If you’re planning your big day in Colorado, let me just say… Broadmoor weddings are always absolutely stunning! From fairytale spaces and timeless elegance to the gorgeous mountain backdrop, there’s really no way to go wrong. And did I mention they have a staff of planners, culinary artists, and audiovisual experts on hand to make sure your day is unforgettable? It’s no wonder this historic hotel hosts hundreds of weddings each year, from intimate gatherings of 2-4 to elaborate celebrations with a guest list more than 1,000 people long. Interested? Check out my Guide for Colorado Brides here, then scroll through some of my favorite shots of Broadmoor weddings for inspiration.

On a personal note, Broadmoor weddings are some of my favorite to photograph. The manicured gardens, willow trees, and serene lake offer romantic, tranquil scenes. The luxurious interior space and exquisite architecture frame sophisticated shots, and the peak of Cheyenne Mountain sits in a majestic mountain backdrop so uniquely Colorado. Let’s just say my job is easy when the venue itself is photogenic!

The Broadmoor Hotel is more than just one great wedding venue. The property has 11 sites to choose from for the ceremony alone! From the traditional and intimate Pauline Chapel to the covered Mountain View Terrace, there’s a backdrop to suit any vibe you’re after. And the reception? They’ve got you covered with 11 choices there, too, including elegant ballrooms and halls, or cozy lodges and dining rooms. Want to create something truly unique? The Cloud Camp wedding package let’s you exchange vows, you guessed it, above the city and among the clouds. What a dream!

Ready to unpack your vision? As a Colorado wedding photographer for more than a decade, I love talking Broadmoor weddings. Send me a message here. I’d love to capture your special day in a way that’s uniquely… you!

Styling senior pictures can be tricky. You want to capture the time in your life accurately and represent your own unique style. At the same time, these photos can (and often do!) serve as your go-to portrait for resumes and applications that require them, brand building throughout college, and even representing your professional presence online. Let’s face it. We don’t take a lot of portraits in our lives. Your senior pictures will likely bridge from your senior year to your first set of professional headshots—which not everyone gets around to doing! 

So how do you take a portrait that captures you in your senior year AND who you want to be in the years to come? Keep reading. Let’s talk senior pictures—and how to NOT be embarrassed by them 10 years from now.

Things to Embrace

Color scheme. A consistent color scheme is always a great choice when you’re taking photos. And choosing one for your senior pictures will make designing your graduation/grad party invites and thank you notes a breeze! It will also give you a ready-made look and feel with consistency across all future resumes and personal/professional websites. Choose neutrals for clothing and accessories, or rich tones that complement your skin tone. Looking your best will never go out of style! Need some help? Check out my personal inspo here.

Mix and match. Be sure to bring a few different coordinating looks to your photo session. Think casual outfits and dressier ensembles. Not only will that allow you to showcase more of your personality today, it will give you a variety of options depending on what you need in the future. Look for classic combinations, and use layers to add some depth to your look. Don’t forget to tie it all together! Shoes, accessories and jewelry can help bring every shot to life. 

Comfort and confidence. As a photographer, I can tell you this with confidence: If you feel uncomfortable, you’ll look uncomfortable! And believe me, that discomfort will come across in your photographs. Likewise, if you feel comfortable, that will shine through your images, too. Choose clothing and locations that you love—things you feel confident in! They’re your photos. Represent yourself well. 

Things to Avoid

Logos and branding. I know you likely don’t give it much thought now, but a big old “Adidas” logo might not serve you well if a Nike recruit gets your resume and checks out your LinkedIn. Or heaven forbid there’s a celebrity scandal that makes that band tee you love age worse than you’d hoped. Save those staple pieces for casual snaps and selfies with friends. For your official senior pictures, it’s best to leave the text and images behind.

Busy patterns. I know they can be fun, but crazy prints and patterns not only date you, they draw attention away from the subject—you! Unless it’s a school or college logo, stick to solid colors or subtle patterns that don’t distract from your face. Whether you’re using these photos now or years from now, the focus should be on you! And that will never change. 

Trendy silhouettes. Fashion trends cycle in and out of style as quickly as they appear. In the everything’s-instant culture of social media, and in an industry that introduces new things weekly, it’s easy to gravitate toward what’s “in” now. But that’s the thing… it’s in now. Avoiding trendy silhouettes is a mindful approach to fashion that can showcase your personal style, rather than what’s in style. Choosing timeless, well-fitting garments over fleeting fads will show a more sustainable, authentic, and confident wardrobe. And that creates photos you’ll be proud to share for years to come! 

Senior Pictures: Custom Sessions

Gone are the days of sitting for your yearbook photo and calling it a day. And gone are the days of stuffy studio portraits! Now, rather than being at the mercy of what’s available, you can work with your photographer to bring your fully customized vision to life. Interested? I’d love to unpack your perfect senior pictures. Check out my senior session packages here, then go ahead and send me a message. Your graduation will be here before you know it!