I have put together some of my most commonly used locations for senior photos in this guide – plus a few that I think would be great for senior photos! Some of these locations will be free to use, and some require the purchase of a photography permit. If a photography permit is needed for your chosen location, that cost will be included in your final invoice, unless otherwise noted. I hope that these give you some ideas for your own senior photos, but the locations below are not your only options...
Many of my senior photo clients choose a location with sentimental value to them, or a spot that they have exclusive access to. This could be your home or your family's property, your work, or somewhere else that you love to spend time. One of my seniors was a volunteer at a museum, so they let us use their facilities for photos before they opened for the day. We could use a library if you're a book lover. We can incorporate your vehicle or horse. Honestly, the options are endless!
Please reach out for more ideas if you don't see what you're looking for below – I would love to help! :)
1.) Located in: Franktown
Best Seasons: All
Best Time of Day: morning or evening, but evening is better!
Accessibility: moderate walking + hiking required, handicap parking available, public restrooms available until 5:00pm
Info: incredible canyon and bridge views, open fields, and sunflowers in the late summer.
Permit Fees: Yes. This is a Colorado State Park that requires a paid photography permit, as well as a per-car entry fee. There is no entry fee if you have a current Colorado State Parks Pass, but the photography permit is required either way. I charge a flat $30 for photo sessions here to cover my entry cost and a portion of the photography permit.
2.) Located in: Franktown
Best Seasons: All
Best Time of Day: morning or evening – both are equally great!
Accessibility: moderate walking + hiking required, handicap parking available
Info: this location includes original homestead ruins and a gravel path with several great photography location options. There are some canyon views and beautiful wood fences.
Permit Fees: Yes. This is a Colorado State Park that requires a paid photography permit, as well as a per-car entry fee. There is no entry fee if you have a current Colorado State Parks Pass, but the photography permit is required either way. I charge a flat $30 for photo sessions here to cover my entry cost and a portion of the photography permit.
3.) Located in: Parker
Best Seasons: Summer & Fall
Best Time of Day: morning or evening, but evening has better light in the best spots
Accessibility: moderate walking is required, handicap parking, paved level paths, public restrooms available
Info: this location has a lot of variety with large trees, a garden area, open fields, and Cherry Creek. This is a very busy public location, but it is usually possible to avoid the crowds and find less busy areas for photos. Pets are welcome.
Permit Fees: No
4.) Located in: Parker
Best Seasons: All
Best Time of Day: morning or evening
Accessibility: moderate walking required, handicap parking, sidewalks
Info: this is a great urban area with unlimited options for colors and textures.
Permit Fees: No
5.) Located in: Castle Rock
Best Seasons: All
Best Time of Day: Morning or Evening
Accessibility: moderate walking required, paved paths, street side parking
Info: this location has great variety with large trees (including pines), an open meadow with cliffs in the background, and a small foot bridge. This location is not usually very busy.
Permit Fees: No.
6.) Located in: Highlands Ranch
Best Seasons: All
Best Time of Day: Morning or Evening
Accessibility: moderate walking required, handicap parking available
Info: this property is an event venue, so availability is limited on certain dates. You can view their calendar and available dates here: https://highlandsranchmansion.com/. *The mansion does not allow indoor photo sessions, but their grounds are beautiful!
Permit Fees: No.
7.) Located in: Centennial
Best Seasons: Spring! This is when the crabapple trees are in bloom, but Summer and Fall are also pretty (photos below are from spring and summer)
Best Time of Day: morning or evening
Accessibility: moderate walking required
Info: this is a gorgeous location with ponds, green grass, mature pink and white crabapple trees, and a white wood bridge.
Permit fees: No.
8.) Located in: Littleton
Best Seasons: Summer and Fall
Best Time of Day: Evening
Accessibility: very little walking required
Info: This is a gorgeous garden location with a colorful rose garden and gazebo.
Permit fees: Yes/No. This location does require a paid photography permit, however, this is one that I purchase each year.
9.) Hudson Gardens, Littleton
Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
Best Time of Day: evening
Accessibility: moderate walking required for some areas, handicap parking available, public restrooms are usually available until 5:00pm
Info: this is a gorgeous garden location with many beautiful areas for photos, including a rose garden, lily pond, walking bridge, and historic red barn.
Permit fees: Yes. Hudson Gardens charges a $50 fee for photography sessions. (See more information here: https://www.hudsongardens.org/explore/photography-permit/)
10.) Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver
Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
Best Time of Day: Evening
Accessibility: moderate walking required, handicap parking available, public restrooms, food and drink for purchase
Info: The Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the most beautiful and diverse locations available for senior photos. The gardens are often busy – especially on the weekends – so weeknights are usually best. Entry into every area cannot be guaranteed due to closures for weddings and events, but I'm happy to verify which areas may be affected when I apply for the permit.
Permit Fees: Yes. $100 is due and payable directly to the Denver Botanic Gardens upon entry. This photography permit fee includes entry for up to 6 people, including myself as the photographer, for up to two hours of photography time. (See more information here: https://www.botanicgardens.org/york-street/york-street-photo-policy)
11.) Located in: Kiowa, CO
Best Seasons: All, but spring, summer and fall are my favorites. Spring usually has green grass and wildflowers. Fall has tall yellow grass and great sunsets. Summer is a beautiful mix of both.
Best Time of Day: Sunset only
Accessibility: moderate walking in tall prairie grass
Info: The farm is beautiful at golden hour! The fields, Pikes Peak, and red barn make great backdrops. Exclusive/secluded location that is available for my returning clients. All farm photo sessions will be scheduled to end at sunset due to the lack of shade. Please wear closed toe shoes or boots to protect your feet. This is a great option if you want to include a vehicle in your photos!
Permit Fees: No.
