Genesee and Evergreen, you get layered ridges, ponderosa pines and, on clear days, snowy peaks in the distance.
  2. Red RocksRed Rocks Park near Morrison has the famous red sandstone. It's popular, so plan for people around you.
  3. LakesEvergreen Lake in the mountains, or city lakes like Sloan's Lake and the ones in Washington Park, give you water and reflections.
  4. City parks and downtownTree-lined paths, brick buildings and murals, with no drive into the mountains.
Mily at the deck railing taking a photo of a fiery pink and orange sunset over the mountains

Step 3

Before you go to a public spot

Some parks ask professional photographers to get a permit, and the rules change from place to place. Evergreen Lake, for example, requires one for commercial photo shoots. Check the park's website before you go.

Fall weekends and sunsets are the busiest times at popular spots. A weekday, or an hour earlier than everyone else, can make a big difference.

Step 4

Time it to the light

West of Denver, the mountains block the setting sun early. Here in Genesee, the sun goes behind the peaks 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, soft light in the hour or so before the sun goes behind the mountains. It's the favorite for families, couples and seniors.

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 it.

Calm and moody

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

Adirondack chairs and pink hydrangeas on the flagstone patio, snow-capped peaks beyond and a golden doodle resting in the corner

Step 5

A private option: our home in Genesee

To be upfront, this one is ours. We're opening our home as a photo studio, by appointment, about 25 minutes from downtown Denver and 3 minutes from I-70.

The deck, the stone patio and the ponderosa forest face the Indian Peaks, so you get three looks in one session. Parking is right up at the house, there's a restroom for outfit changes, and nobody else walks through your photos.

Ideas by occasion

See what a session here looks like for each kind of photo.

  1. Family & holiday cards
  2. Proposals & engagement
  3. Senior & graduation photos
  4. Quinceañeras
  5. Pets
  6. Headshots

Plan your session

Bring your own photographer, have Danny take your photos, 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