Northern Colorado Location Guide
One of my favorite parts of planning your session is choosing the perfect location. Northern Colorado offers so much variety. From mountain overlooks to golden fields and red rock landscapes, I've gathered my favorite tried-and-true spots to help you find a setting that matches your vision and feels like you.
Your spot, your style
Notice what feels right. Some locations feel dreamy, some feel bold. Pick what calls to you. I'll take care of the rest.
Top spots in Northern Colorado
Stunning locations
Chautauqua Trail
Nestled at the base of the Flatirons, Chautauqua offers stunning mountain views and open fields; perfect for golden hour portraits. Its mix of wide open spaces and rocky backdrops creates a timeless, natural, show stopping feel. This location is perfect during every season.
Horsetooth Reservoir
This perfect Fort Collins location combines sparkling water, rugged cliffs, and grassy touches for a versatile backdrop. Every photo taken at Horsetooth has a charm that doesn't exist anywhere else. If you're looking for a jaw dropping location close to civilization, this is it!
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
Bobcat Ridge boasts rolling hills, tall grasses, and amazing red rock formation views that feel tucked away from the world. This location is perfect for sessions wanting a quiter, more intimate vibe while still capturing everything so gorgeous about Colorado scenery.
Location List - Northern Colorado
Chautauqua Trailhead
Iconic Flatirons views, trails, and timeless scenery.
Chautauqua is where the mountains meet the meadows. Along its wide trails and open fields, you'll find endless portrait spots that feel effortless and natural. From dramatic rock formations to soft, sunlit grassy areas, every corner has its own story to tell.
Parking: Small lot located near the trailhead
Accessibility: Short walk from the parking lot - no hike, but somewhat steep
Best light: Golden Hour
Mountain Views: Yes
Great for: Adventurous couples, family sessions, and soft, dreamy portraits
*Deluxe Location - $25 travel fee
Horsetooth Reservoir
Sparkling water, rocky cliffs, and golden hour magic.
Horsetooth Reservoir has a little bit of everything: wide open views, dramatic cliffs, and mountain views that catch the light beautifully. Whether you're drawn to adventurous spots or calm, tucked-away cliffs, Horsetooth feels open, airy, and effortlessly photogenic.
Parking: Large lot right on location ($10 parking fee)
Accessibility: Photo locations are right off the parking lot. No hike, but a few steep/rocky areas.
Best light: Golden Hour (Sunrise sessions available here)
Mountain Views: Yes
Great for: Couples, seniors, or anyone looking for bold, scenic landscapes.
Bobcat Ridge natural area
Rolling hills, red rock views, and rustic charm.
Bobcat Ridge feels like a hidden gem. Gentle rolling hills, striking red rock formations, and charming rustic fences and cattle chutes frame the landscape perfectly. It's a quiet, timeless spot that is both intimate and eye-catching, making it ideal for sessions that are natural, relaxed, and full of movement.
Parking: large lot located near the trailhead
Accessibility: Short walk from the parking lot
Best light: Golden Hour
Mountain Views: Yes
Great for: Anyone drawn to amazing views and rustic touches
Reservoir Ridge Open Space
Rolling hills, open skies, and sweeping foothills views.
Reservoir Ridge offers wide open, layered foothills views and space to move! If you're envisioning a perfect grassy field with mountains in the background, this is IT! It's a beautiful choice for sessions that feel organic, relaxed, and effortlessly beautiful (especially at golden hour when the hills glow)!
Parking: Small lot right on location
Accessibility: Photo locations are right off the parking lot.
Best light: Golden Hour
Mountain Views: Yes
Great for: Families who want room to move, seniors, and anyone who loves golden, sun-filled photos.
Coyote Ridge natural area
Open trails, flowering brush, and classic Colorado foothills.
Coyote Ridge offers vast, sweeping foothills views and wide open trails that feel peaceful and untouched. The landscape is simple in the best way: soft grasses, yellow flowering brush, natural textures, and big Colorado skies that let you truly stand out. This is a beautiful choice for sessions that feel calm, connected, and effortlessly outdoorsy!
