How to Prepare for Your Photo Session

Before the Session

Once you book, I will send you a confirmation with your session date, time, location, and a few prep notes specific to your session type. About a week before, I will follow up with a weather outlook and any last-minute details.

Between now and then, here is what to think about:

• Outfits: I have a full guide on what to wear, but the short version is: wear what makes you feel like yourself. Send me photos of your options if you want a second opinion.
• Location familiarity: If you have not been to our session location before, consider driving by or walking through it a day or two ahead. Knowing where to park and what the terrain looks like removes one more thing to worry about on the day.
• Rest and hydrate. This sounds basic, but it matters. Puffy eyes from a late night and dry skin from altitude dehydration show up in close-up portraits. Drink extra water the day before, especially if you are new to Colorado's elevation.

Timing Your Session

I schedule most outdoor sessions during the golden hour, that last hour or so before sunset when the light turns warm and soft. Along the Front Range, this is the best light you will find. It wraps around faces beautifully, makes skin glow, and turns the Flatirons into a golden backdrop.

Sunrise sessions work too, and they are less crowded. If you are a morning person and do not mind an early alarm, a Chautauqua sunrise session with the trails practically to ourselves is a great option.

For sports coverage, timing depends on the game or event schedule. I arrive early to scout angles, find the best light, and get set up before the first whistle.

Midday sessions are trickier because of harsh overhead sun, but they can work with the right location. Shaded spots along Boulder Creek, covered areas downtown, or north-facing trails handle midday light well.

What to Bring

You do not need to bring much. I handle all the photography equipment. Here is what I suggest you bring:

• Water. Colorado is dry, and sessions involve walking and standing in the sun. Bring a water bottle for everyone, especially kids.
• Snacks for little ones. A granola bar or some goldfish crackers have saved more sessions than I can count. If a toddler melts down, a quick snack break resets everything.
• A backup layer. Even summer evenings cool off quickly along the Front Range once the sun drops behind the mountains. A jacket in the car is always a good idea.
• Lip balm and a small mirror. For touch-ups between setups.
• Your phone on silent. Not off (we might need the flashlight for the walk back), but on silent so we are not interrupted mid-moment.

If You Have Kids

I am a parent of two, so I understand the chaos. Here is my advice for families with young kids:

Do not hype it up too much. Telling a four-year-old "we are going to take pictures and you need to smile and behave" is a recipe for resistance. Instead, tell them you are going to go on a walk (or an adventure, or to a cool park) and someone is going to hang out with you and take some photos while you play.

Feed them before you come. A hungry kid is an unhappy kid. Schedule around meals, not over them. I try to avoid booking family sessions right at dinnertime for exactly this reason.

Bring a favorite toy or comfort item. It might not appear in every photo, but having it nearby can prevent a meltdown and give us a great candid moment.

Expect some rough patches. Kids are kids. They will not smile on command, they might cry, they will definitely run in the wrong direction at the worst possible moment. I am ready for all of it. Some of my favorite family photos came from moments that felt like total disasters at the time.

Parking and Location Logistics

Boulder trailheads fill up fast, especially on weekends during golden hour. Here are some practical notes for popular session locations:

• Chautauqua Park: The main lot fills early on weekends. I recommend arriving 20 minutes before our session time, or using the overflow lot on Baseline. The walk from overflow is short and scenic.
• NCAR/South Mesa: Parking is usually available but limited. Weekday sessions have the best availability.
• The Peoples' Crossing: Street parking along Pearl Street or the parking structure nearby. Easy walk to the red rock formations.
• Boulder Creek Path: Multiple access points with parking. I will tell you which one to use based on exactly where we are shooting.
• Flagstaff Mountain: The road can be busy on summer evenings. Plan for a slow drive up. Panorama Point has limited spots, so early arrival helps.

I always send specific parking instructions with your session confirmation. If you get lost or cannot find a spot, text me. I will be there already and can help you figure it out.

What Happens During the Session

Here is the part that most people are nervous about, and the part that is actually the easiest.

When you arrive, we will say hello, I will explain our general plan for the session, and then we just start. I do not use rigid posing sequences. I will give you direction: "walk this way," "sit here," "look at each other and tell me something funny." But most of what I am doing is creating situations where real moments happen, and then capturing them.

For family sessions, that might mean playing a game, walking together, or sitting on a blanket. For portrait sessions, it is more one-on-one with gentle direction about positioning and expression. For sports, I am working the sidelines while you play, and you barely need to think about me at all.

The biggest thing I want you to know: you do not need to perform. You do not need to hold a smile. You do not need to look at the camera unless I ask. Just be present with the people you are with, and I will do my job.

Day-Of Checklist

Here is a quick reference for session day:

• Check the weather forecast (and my text, because I will be checking it too)
• Eat a meal beforehand (you and the kids)
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for parking and settling in
• Bring water, snacks, lip balm, and a backup layer
• Put your phone on silent
• Take a breath. This is going to be fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day for an outdoor session?

The hour before sunset is almost always the best time for outdoor photos along the Front Range. The light is warm, soft, and directional. I call it magic hour for a reason. Morning sessions (within an hour of sunrise) work great too, especially in summer when evenings get crowded at popular spots like Chautauqua. I will recommend a specific time based on your location and the time of year.

What happens if it rains on our session day?

Colorado rain is usually fast-moving. If it is a brief afternoon storm, we might wait it out (post-storm light is some of the best light you will ever see). If the forecast shows sustained rain, I will reach out to reschedule at no charge. I watch the weather closely and will be in touch with you the day before and the morning of your session.

How long does a typical session last?

Most family and portrait sessions run 60 to 90 minutes. Sports action coverage depends on the game or event, usually 2 to 3 hours. Branding sessions can be a half day or full day depending on your shot list. I will give you a clear estimate when we book, and I never rush through a session.

Can we bring props or signs?

Of course. Blankets, balloons, sports equipment, musical instruments, your dog's favorite toy. If it is part of your life, it belongs in your photos. Just keep it manageable. A few meaningful items work better than a car full of props. I would rather spend our time together capturing real moments than arranging stuff.

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