Colorado Springs is an absolutely beautiful place to have Senior, Engagement, and Family Photos taken. I’ll often see people inquiring in Facebook groups, as to what the “best places for a photo shoot in Colorado Springs” are. Some of the frequent responses I’ve seen include: Fox Run Park, Palmer Park, Red Rocks Open Space, Garden of the Gods, the Mesa Overlook, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park, to name a few.
Photography Permits in Colorado Springs?
One of the things I love about being a photographer in Colorado Springs, is that there are not currently many places that require a photography permit (this is a huge challenge I face when I plan sessions in Fort Collins, where many nature locations such as Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park require a permit). This however does not apply to Rock Ledge Ranch, a popular location located near Garden of the Gods. A couple years ago, the historic site implemented a $50 photography permit, good for 1 photographer, for 1 day. Another amazing location, Glen Erie Castle, has a photography fee of $150/hr.
Because of this, if you are ever not sure if a location requires a photography permit, don’t hesitate to call and check. I did this when inquiring about taking photos at the Pikes Peak Trolley Museum. They do not have anything listed about permits on their website, but they informed be that it would be a $50 fee for taking professional photos at their location.
Photos above taken in Downtown Colorado Springs.
Time of the Year and Time of Day
When choosing a location for photos in Colorado Springs, don’t forget to take into account the time of the year, the time of the day, and the constantly changing weather that Colorado is so known for. A place might look absolutely gorgeous from photos you’ve found online, but that same place might look completely different depending on the time of year. Check out these 3 photos, taken in the exact same location:
I typically like to keep the sun behind my subjects, so some locations I might opt out of depending on the time of day that works for my clients, and what the desired backdrop will be. For example, Pulpit Rock is a great location, but I would only want to shoot there for a morning session, so the sun will still be to the east, and the rocks will be behind my subject.
Lots to Explore in Colorado Springs!
Sometimes, after scrolling Instagram for too long and viewing photos by other photographers I follow, I get a bit jealous. I want a beach to photograph at, or a forrest like the Redwoods. But whenever I’m offering options for a photo shoot in Colorado Springs, I’m reminded just how many incredible and breathtaking locations this city has to offer, and I know there are so many places here that I have yet to discover.