Parking: large lot located near the trailhead
Accessibility: Short walk from the parking lot. No steep inclines (perfect for grandma and grandpa)
Best light: Golden Hour
Mountain Views: Yes
Great for: Couples, families, seniors, and any session that feels open and natural
River bluffs natural area
Shallow river area, tall grasses, and amazing riverside views.
River Bluffs offers the best of both worlds: peaceful water access and open natural space framed with a charming rustic gate. Down by the river, you'll find soft light reflecting off the water and room to kick off your shoes and have a little fun! This spot is especially perfect for seniors who want to step into the water and create photos that feel playful, free, and uniquely them.
Parking: Small lot right on location
Accessibility: Photo locations are right off the parking lot. River access has steps.
Best light: Sunrise Golden Hour
Mountain Views: No
Great for: Seniors, relaxed couples, and any water session!
watson lake
Rocky river access, red rock textures, and large water features.
Watson Lake is full of variety, from striking red rock formations and water features to multiple walking paths and ramps that make exploring easy. The rocky river access adds texture and dimension, and yes, you can step right into the water for those playful, movement-filled moments. It's a beautiful mix of rugged and natural; perfect for any session that wants jaw-dropping scenery.
Parking: multiple parking areas
Accessibility: Short walks from the parking lot. Multiple sidewalks and ramps in steep areas.
Best light: Golden Hour (Sunrise available at this location)
Mountain Views: Yes
Great for: Seniors, couples, families, and anyone wanting water and bold natural views
signature bluffs natural area
Open fields, trees, and wide horizon views.
Signature Bluffs offers a beautiful mix of open grassy fields, clusters of trees, and a peaceful pond, all while staying close to town! The landscape feels spacious yet varied, giving you both wide scenic backdrops as well as intimate, tucked-away corners. It's a versatile location that photographs beautifully in every season.
Parking: Large lot on location
Accessibility: Multiple sidewalks; every photo spot within easy walking distance
Best light: Sunrise and golden hour
Mountain Views: No
Great for: Families, couples, and sunrise sessions
Running Deer Natural Area
Soft flowering brush, warm neutral tones, and boho edge.
Running Deer Natural Area has a warm, effortless feel with an organic, boho-inspired look. The landscape is filled with a mix of tall grasses, textured brush, and soft blooms that create a neutral, sun-soaked color palette that photographs beautifully in golden light. Winding dirt paths and open space give you room to move, while the pond and dock add a simple but striking focal point; perfect for candid, intimate moments and variety without needing to walk far. It's an easygoing location that photographs effortlessly, and you would never guess this location is in Northern Colorado!
Parking: Small parking lot available
Accessibility: Short, flat walks from the parking area. Easy terrain
Best light: Golden Hour (Sunrise available at this location)
Mountain Views: No
Great for: Seniors, couples, families, and anyone wanting soft, boho, nature-inspired photos
Sixteenth st studio
Clean, bright, and effortlessly elegant.
Sixteenth St Studio is a beautifully minimal white space that allows you to be the focus. With soft natural light, a white infinity wall, and multiple furniture options, it's perfect for clients who want to feel polished, modern, and elevated. Whether youre planning senior, couples, branding, or family portraits, this studio creates a refined look that never goes out of style.
*additional fee of $75 due at the time of booking
Parking: Located behind the Ambry
Accessibility: The studio is downstairs; however, there is an elevator
Best light: Anytime!
Mountain Views: No
Great for: Any session
Planning tips & FAQ
When’s the best time for taking photos?
My favorite times to take photos are golden hour and sunrise! Photos taken during this time have a softness and golden tone that cannot be replicated during other times of the day. Photos can be taken at anytime throughout the day, however, in a shaded area to preserve my editing style.
What should we wear or pack?
Wear what makes you feel like you. At the end of the day, I want you to look and feel comfortable in what you are wearing. Muted, earthy tones, creams, and pastels are trending (they tend to make you pop instead of the clothing), but any color you love with look great! Always pack water, emergency bottles/snacks for little ones, and anything that may assist in calming nerves and getting the attention of kiddos for our session!
What if I want to shoot at a location that is not listed?
That is totally fine!! I love shooting at new locations. Just relay to me where you would like to shoot, and we can discuss all of the possibilities!
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