Broomfield Outdoor & Adventure Photography

<p>Most people don't think of Broomfield for outdoor adventure photography, and that's exactly why I like it. The city's open space system connects miles of trails with mountain views, prairie grassland, and quiet lakes that hardly anyone uses for photo sessions. Less crowds means more flexibility, better light, and no waiting for other groups to clear out of your shot.</p>

Broomfield's Hidden Outdoor Spots

I'll be honest: when clients say "outdoor adventure," most people assume I'm going to drag them up to Chautauqua or NCAR in Boulder. And I do shoot there a lot. But Broomfield has trails and open spaces that give you mountain backdrop and natural scenery without the parking lot battles.

McKay Lake is one of my go-to Broomfield spots. The trail loops around the lake and gives you water reflections, grassland, and a clear view of the Flatirons to the west. During golden hour, the mountains catch that warm light and the lake goes glassy. It's a great spot for engagement sessions, active family shoots, or individual adventure portraits.

The Broomfield Open Space trails south of town connect toward Flatirons Vista, and they offer something most Broomfield locations don't: elevation and dramatic terrain. You're walking through rolling grassland with the Flatirons right there in front of you. It feels like you're way out in the backcountry, but you're 10 minutes from Flatiron Crossing.

What Adventure Photography Looks Like Here

Adventure photography is about doing something real and having someone there to photograph it. That might mean trail running along the open space paths, mountain biking on the dirt tracks, or hiking with your dog at sunrise. I don't ask you to pose on a rock and look contemplative. I want you moving, doing your thing, being yourself in a place you love.

For families, this might look like a hike where the kids run ahead and the parents hold hands on the trail. For couples, maybe it's a bike ride or a picnic spot by the lake. For individuals, I've done trail running sessions, yoga in the grass at sunrise, and even a guy who wanted photos of himself fly fishing at Great Western Reservoir. Whatever your version of "adventure" is, I'm into it.

Seasonal Considerations in Broomfield

Colorado's seasons hit differently at 5,400 feet. Spring (April through May) gives you green grass and wildflowers, but the weather can be unpredictable. I've started a session in sunshine and finished it with a thunderstorm rolling in behind us. Sometimes that makes for better photos.

Summer is prime time, but I avoid midday. The sun at altitude is harsh, and Broomfield's open spaces don't have a lot of tree cover for shade. I schedule summer adventure sessions for early morning or the last two hours before sunset. Fall is my favorite. Late September through mid-October, the cottonwoods along Broomfield's creeks turn gold, and the grassland goes amber. The light is softer, the air is crisp, and everything just looks better.

Winter sessions work too, especially after a fresh snow. The trails around McKay Lake with a dusting of snow and the Flatirons in the background look like a different planet. Just dress warm and be ready to move. Moving keeps you warm and gives me better shots anyway.

Gear and Approach

I carry my gear in a trail-ready pack, so I can keep up with you on a hike or a run. I use fast lenses that work in low light (which matters for sunrise and sunset sessions) and I shoot in continuous mode to catch the in-between moments. The stumble on the trail, the laugh when your dog bolts after a squirrel, the quiet moment when you stop to take in the view. Those are the photos that matter.

If you've been thinking about outdoor photos but assumed you had to drive into the mountains for them, let me show you what Broomfield has. You might be surprised.

Learn more about my outdoor & adventure photography services