On any given day when I don’t have a photo session scheduled, you may find me out and about somewhere in Colorado Springs location scouting. I feel like I am in constant search for the best locations in and around Colorado Springs, even though I have probably seen a majority of them by now. Sometimes I will just pick up and go to a location I have shot at several times before, just to see if I can find a new trail with some more hidden gems. When you hire me as your photographer, I will send you a location guide to help you pick the best spot for you and your family for the photos. A lot of research and thought goes into this because I care so much about how these photos turn out for you. When I’m out searching for the best locations around Colorado Springs, here are the questions I ask myself:
1. How safe is this location for young children?
This is one of the first things I think about since I am often working with families who have young children. This is an especially important question when you are working with families who have children that are mobile, but don’t have the ability to know what is dangerous yet! In Colorado Springs, we have many gorgeous views and overlooks, but that can come with big drop offs and other hazards like cactus or pricklers. I will warn parents and try to avoid places with hazards like this if a family has young children that tend to be very active.
2. Where and when will the sun go down?
The biggest factor for me in photography is lighting! I love a good golden hour shoot, with that warm soft light right before the sun hits the horizon; however, that can be harder to find in Colorado Springs. With our beautiful mountain backdrops, the sun often goes from a direct/harsh light to gone in just a matter of seconds. I love to use my Sunseeker app to see exactly when and where the sun will dip behind the mountains. Not only does this help me figure out the best time to start out session, but it helps me to know the best time of year for certain locations. I look for higher areas, or locations where the mountains dip in such a way that the sun will be able to shine just a little big longer, giving us just a little bit more of that softer light before that sun disappears completely. I am also looking at areas with things like trees that will help us filter the sun earlier in the session and then areas with big open skies so that we can get beautiful light even into blue hour.
Is the background beautiful in all directions?
Yes, I love backlit images and that glow that sun can offer, but I also love shooting from other angles and being able to shoot well after the sun dips behind the mountains. Because of this, I might spend a lot of time with my clients facing the opposite direction we started. That will shine a beautiful light onto your beautiful faces and give a completely different look. If our only other option is an angle with power lines or parking lots, we will be limited with what we can do. I am always looking for as much variety and beauty as possible in all directions.
How accessible is the location?
Accessibility is especially important when young children are in involved, if mama is pregnant or if grandparents are joining in on an extended family session. A couple of my favorite spots do require a 5-10 minute hike, but this may not be a good option for a family that cannot easily get somewhere. Other spots I have found have a great spot within steps of the parking lot. Accessibility is often something that helps a family determine the best option for them. We can easily narrow down our selection if accessibility is a concern for you and your family.
What colors are offered at different times of the year?
One of the things I love to pay attention to is what colors are offered throughout the year. Some places have greener grasses or even wildflowers in the Summer. Some places offer amazing foliage in the Fall. Other places that offer red rock formations, have beautiful colors even in the dead of Winter. I am not opposed at all to brown grasses (in fact, some prefer it), but it is important to know what colors are offered where and when because the colors have such a big impact on the overall look and feel of your photos. This is often a personal choice for my clients and I’m happy to help guide you on this decision.
Is this location popular and crowded?
I am often seeking places that are less well known and not as popular among other photographers or tourists. Why? Because we don’t have to worry as much about other people being in the background of the photos or running out of parking spaces at peak times. The fewer people that are around, the less we have to stress about where we can shoot and what might be in the way. Many places are crowded for a reason (because they are beautiful), but I want my clients to have all of the knowledge so that they can make an informed decision. My location guide offers guidance on how crowded places are and when they might be best to avoid.
Is there variety at the location?
I am always looking for variety and things in the scene that my clients can interact with. This might include a boulder for the kids to play on, beautiful trees to lay under, tall grasses to run through, epic mountain views for the backdrop, or even a lake to pick up reflections. I am always looking for so much more than just a big open field to give your gallery as much variety as possible.
Do I need to “warn” my clients about anything ahead of time?
I will make sure to note things like there is no bathroom at the location, or if you kids might want to wear tall boots since the grass is tall and not soft. Knowing all of these details helps clients to feel better prepared when they arrive and help ease some of the worry going into a session.
Ultimately, it is my goal to give each and every one of my clients the best experience possible with their photos, and helping them choose a location in Colorado Springs that is best for them is a huge part of this.
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