Family Photography in Longmont

Longmont is a family town, and it has the parks and open spaces to prove it. I shoot family sessions here regularly, and every time I find a new angle, a new trail, a new patch of light that makes me glad I drove up from Boulder.

Family Sessions the Longmont Way

Here's what I don't do: I don't line your family up against a fence, tell everyone to say cheese, and call it a day. That's not photography. That's a DMV photo with better scenery.

What I do is let your family be your family. We go to a spot you love (or one I recommend), and I let the kids run. I let the dog off leash if the park allows it. I photograph you walking together, laughing at something one of the kids said, catching a toddler mid-stumble. The real stuff. The stuff that makes you feel something when you look at it ten years from now.

My Favorite Longmont Family Spots

Union Reservoir is probably my most-requested Longmont location for family sessions. The shoreline path, the open grass areas, the mountain views across the water. It works for every family size and every season. Summer evenings there are especially good, when the light softens and the whole place feels calm.

Sandstone Ranch is another one I come back to often. The park has trails, open meadows, old ranch structures, and cottonwood groves that turn gold in October. It's a big enough space that your family doesn't feel boxed in, and the variety of backdrops means we get different looks without driving anywhere.

McIntosh Lake is more intimate. The loop trail around the lake is flat and easy (great if you've got little ones in a stroller), and the reflections on calm mornings are beautiful. Thompson Park is a good option for families who want a neighborhood park feel with mature trees and playground equipment for the kids.

What to Expect

I usually schedule family sessions for about 60 to 75 minutes. That gives us time to warm up (kids need a few minutes to stop performing for the camera), find our rhythm, and shoot in the best light. I deliver a full gallery of 50 to 80 edited images within a week.

If you have dogs, bring them. If your kids are going through a phase where they refuse to smile, that's fine too. Some of my best family images are the ones where someone is being a little uncooperative. That's real life, and it makes for real photographs.

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Best Longmont Spots for Family Photos

Union Reservoir: Shoreline paths, open grass, mountain views across the water. My most-requested Longmont family location. Works for every season.
Sandstone Ranch: Trails, meadows, old ranch structures, and cottonwood groves. Great variety of backdrops in one park. Gorgeous in fall.
McIntosh Lake: Flat loop trail around the lake with calm water reflections. Stroller-friendly and intimate. Beautiful morning light.
Thompson Park: Mature trees, playground areas, and a neighborhood park feel. Great for families with young kids who need room to move.
Roosevelt Park: Close to downtown with open fields and shade trees. Convenient if you want to grab food on Main Street after your session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day for family photos in Longmont?

The hour before sunset is ideal. In Longmont, that golden light comes in from the west and warms up everything. I recommend scheduling about 90 minutes before sunset so we have plenty of time to shoot through the best light. Morning sessions also work well, especially at McIntosh Lake and Union Reservoir.

What should my family wear for photos?

Coordinated but not matching. I recommend picking a color palette (earth tones work great with Longmont landscapes) and letting everyone choose something they feel comfortable in. Avoid logos and busy patterns. Layers work well in Colorado since temperatures can shift during an evening session.

Can we bring our dog to the family session?

Please do. I love dogs (I have two of my own, Penny Lane and Chewbacca). Most Longmont parks welcome leashed dogs, and Union Reservoir has off-leash areas. Dogs add personality and movement to family photos.

What if my kids won't cooperate during the session?

That happens, and it's completely normal. I have two kids of my own, so I get it. I don't force smiles or stiff poses. Instead, I let kids be kids and photograph what actually happens. Some of my favorite family images come from the 'uncooperative' moments. Trust the process.

How many photos do we receive from a family session?

A typical family session yields 50 to 80 edited images delivered in a private online gallery. Every image is individually color-corrected and edited. You can download, print, and share them however you like.