Location, Lighting, and Time of Year
These factors play a huge role in how your photos will turn out. The same location will look very different in the morning versus at sunset. Think about the mood and vibe you want from the photoshoot. If there are small children who want to run around, we shouldn't go to a location with steep drop offs. If you want a carefree engagement session, we can go to an open field. If you want to incorporate your hobby, like skateboarding at the skate park, we can do that for the session.
Outfits
Another important factor are outfits. Pick outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. If you don't like something about your outfit or hair, it will likely come across in the photos. I suggest wearing solid colors over patterns because patterns can look distracting in photos. If you want to show a lot of movement in the photos, then wear something flowy. Clothing looks best when it's been steamed or ironed.
In the Shade
No Halo Glow, can be darker/moodier. Less shadows on the face.
In Direct Light: 'Halo Glow'
I keep the sun behind your head so it's not in your eyes or casting shadows across your face. As a result, people usually have a 'halo glow' around their heads and hair. If you don't like when photos have a 'halo glow' around people's heads or a 'lens flare' in the photos, your session will need to be in a shaded area or right when the sun sets.
Facing the Sun
If you are facing the sun, you will likely squint or hurt your eyes. But some people really like this lighting on their face. It gives a nice glow to your skin.
Sunset Lighting
These photos will be very golden and will likely have a lens flare, which is when light creates circles on the photo when it bounces inside the camera lens.
The Grand Mesa, Colorado
There is a $50 driving fee to have a session on the Grand Mesa. I've done photos at the Mesa Lakes Lodge, the old powderhorn ski hill, pull-offs on Lands End, and the Skyway Trailhead.
Winter
Fall at the Grand Mesa Lodge
Colors peak the last two weeks of September.
Summer at the Grand Mesa Lodge
Wildflowers bloom for about two weeks starting in mid-July.
Old Powderhorn Ski Hill
The Colorado Monument
There's a fee or pass required to enter the Colorado National Monument and the photographer and client are each responsible for acquiring that on their own.
Devil's Kitchen Picnic Area
Red rocks and greenery, no grand views
Cold Shivers Point
Very windy, steep drop offs, views of the city
Grand View
Lighting here is best right at sunset, some steep drop offs, view of Indepedence Monument and other monoliths
Downtown Grand Junction
Free to go to (unless it's during the paid parking times). There are some really cool buildings here and lots of good spots within walking distance.
Riverbend Park in Palisade
Free to access but does get busy at times.
Fall
You'll get these fall colors usually in the first half of November.
Summer
Lots of greenery and shade to get out of the hot summer weather.
Winter
The leaves have lost their leaves but the lake here is still really pretty in the winter.
Wineries in Palisade
We need special permission from the owners of any winery or orchard to do photos there. If there is a spot you have in mind, let me know if you have any connections to the owners. All of the orchards that I have done photos at have been arranged by the clients because they know the owners. Some of the wineries are okay with photo shoots being done at their locations and don't charge a fee for this. If the winery is open during the photo shoot, you would need to be comfortable having your photo taken in front of others who are dining and relaxing at the winery.
Carboy Winery
La Maison La Belle Vie Winery
Other Locations:
Connected Lakes State Park in the Redlands
A State Parks Pass is required. There are a lot of large trees and a few lakes here.
McInnis Canyon
Free to access but there is a hike to access the views
Your High School
Many of the high schools here are okay with photos being done after hours.
State Park in Fruita
A State Parks Pass is required. There are views of a lake, the river, and a small field bordered by a wooden fence.
Little Park Road
There are various pull-offs on Little Park Road that have dramatic views.
Private Property
If you know someone who has property with a great view and is okay with us doing photos there, we can do a session there.
CMU
Indoor Locations
I don't have a studio, so if you want an indoor location, we would need to rent a local space out. If you have access to an indoor location that works with the vibe of the photoshoot, we can go there.
Botanical Gardens
There is a fee to enter the botanica gardens but they have an indoor greenery and outdoor options