Finding just the right location for each photography session is one of my favorite things to do, I like to know a little about each family I shoot and then help choose a location that works with their personality.

Personally, I gravitate to outdoor, natural locations that offer scenic and simple beauty.  Here are some of the best and my favorite locations in West Denver, Golden, and Lakewood.  You can clearly get the feel of each location and then find the one that appeals to you, when you decide, contact me to schedule your family photo session!  If you are interested in a session, please contact me at JenniferMasonPhotography@gmail.com.

#6.  Red Rocks Amphitheater Photography, Photo shoots at Red Rocks (RR)

I have several shoots at RR, click here, and here, for two of my favorites. Red Rocks is one of the most discernible locations in Colorado.  Its also one of the most scenic.   The majestic rocks jut out of the ground providing an amazing backdrop and photo opportunity.  I'm ranking RR #6 because with such beauty brings much popularity.  Its rare not to see another person at Red Rocks, and its become a popular place for photo shoots and photographers alike and for good reason!  Instead of shooting at the Trading Post, consider checking out the landscape lower in the park for amazing distant views of the Red Rock Foothills, or go inside the amphitheater for great lines and a unique perspective.  Is Red Rocks the place for your family photos? If you are interested in a session, please contact me at JenniferMasonPhotography@gmail.com.

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#5.  Any local park with a field, trees and tall grass.

Seriously, you don't need an amazing backdrop like Red Rocks to get great photos.  There are so many open space parks in the metro area and many are just fields with paths and trails for walking.  These provide a great location.   You can zoom in close to your subject and focus on the glowing grasses in the sunlight or other specific details at the park like a bridge, bench, fence or water feature.  Grasses of all types and in any season, make for beautiful natural scenery.  Some of my favorite parks are

Welchester Tree Grant Park

, Belmar Park, Apex Park and

Sunset Park

 in Lakewood, Colorado.  Would you like to schedule your session here?

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#4.  Sunset Park, Lakewood Colorado, a great place for fun family photos! Click

here

for more of Sunset Park.

Sunset park could fall into #5, but it's one of my favorite places to shoot.  There are lots of options including a fun playground, willow trees, a bridge, several paths and a scenic creek, large rocks for sitting on near the water, and a wide field, offers tall grass and an area with thick green grass thats great for posing babies in.  In addition, it has views of the foothills and even a treed area that would be fun in the snow.  Its one of my favorite locations to shoot.  I rarely come across other people or photographers, and a fun couple could really have a cool shoot on the playground.

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#3.  Boettcher Mansion, Lookout Mountain in Golden Colorado, Great for classy photos with fabulous lighting, click

here

for more.

This is one of the best winter locations, and I also love it for evening shoots because the mansion lights are on and the walkways are lit up.  The stonework is beautiful, and there is a stone gazebo that provides some unique shooting opportunities, stone walkways and the mansion itself provides a neat backdrop for photos.   If you want to hike further along the trail, you'll get a pine forest that has abundant wildlife including deer, elk and coyotes in the last few times I've visited.  There is also a field with hilly open space that offers a view of Denver in the distance.  You can cross the street for some scenic backdrops of the foothills and even some Continental Divide views.

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 #2.  Clear Creek History Park in Downtown Golden, Golden Colorado Photography I have a hard time picking my favorites at Clear Creek, here is a

maternity session

and a

family session

to check out. Clear Creek History Park, which is smack in the middle of Golden, offers some different backdrops for a more country/urban photo shoot.  Think barns, old buildings, chickens, community gardens and a rushing river to name a few.  There are cool rocks in the water for great posing options and an architectural bridge over the river, views of Table Mountain to the north and Lookout Mountain to the south with the large "M" lit-up on the mountainside for the Colorado School of Mines.  If you want to venture further downtown in Golden, just a few blocks away you can get some shots of the classic sign that says "Howdy Folks Welcome To Golden" or the storefronts and small town atmosphere.  Also consider finding a great business for some shoots like the ice cream parlor, Golden City Brewery, or Woodys Pizza.  Is this the place for your family pictures in Golden?

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#1.  Coal Creek Canyon train tracks, South Boulder, train tracks photo shoot

H

ere

is the maternity session with Bethany.

This location is a trek to get to, but its worth it!  I found this area when hiking there with my daughter last year, and I remember thinking to myself that I need to get back there for a photo shoot with a Colorado girl who a great location and didn't mind a hike.   Turns out, Bethany and her husband were just the couple.  This location offers train tracks which provide very cool lines that create interesting photos coupled with scenic mountains and evergreen trees in the background.  The tracks are active though, so use caution.  The hike in offers views of the Boulder Flatirons and an old burn area that provides some creative ideas for photos including a pretty grassy field.  The location is very private and aside from the train I have never seen anyone at the location/trail ever.  Its definitely a social trail and a decent hike in, so prepare yourself.

If you are interested in a session, please contact me at JenniferMasonPhotography@gmail.com.