Boulder Portrait & Headshot Photographer

I'll be honest: I used to hate headshots. The corporate kind, where you stand in front of a gray backdrop and try to look "professional." But headshots in Boulder are different. We go outside, use real light, and the photos actually look like real people.

Portraits and Headshots in Boulder

Here's the thing about headshots: most of them are terrible. Not technically. Technically they're fine. But they look like everyone else's headshot. Same backdrop, same pose, same fake smile. Nobody looks at those photos and thinks, "I want to hire that person" or "I want to get to know them."

I do headshots differently. We go outside. We use Boulder's natural light and real locations. We talk while I shoot so your expression is genuine, not held. The result is a headshot that actually looks like you on your best day, not like a stock photo.

Why Outdoor Headshots Work Better

Boulder has some of the best natural light in the country. We sit at 5,430 feet with over 300 days of sunshine. That light, combined with the right location and timing, produces headshots that are warm, dimensional, and flattering in ways that studio strobes just can't match.

I shoot headshots in open shade, during golden hour, or on lightly overcast days. The light wraps around your face instead of hitting it from one direction. It's softer, more natural, and it doesn't create harsh shadows under your eyes or nose. People always comment that my headshots look "bright" or "alive," and that's the natural light doing its job.

Where I Shoot Headshots in Boulder

Pearl Street Mall. The brick, the planters, the string lights, the storefronts. Pearl Street offers a range of looks within a two-block walk. I know the spots where the light is best at different times of day, and I use the architecture to create clean, professional backgrounds with character. This is my go-to for business headshots and LinkedIn photos.

Sanitas Valley Trailhead. If you want a headshot with a mountain feel but don't want to hike, Sanitas is perfect. The trailhead area has great light in the late afternoon, with the foothills as a soft background. Casual, outdoorsy, very Boulder.

CU Campus Area. The University of Colorado campus has beautiful stone buildings, tree-lined paths, and quiet courtyards. Great for academics, students, and anyone who wants a clean, collegiate backdrop. The engineering quad and Norlin Library area are particular favorites.

Central Park / Boulder Creek. The park along Boulder Creek offers greenery, water, and natural light filtered through cottonwood trees. Works well for creative professionals who want something less formal.

Downtown Alleys and Side Streets. Boulder has some interesting urban textures if you want something edgier. Brick walls, painted doors, and quiet side streets near the Hill or downtown provide a more urban look that still feels authentically Boulder.

Individual Portraits

Not every portrait is a headshot. I also do personal portrait sessions for people who want photos of themselves in the places they love. Senior portraits for high school and college students. Personal branding photos for entrepreneurs who need a library of images. Creative portraits for artists, musicians, and anyone who wants something more expressive than a traditional headshot.

For these sessions, we usually spend 60 to 90 minutes at one or two locations. I'll direct loosely (walk this way, look over there, turn toward the light) but I keep it conversational so your expression stays natural. Some of the best portrait shots happen between poses, when you think I'm not shooting.

What to Expect

A headshot session typically runs 30 to 45 minutes. Bring one or two outfit changes if you want variety. I'll help you choose the right location based on the look you're going for and the time of day. I deliver 15 to 25 edited headshots within 5 days, and you get full usage rights for web, social, and print.

I edit for color, exposure, and light skin cleanup (blemishes, undereye circles), but I don't reshape faces or make you look like someone else. The point is to look like you. Just well-lit and confident.

Learn more about my portrait & headshot photography services