We all know fall is THE most popular time for family portraits in the Denver area, but I urge you to think outside that busy timeframe of October and November. You likely aren’t sure where to have photos done, or how to decide when to do them. I’m here to break it all down for you, month by month.
First off, let me introduce myself. I am Kara – I have been a professional photographer for 24 years(!). I’ve lived in the Platt Park area of Denver for 18 years, with my husband and 3 kid – 12, 9 and 6.
I have photographed so many families in the Denver metro area, some for as long as 17 years! What an honor it is. Families who want a relaxed luxury experience, dare to get a little dirty and have fun playing “rodeo clown” with their kids for our time together are my peeps.
Seasons in Colorado
Let’s breakdown the seasons in Colorado. Each season is beautiful, and has it’s pluses and minuses.
Winter in Denver
This year especially, winter doesn’t seem to exist! But when it does, it can be beautiful. Winter starts late November and lasts until mid-April. Your options for winter are to wait for a warm day, to photograph the day after a snowstorm or to stay inside and use my studio in Denver or at your home.
Spring and Summer Family Portraits in Denver
Birds start chirping, buds start bursting, and flowers begin blooming mid to late April. I can guarantee that in May everything starts looking lush and green. Spring and summer are often overlooked by families when planning their photos, and that’s a bummer. I adore this time of year. Everything feels fresh, colorful and new. Plus that warm sunshine on your back just can’t be beat.
Spring is April-June, and summer is July-September. We don’t get a ton of wildflowers in the Denver area, but the cherry blossoms are beautiful and the parks around here do a lovely job with the colorful gardens. I want to share what 3 of my favorite locations look like in spring and fall.
Family Portraits in Denver’s Wash Park
Spring/Summer
Fall
Littleton Family Portraits
Spring/Summer
Fall
Denver Park
Spring/Summer
Fall
How to Choose Between a Spring, Summer or Fall Family Portrait Session in Denver
APRIL: Cherry blossoms, ‘nough said. Jk, jk. But seriously, they’re beautiful, the weather can be a tad unpredictable.
MAY AND JUNE: Everything is green and lush, not super hot. Mornings can be a smidge cooler – let’s call it refreshing. Everything looks super vibrant and colorful.
JULY AND AUGUST: Full on summer. Long days allow for us to schedule your session late in the day and still have a full work day/day of camp/time at the pool. Wildflowers come out in July. We can play in a creek or escape to the foothills where it’s a little cooler. Sunset is late, which means afternoon sessions start around 6:30/7pm.
SEPTEMBER: Colors change in the mountains, but it’s still green in the Denver area. Days can range from 60s-80s. You’re on more of a schedule with school starting, so if your kids are in a lot of activities, I’d recommend doing portraits before the school year begins.
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER: Days are shorter, so afternoon sessions are much earlier. Colors change in the foothills early October, in the Denver area 2nd+3rd week of October and can hang on until Thanksgiving. Morning sessions are no longer really an option after the first week of October.
TIMING: All portraits take place in the early morning or late afternoon (unless you’re doing studio, then we can do mid-day). We can’t do anything in the middle of the day as it’s too hot and too bright. So just something to keep in mind! We’ll settle on exact time as we get closer.
What To Wear For Each Season
Spring and summer allows for flowy dresses, simple sundresses, pants and a polo, shorts and a button down. Eyelet fabrics, cotton and lace are great in the summer. Flip flops, slides, slip-ons and sandals are the most popular footwear. You could even romp around in the grass barefoot, chasing your littles. Green is bursting in the spring, so for colors think: cream, blue, green (sparingly), peach, rose and khaki.
The fall brings cooler temperatures, so layers are key here. Leather, wool, denim, cashmere and corduroy rule the fall. Boots, oxfords and loafers are the preferred shoes. Crisp, crunchy leaves and colorful leaves are your background, so think of earth tones and rich jewel tones for your colors: maroon, tan, olive green, mustard, epplant.
What Colors Go With Each Season
If you’re planning on hanging these images on the wall, then think about the colors that each season brings. Spring and summer are greens, blues, pinks and oranges. Vibrant colors that can go with an all white house, a modern house or a colorful home.
Fall is lots of earthtones; shades of brown, mustard, orange and dark green. These muted tones go well with a home that has various wood tones and a more classic look.
Fall Portrait in Denver
Fall is to family photographers, as April is to tax accountants. Hopefully the information above gives you some ideas and a vision for your next family portrait session – maybe I’ll see you in May?!